It's time again for our annual list of parties for Cinco de Mayo, a day in which Corona and tequila shots will be taken in high volume all over Charlotte, and girls will think they look cute in a sombrero. (E-mail kimberly.lawson@creativeloafing.com to get your party listed.)
Pre-Cinco (¡Cuatro!)
Countdown to Cinco Bar Crawl. The crawl starts at Vida Cantina and ends at Suite. Live Mariachi Band all night. First Corona is free for everyone wearing a sombrero. Several giveaways and a lime drop at midnight. May 4. 5 p.m. The Epicentre.
Dharma Lounge. The weekly Le Bang party becomes Cinco Le Bang for a night filled with piñatas, free moustaches, a stripper pole and guest DJ Flufftronix all the way from Philly. May 4. Free for 21+. $5 for 18+. 1440 S. Tryon St. # 105. www.dharmalounge.com.
Cinco proper
Alive After Five. This free event is back at the EpiCentre, kicking off Cinco de Mayo. Enjoy cold drinks and warm company. Blackfinn, Suite, and Whisky River will host a free afterparty for participants.
Bar Charlotte: Round 4 of the 16th annual Barkini contest. Ladies free before 11:30 p.m. w/college ID. $500 cash to the winner. Bring your canned food for the Second Harvest Food Bank. For every can, one ticket for food, drink...your choice! 300 N. College St. www.barcharlotte.com.
Butter: Kill the Keg in the Outdoor Patio. Mariachi band. Special $3 imported beer from Mexico, $3 tequila Shots, $5 margaritas. Guestlist: Thursday@buttercharlotte.com. 10 p.m. 820 Hamilton St. www.buttercharlotte.com.
Custom Home Pubs: Cinco de Mayo beer tasting, featuring a selection of N.C. beers, including Green Man, Natty Greenes and Olde Hickory. $10. 6-9 p.m. 11416 E. Independence Blvd. 704-315-5223.
Duckworths Grill & Taphouse. Parking lot party. Games and prizes, as well as an authentic Mexican taco bar. Drink specials include: $5 Patron shots, $3 Coronas, $2.50 for most Drafts, and $4 Margaritas, including the housemade Strawberry Margarita, made with Fruli Strawberry beer. Starts at 5 p.m. 4435 Park Rd. (704) 527-5783. www.duckworthsgrillandbar.com.
Ember Grille at the Westin. Celebrate with $3 Coronas, $3 fajitas, and $5 margaritas while enjoying music by Randy Paul on the new terrace. Giveaways throughout the evening including hotel stays, restaurant gift cards, and spa services. Starts at 6 p.m. 601 S. College St. (704) 375-2600.
Halo: 3rd annual Cinco de Mayo party. Three DJs spinning bachata, merengue, salsa, as well as Top 40. $3 Mexican Imports, $4 Margaritas, $4 Cuba Libre (Rum & Coke), $100 Vodka Bottles, $100 Moet Rose Bottles. 10 p.m. 820 Hamilton St. www.haloclt.com.
Howl at the Moon: Cinco de Mayo fiesta. $1 beers, $4 margaritas. 6 p.m. 210 E Trade St. www.howlatthemoon.com.
Karma Ultra Lounge: Intensity Thursdays Cinco De Mayo Edition. $1 beer, $2 coronas, $3 vodka, tequilla, rum, $4 KarmaTini's. Free until 11:30 p.m. 9 p.m. 1925 Westinghouse Blvd. www.karmacharlotte.com.
Loco Lime: 2nd annual Cinco de Mayo block party. There will be mariachis from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. and a DJ from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. 1101 Central Ave. www.locolimecharlotte.com.
Cantina 1511/Paco's Tacos & Tequila. Both will offer "Mexican beer gardens" and specials, including $2 Coronas, $.50 Coronitas (while they last), and $5 Miss Kitty margaritas. At Paco's, patrons wearing cowboy hats will get $5 off their dinners, and proceeds will benefit Pat's Place child advocacy center. Cantina: 1511 East Blvd., 704-331-9222. 7708 Rea Road, 704-752-9797. Pacos: 6401 Morrison Blvd. 704-716-8226.
Phoenix: Cameo de Mayo. $2 select bottled beers, $3 rita shooters, $5 vodka redbulls. Ladies free before 12am. 18+, special 21+ VIP section. 300 N. College Street. www.phoenixofcharlotte.com.
Rock Bottom. In honor of Cinco de Mayo, they'll be tapping a cask of the "Mexican Devil's Bigger Badder Brother," an imperial pilsner aged on tequila-soaked jalapeños. 401 N. Tryon. (704) 334-2739.
Salsarita's: Cinco de Mayo Taco Smash. Come see local celebrities compete in taco-eating contests and enter the raffle for a chance to win autographed sports items, airline vouches, Superbowl tickets and other great prizes. 12 p.m.-3 p.m. at the corner of Trade and Tryon.
San Antonio's Modern Mexican: First Annual Cinco de Mayo Outdoor Celebration. Fiesta starts at 2 p.m. and continues with live music and dancing. The event will also include a big surprise. 4331 Barclay Downs Drive. http://sanantoniosmm.com
Sin City. $1.50 well tequila, $2 Coronas, $3 Jose Gold, $4 Patron. 3205 N. Davidson St. 704-909-7298.
Snug Harbor: Cinco de Mayo ... Shiprocked. Sombrero-clad gogo chicas, drag, burlesque and fire performances, plus Mexican beer and tequila specials and pinatas. 1228 Gordon St. www.snugrock.com.
Three Little Birds. Stop by Three Little Birds for an all-day Cinco de Mayo celebration! Margaritas and Mexican food, as well as a candy display. With Mothers Day just around the corner, you can shop for cards as well. 12 p.m.-7 p.m. 2115 Southend Drive Suite 103. 704-379-7778.
Tilt on Trade: "Que pasa gringos" Cinco de Mayo party. $3 frozen margaritas, $3 Coronas and Corona Lites, $5 "1800" Shots. Come out early for a complimentary traditional "Carne Asada" tortilla buffet. No Cover. 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. 127 W. Trade St. www.tiltontrade.com.
Vin Master: Cinco de Wino. Half off all glasses, which will feature wines of Spain and South America. 2000 South Blvd.; 704.996.7471; www.thevinmaster.com.
Wet Willie's. $2 Coronita Beer (or $10 buckets), $2 Patron shots, $10 20 oz. souvenir koozie margaritas. Food includes fajita wraps, crispy tacos. Free sombreros, maracas and beeds. 900 Seaboard St. www.wetwillies.com
Whisky River. $3 Corona/Corona Light, $4 Jose shots, $4 30 Vodka. 210 E. Trade St. www.whiskyrivercharlotte.com.