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Scottsdale and nearby cities are gearing up for tons of Cinco de Mayo celebrations this year. You’ll spot everything from bar crawls to big festivals, plus restaurant deals that make eating and drinking a lot more affordable.
The fun usually starts the weekend before May 5, with most activities packed into those days. It’s a lively stretch—expect crowds and plenty of energy.
Weekend Events and Festivities
Looking for public celebrations? You’ve got options. There’s a bar crawl on Saturday, May 2 in Downtown Scottsdale, where five bars join in with themed drinks and entertainment.
Downtown Phoenix hosts Arizona’s biggest Cinco de Mayo festival on Sunday, May 3. This marks the 33rd year for the event, and it’s a mix of local and national music, Lucha libre wrestling, and folkloric dancing. Tickets range from $15 to $75, with a discount if you show up before 5 p.m. Gates open at noon, and it’s a family-friendly event with activities for all ages.
Restaurant and Bar Celebrations Some spots throw their own parties with quirky features. There’s a modern taco place in Old Town Scottsdale that has a mechanical taco, live DJs, and frozen margaritas.
They run happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m., offering half-price appetizers, discount beer, top-shelf margaritas, and deals on wine and sangria. Another venue goes all out with DJs, fire dancers, and even robot performers. You’ll find photo ops and a prize wheel with themed shots, plus $5 Coronas, $25 Corona buckets, and $5 tacos.
If you want something for families, Desert Ridge Marketplace hosts a celebration starting at 6:45 p.m. Kids can swing at a piñata on the patio, while inside there’s country music bingo at 6 and 7:30 p.m.
Beginner line dancing kicks off at 7 and 8:15 p.m. Specials run all day, $12 cowboy tacos, $5 Dos Equis drafts, and $6 house margaritas.
Multi-Day Promotions
One restaurant chain stretches the party from May 1 through May 5, with a different deal every day:
Food and Drink Specials
Plenty of places compete on price. One restaurant offers all-day tacos from $2.50 to $4.25, with chips and salsa at $2.50 and chips with guac or queso starting at $3.50.
Margaritas start at $6, beer at $3, and wine at $6. Another spot lets you keep your receipt and get a $10 special margarita at their sister restaurant after your meal.
A Mediterranean-inspired chain joins in with $2 tacos and $4 house margaritas at select Valley locations. Definitely double-check if your favorite location participates before heading out.
Beverage Options
If tequila’s your thing, several bars offer big selections. One features Jose Cuervo shots for $4.50, a Spicy White Peach Paloma for $12, and an Oaxaca Old Fashioned for $14.
Classic margaritas start at $11, with spicy versions at $13. Honestly, the choices can make your head spin, in a good way.
Value Deals
Some places really go for value. One chain has a buy-two-get-one-free taco offer, plus free rice and beans at ten Valley locations.
Planning Your Visit
Most events and specials land on May 5, but you’ll see things happening as early as May 2. Make sure to check times and locations, since some deals only run during certain hours or at specific restaurants.
Some venues are great for families, while others lean into the adult party scene with bar crawls and DJs. Reservations help, especially at the busiest spots and during peak hours.
Several places offer both dine-in and patio seating, so you can pick your vibe. Honestly, with all the festivals, restaurant deals, and week-long promos, there’s no shortage of ways to join the party around Scottsdale.
Common Questions About Cinco de Mayo in Scottsdale
What major celebrations can I attend in Scottsdale for Cinco de Mayo?Scottsdale hosts several big celebrations on May 5th every year. Old Town Scottsdale has street festivals with live music and food vendors, and lots of bars and clubs throw themed parties.
Maya Day + Nightclub and Casa Amigos usually put on huge events. You’ll also find celebrations at Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons.
What dining specials are available at Scottsdale restaurants for Cinco de Mayo?
Most Mexican restaurants in Scottsdale roll out special menus just for May 5th. Expect discounted combo plates, taco deals, and fun appetizers.
Prix-fixe menus usually run $25 to $50 per person and include an appetizer, entree, and dessert. Sometimes you’ll get free chips and salsa or sopapillas with your meal.
The Mission, Diego Pops, and Los Sombreros often announce their specials about a week before the holiday. It’s worth checking their socials for updates.
Where should I look for drink specials and happy hour deals?Most bars and restaurants in Scottsdale offer drink deals for Cinco de Mayo. Margarita specials are everywhere, often at 25-50% off normal prices.
Common drink deals include:
Some places extend happy hour all day, starting as early as 11 AM. You’ll want to check ahead so you don’t miss the best deals.
Should I make advance reservations for Cinco de Mayo events?Absolutely, book as early as you can. The most popular restaurants fill up weeks ahead for Cinco de Mayo, and some start taking reservations a month in advance.
For ticketed club events, grab your tickets at least a week early. You can usually walk in at smaller spots, but you’ll probably wait awhile.
Call restaurants directly to ask about their policies. Many use OpenTable or Resy for online booking, which makes things easier.
Which locations feature live entertainment for Cinco de Mayo?
Most big bars and restaurants in Scottsdale bring in live mariachi bands on May 5th. You’ll hear them all over Old Town, especially on Saddlebag Trail and Scottsdale Road.
Maya Day + Nightclub usually has DJs spinning Latin and Top 40 hits. Outdoor patios at restaurants often feature acoustic sets or small bands. Check venue websites or their social pages in late April for the entertainment lineup. Some places schedule multiple shows throughout the day and night.
Are there activities suitable for children and families?Absolutely. Scottsdale rolls out plenty of family-friendly options for Cinco de Mayo.
Lots of restaurants welcome kids and even put together special menus just for them. You might find discounted prices too.
Outdoor festivals usually set up craft stations or face painting. Kids always seem to gravitate toward those!
Family-friendly venues typically offer:
WestWorld of Scottsdale sometimes hosts daytime festivals for all ages. You’ll see food trucks, games, and cultural demonstrations running from noon to early evening.
Chain spots like Chuy's and Uncle Julio's keep the vibe relaxed and family-oriented, with prices that won't make you wince. |
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