Denver is primed and ready for Cinco de Mayo and Derby Day this weekend. You can experience fiestas to mini Derbys for a jam-packed experience of not one but two iconic holidays.
Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo at Number Thirty Eight
Photo Courtesy of Number Thirty Eight on Facebook
When: May 5, 4 – 11 p.m.
Where: Number Thirty Eight, 3560 Chestnut Pl., Denver
Cost: $10 at entry
The Lowdown: Number Thirty Eight hosts a Cinco de Mayo kick-off party. You can jam out to live performances from Voz de la Clave, 2MX2, Verena Fuentes, Bobby LeFebre and Los Mocochettes throughout the evening. The event raises funds for NEWSED.
Cinco de Mayo at Terminal Bar
Photo Courtesy of Terminal Bar on Facebook
When: May 5, 4 – 7 p.m.
Where: Terminal Bar, 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Terminal Bar celebrates Cinco de Mayo. You can grab specialty Patron margaritas by stepping on a Patron bike to blend your own with a bit of pedal power, snack on tacos and more throughout the day.
Toro’s Cinco de Mayo
Photo Courtesy of Toro Latin Kitchen & Lounge on Facebook
When: May 5, 3 p.m.
Where: Toro Latin Kitchen & Lounge, 150 Clayton Ln. Ste B, Denver
Cost: Varying prices, reserve here
The Lowdown: Toro Latin Kitchen & Lounge presents a Cinco de Mayo menu. Chef Richard Sandoval and his team have prepared dishes of Braised Short Rib Tacos ($22), Tamarind Margarita ($14) by bartender Eric Garcia and more.
Mister Oso’s Taco Bear
Photo Courtesy of Mister Oso
When: May 5, 12 – 10 p.m.
Where: Mister Oso, 3163 Larimer St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Mister Oso is elevating Taco Bell with a Cinco de Mayo pop-up dubbed Taco Bear. The Taco Bear Platter offers Mexican Pizza, Gordo Crunches, Smokey Fiesta Potatoes and a Crunch ‘Rap for $30. You can also wash everything down with spiked Baja Blasts and Code Reds.
Mister Oso Taco Take-Over at Señor Bear
Photo Courtesy of Mister Oso
When: May 5, 10 a.m.
Where: Señor Bear, 3301 Tejon St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Mister Oso is popping up at Señor Bear for a Taco Take-Over. The event that celebrates Cinco de Mayo serves up a menu of tacos such as Birria, Pork Carnitas, Bacalaito Battered Fish and Cauliflower al Pastor.
Free Tacos at River North
Photo Courtesy of Jesse Moya on Facebook
When: May 5, 3 – 9 p.m.
Where: River North Brewery, 3400 Blake St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Grab a free taco from Moya’s Tacos at River North Brewery for Cinco de Mayo. You can raise funds for Moya’s Taco while sipping on a beer and noshing on delicious tacos. For every pint sold River North will donate $1.
Cinco de Mayo REVOLUCION!
Photo Courtesy of Aztlan Theatre Bar on Facebook
When: May 5, 7 – 10 p.m.
Where: Aztlan Theatre, 976 Santa Fe Dr., Denver
Cost: $10 – $20, get tickets here
The Lowdown: Aztlan Theatre presents a Cinco de Mayo REVOLUCION! You can watch mariachi bands perform live, see luchador wrestling and more – all while grabbing bites from taco trucks.
Cinco De Mayo at Tamayo
Photo Courtesy of Tamayo
When: May 5, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Tamayo, 1400 Larimer St., Denver
Cost: Varying prices, reserve here
The Lowdown: Get your Cinco de Tamayo with a menu full of flavor-filled dishes. You can delight in Ceviche Tostadas ($15), Grilled Ribeye ($28) and more while imbibing in a Margarita Infusion Flight ($18).
Cinco de Mayo at ViewHouse
Photo Courtesy of ViewHouse Ballpark on Facebook
When: May 5, 11 a.m.
