Olé! With Denver’s rich Mexican heritage, Cinco de Mayo is a big deal around here. While the main focus is a celebration of Mexico’s independence, Denverites can enjoy the fifth of May by sampling fine Mexican dishes and drinks all around town. May 5 is a Thursday this year, so there will be parties well into the weekend. Here’s where to enjoy Cinco de Mayo in Denver.

Denver Cinco de Mayo Festival
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Civic Center Park Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8, at Denver’s largest Cinco de Mayo Festival. Tecate and Dos Equis are the official beer sponsors, and there will be two margarita tents. Just remember to hydrate if it gets too hot. With all the great bands and music performances, you’ll be dancing and drinking all day. (Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave.)

Adelita’s
Cinco de Mayo is all weekend long at Adelita’s on Broadway. Starting May 5, enjoy food and drink specials through Sunday and a Mariachi band from 5-7 PM on Cinco de Mayo. (1294 S. Broadway; 303-778-1294)

The Crimson Room
Enjoy a more civilized Cinco at The Crimson Room in Larimer Square. On Thursday starting at 7 PM, enjoy live jazz and acoustic music sets while sipping some of Denver’s best Latin cocktails like the Oaxacan Old Fashioned and the Ultima Palabra for $13 each. Enjoy the smooth sounds of Stu MacAskie on piano all evening. (1403 Larimer St.; 720-639-6987)

El Noa Noa
While Denver’s weather can be unpredictable in the spring, the folks at El Noa Noa are getting the patio ready for Cinco de Mayo. Enjoy drink and food specials and a Mariachi band. (722 Sante Fe Dr.; 303-623-9968)

Jose O’Shea’s
Over in Lakewood, O’Shea’s is counting down to Cinco for the restaurant’s biggest party. Tecate cans and drafts of Dos XX Amber will be on special and there will be giveaways and prizes. Enjoy a Mariachi Band from 6-8 PM, and for the kids, there will be a magician and balloon twisting. Adults, don’t forget to sign up for O’Shea’s famous jalapeño eating contest. (385 Union Blvd.; 303-988-7333)

Kachina Southwestern Grill
Kachina in Westminster will have happy hour all day (11 AM-11 PM) on Cinco de Mayo at their bar and patio. Enjoy The Marg, made with Sauza Reposado, triple sec and lime for $6, or a variety of local craft beers on draft for only $4. Happy hour also features Nacho Mamas for $6 and Navajo Tacos for $4 each. (10600 Westminster Blvd.; 303-410-5813)

La Loma
This is the last hurrah for the Jefferson Park location of this restaurant. The restaurant is moving to South Broadway in late May, but not before having one last Cinco Bash in the place it has called home for over 35 years. Enjoy a special Mexi-Flag Margarita, a frozen Margarita made to look like the Mexican flag. Also, shots of the barrel-aged Don Julio tequila will be $6. Bargain! (2527 W. 26th Ave.; 303-433-8300)

La Sandia
Head down south to Park Meadows for Cinco at La Sandia. Enjoy $4 cervezas and $5 Margaritas alongside a live Latin DJ. (8419 Park Meadows Center Dr.; 303-586-5511)

Mezcal
Cinco de Mayo is three whole days at Mezcal on Colfax. Enjoy live music each night starting at 10 PM, no cover. Thursday, May 5, is Mono Verde Collective, Friday, May 6, is Hot Apostles and Saturday, May 7, is Del Barrio Malaga. (3230 E. Colfax Ave.; 303-322-5219) 

Punch Bowl Social
Put some punch in Cinco de Mayo with a Tecate and a tequila shot for only $6. Pair the special with cauliflower nachos or pork carnitas tacos. (65 Broadway; 303-765-2695)

Tacos Tequila Whiskey
Party in the parking lot at TTW in the Highlands. The fun is from 2 to 6 PM with drink and food specials and a mechanical bull. What other surprises could they have planned? (1514 York St.; 720-475-1337)

Tavern (all locations)
Spice things up at all nine Tavern locations on Cinco de Mayo. Enjoy $5 Tavern Ritas, $4 Coronas and taco specials all day. (Uptown, Downtown, Lowry, Littleton, Platte Park, Tech Center, Washington Park, Ballpark and Mile High)

Photo via Flickr user SGPhotography77