Where: ViewHouse Ballpark, 2015 Market St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: ViewHouse Ballpark hosts its annual Cinco de Mayo celebrations. You can dig into a specialty menu of margaritas, tacos, cervezas and more all day long.
Cinco de Mayo with Ballet Folklorico: Mexico en la Piel
Photo Courtesy of Little Man Ice Cream on Facebook
When: May 5, 7 – 8 p.m.
Where: Little Man Ice Cream, 2620 16th St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Little Man Ice Cream honors the Mexican holiday with a Cinco de Mayo with Ballet Folklorico: Mexico en la Piel! event. You can watch traditional performances from Ballet Folklorico while you grab a scoop of Chile Mango sorbet, Dulce de Leche and Mexican Chocolate ice cream.
Cinco de Mayo at EDGE Corner Bar
Photo Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Denver on Facebook
When: May 5, 5 – 7 p.m.
Where: EDGE Corner Bar, at Four Seasons Hotel Denver, 1111 14th St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: EDGE Corner Bar hosts its annual Cinco de Mayo fiesta. You can indulge in Patron specialty margaritas, tequila, brews and tacos galore.
The Urban Cookie’s Cinco de Mayo
Photo Courtesy of The Urban Cookie on Facebook
When: May 5 – 8
Where: The Urban Cookie,2260 E. Colfax Ave. Ste 101, Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: The Urban Cookie honors Cinco de Mayo with two new flavors. You can grab a Chocolate Chili cookie or a Margarita-inspired cookie for the Mexican holiday.
Bellota’s Cinco de Mayo
Photo Courtesy of Bellota
When: May 5, 11 a.m.
Where: Bellota in The Source, 3350 Brighton Blvd. Ste 150, Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Chef Manny Barella pays homage to the Taco Bell CrunchWrap Supreme this Cinco de Mayo. You can grab Barella’s version which is filled with taco-seasoned ground beef, fermented serrano salsa, Mexican crema and more for $8. Quantities are limited, so make sure to grab them fast.
Federales Cinco de Mayo
Photo courtesy of Federales
When: May 5, 12 – 6 p.m.
Where: Federales, 2903 Larimer St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Dive into tequila and tacos at Federales’ Cinco de Mayo. You can snag specials of $8 margs, $15 beer buckets, $10 nacho platters and $8 taquitos for a tasty afternoon.
Cheluna’s Cinco de Mayo
Photo Courtesy of From the Hip Photo
When: May 5, 12 p.m.
Where: Cheluna Brewing Co., 2501 N. Dallas St., Aurora
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Cheluna Brewing Co. has a full day planned for Cinco de Mayo. You can sip on Chelas, kombucha, hard seltzers and more throughout the day and later try your hand at a salsa class with Tom Ogunribido and listen to live Latin music.
Cinco de Mayo at Comida
Photo Courtesy of Comida
When: May 5, 11 a.m.
Where: Comida at Stanley Marketplace, 2501 N. Dallas St., Aurora
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Nosh on tacos, tostadas, quesadillas and more during Cinco de Mayo at Comida. You can grab a Coin Margarita + the Griddled Tacos Combo for $15 and sip on Patron Coin margaritas for only $10.
Battle of the Mexican Lagers
Photo by From The Hip Photo
When: May 5, 11 a.m.
Where: Golden Mill, 1012 Ford St., Golden
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: The Golden Mill Hosts a Battle of the Mexican Lagers for Cinco de Mayo. You can judge Ska Brewing’s Mexican Logger against 4 Noses Brewing’s Rio Lento and vote for your favorite throughout the day. You can also grab tacos to boot.
LUKI’s Cinco de Mayo
Photo Courtesy of LUKI Brewery on Facebook
When: May 5, 3 p.m.
Where: LUKI Brewery, 14715 W. 64th Ave. Units A&B, Arvada
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Sip on a cold Mexican brew during LUKI’s Cinco de Mayo. LUKI will release a Rocinante Mexican lager that is brewed with corn, a hint of lime and honey malt. You can also nibble on bites from Pambasos Food Truck starting at 4 p.m.
Cinco de Mayo at ND StreetBAR
Photo by Leah McClay, courtesy of The Kitchen Restaurant Group
When: May 5, 11 a.m.
Where: ND StreetBAR, 10155 E. 29th Dr. Ste 160, Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Snack on $3 puffy tacos, $7 street cocktails and more during Cinco de Mayo at ND StreetBAR. You can choose from cocktails of Ranch Water, a Street Marg and a Street Paloma.
Los Chingones Celebrates Cinco de Mayo
Photo Courtesy of Los Chingones
When: May 5 – 6
Where: All Los Chingones locations
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Raise a glass as Los Chingones celebrates Cinco de Mayo. You can imbibe in a Grilled Watermelon and Peach Margarita while snacking on Mini Chimichangas created by Chef Troy Guard.
Cinco de Derby: Market Forecast
Photo Courtesy of NAHREP Denver on Facebook
When: May 6, 1 – 5 p.m.
Where: Raices Brewing Co., 2060 W. Colfax Ave., Denver
Cost: $30 – $60, get tickets here
The Lowdown: Get your networking on while snacking on tacos and sipping on beer during a Cinco de Derby: Market Forecast. You can dress up derby style or be ready for Cinco de Mayo, meet Jodi Showman of Pivot Lending and watch performances from Fiesta Colorado Dance Company throughout the day.
Victory at the Battle of Puebla Celebration and Moctezuma Vertical Tasting
Photo Courtesy of Dos Luces Brewery on Facebook
When: May 7, 12 – 10 p.m.
Where: Dos Luces Brewery, 1236 S. Broadway, Denver
Cost: $25, get tickets here
The Lowdown: Dos Luces Brewery hosts a Victory at the Battle of Puebla Celebration and Moctezuma Vertical Tasting to honor Cinco de Mayo. You can delight in the bottle release of Moctezuma, which is inspired by the story of creation and destruction in the Aztec Empire.
Fourth Anniversary Party
Photo Courtesy of Cervecería Colorado on Facebook
When: May 7, 12 – 6 p.m.
Where: Cervecería Colorado, 1635 Platte St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Cervecería Colorado hosts its Fourth Anniversary Party. The event features special beer releases, traditional Mexican games, music and giveaways to honor four years of achievements. You can grab a glass of Cervecería brew and cheers to four years of craft Mexican culture.
Civic Center’s Cinco de Mayo
Photo Courtesy of Cinco de Mayo “Celebrate Culture” Festival on Facebook
When: May 7 – 8
Where: Denver’s Civic Center Park, Colfax Ave. and Bannock St., Denver
Cost: Free and open to public
The Lowdown: Celebrate freedom and Latino culture at Civic Center’s Cinco de Mayo festival. The festival features a taco eating contest, a community parade, chihuahua races and more for two days of fun.
Derby Day
Derby Day Party
Photo Courtesy of The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection on Facebook
When: May 7, 1 p.m.
Where: The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection, 321 17th St., Denver
Cost: $50 – $500, get tickets here
The Lowdown: Maker’s Mark and The Brown Palace Hotel present a Derby Day Party. You can watch the Kentucky Derby while sipping on cocktails, dining on Southern fare and listening to live music from Hazel Miller & The Collective.
Denver Derby Party
Photo Courtesy of DerbyParty on Facebook
When: May 7, 1 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: McGregor Square, 1901 Wazee St., Denver
Cost: $125 – $275, get tickets here
The Lowdown: Denver Derby Party is back, this year at McGregor Square. You can watch the Kentucky Derby on the big LED screen within the square, sip on drinks and grab bites from the surrounding restaurants for a kicking soiree.
Derby Day at Three Saints Revival
Photo Courtesy of Three Saints Revival
When: May 7, 8 a.m.
Where: Three Saints Revival, 1801 Wewatta St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Three Saints Revival hosts a Derby Day soiree. The specials of the day offer a Mint Julep for $10 and a Saints Selection happy hour menu of charcuterie, cheeses and more.
The Golden Mill Derby Day
Photo by From The Hip Photo
When: May 7, 11 a.m.
Where: The Golden Mill, 1012 Ford St., Golden
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Sip on TINCUP whiskey cocktails on tap during The Golden Mill’s Derby Day. You can experience the Kentucky Derby played on all of the TVs and later watch Burn It Blue, a Bluegrass band, perform live.
Bourbon Barrel Aged Mint Julep Strong Ale Release
Photo Courtesy of WeldWerks Brewing Co. on Facebook
When: May 7, 11 a.m.
Where: WeldWerks, 508 8th Ave, Greeley
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: WeldWerks Brewing presents a Bourbon Barrel Aged Mint Julep Strong Ale Release. The brew is inspired by the 148th Kentucky Derby and aged in Blanton’s barrels with fresh mint added for a beer take on The Mint Julep.
Penicillin Release
Photo Courtesy of Blanton’s barrels on Facebook
When: May 7, 12 p.m.
Where: Deviation Distilling, 1821 Blake St. #130, Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Deviation Distilling presents a Penicillin Release. The Mint Julep cocktail was created with Zin Finished Bourbon – a bourbon whiskey finished in Zinfandel Wine barrels from Blanchard Family Wines.
Derby Day Watch Party
Photo Courtesy of Number Thirty Eight on Facebook
When: May 7, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: Number Thirty Eight, 3560 Chestnut St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Grab a mint julep for Number Thirty Eight’s Derby Day Watch Party. You can experience the race on a 200 square-foot LED wall while sipping cocktails.
Derby at The Station
Photo Courtesy of The Cooper Lounge on Facebook
When: May 7, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Denver’s Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver
Cost: $100, get tickets here
The Lowdown: Put on your best Derby wear for a Derby at The Station. You can delight in mint julep specials, jam to music from DJ Cyn and watch a live stream of the historic race. You can also win best dressed in a contest and win some killer prizes.
2022 Derby Day
Photo Courtesy of ViewHouse Ballpark on Facebook
When: May 7, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: ViewHouse Ballpark, 2015 Market St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Watch the Kentucky Derby live on a 190-inch LED TV during ViewHouse’s 2022 Derby Day. You can also dress up to impress, win prizes, dine on a brunch and more throughout the day.
TheBigWonderful Derby Party
Photo courtesy of The Big Wonderful on Facebook
When: May 7, 4 – 8 p.m.
Where: TheBigWonderful, 6785 E Chenango Ave., Denver
Cost: $30 – $60, get tickets here
The Lowdown: TheBigWonderful is back in full force. Spend your Derby weekend at a Derby Party with music from Trout Steak Revival. You also can explore a bazaar full of vendors, sip on brews from local breweries and more.
Denver Mini Derby
Photo Courtesy of Next Step Horse Rescue Colorado on Facebook
When: May 7, 1 – 6 p.m.
Where: The Green, 8200 E 49th Pl., Denver
Cost: $69.99 – $2375, get tickets here
The Lowdown: Celebrate the Kentucky Derby Denver style during the Denver Mini Derby. The event features a mini race with mini horses, live music from a band and DJ, food and more. You can participate in a best-dressed contest, sip on drinks from an open bar and watch adorable corgis race. The event raises funds for Next Step Horse Rescue Colorado.
Derby Day at Woodie Fisher
Photo Courtesy of Woodie Fisher Kitchen & Bar on Facebook
When: May 7, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: Woodie FIsher Kitchen & Bar, 1999 Chestnut Pl. Ste 100, Denver
Cost: Free, reserve here
The Lowdown: Woodie Fisher hosts a Derby Day like none other. The event features a brunch, a happy hour, a dinner and specials. You can also watch a live performance from Paul DeHaven and of course watch the beloved Kentucky Derby on the big screen.