In WeHo, Cinco de Mayo celebrations don’t wait until Sunday.
Drinking, dancing and music begins on Friday and the partying picks up as the weekend progresses.
Along the Strip, many of the live music venues are holding special events, including a heavy metal mariachi band performance at the Roxy (we’re not kidding).
Along Santa Monica Boulevard, many of the gay bars are offering drink specials, from Coronas to Cuervo.
And, the city, in true form, is tossing its own Block Party in the parking lot behind Tortilla Republic.
So, no matter how you like to commemorate the unlikely Mexican victory against the French army at the Battle of Puebla (don’t be the guy who toasts to Mexican independence), you’ve got many options.
If you’re getting festive on the fifth, we’ve got your complete guide.
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SUNSET STRIP
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3rd Annual Cinco De Mayo Weekend Kick Off
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May 3
8 p.m.
The Roxy
The Roxy presents its Cinco de Mayo Weekend Kick Off show with performances by Metalachi (described as “the world’s first and only heavy metal mariachi band”), PHILM featuring Dave Lombardo of Slayer, The Dread Crew of Oddwood and Year of the Dragon.
Tickets are $15.
9009 Sunset Blvd. at Doheny. More information online.
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Pink Taco’s One-Year Anniversary
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May 4
Noon
Pink Taco
Pinco Taco’s party includes three floors of dancing, drinks and games with $3 street meat, $5 shots, $100 bottle service and no cover.
For VIP sections, call (323) 380-5269 or email [email protected].
8225 Sunset Blvd. at Roxbury. More information on Facebook.
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Celebrate the Mexican Holiday Irish Style
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May 4
Noon
Rock and Reilly’s
Rock and Reilly’s hosts Drinko de Mayo with $2 margaritas, $3 Modelos and no cover.
8911 Sunset Blvd. at San Vicente. More information on Facebook.
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Viper Room’s Cinco de Mayo Party with Downtown Attraction
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May 5
7:30 p.m.
Viper Room
Don’t fancy a crazy night at a bar or club? The Viper Room offers a night of rock ‘n’ roll with The Highs on Lows, The Dark, Neon Kross and Downtown Attraction. Tickets are $10.
8852 Sunset Blvd. at San Vicente. More information online.
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SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD
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Cinco de Drinko featuring Hunks and Trunks
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May 5
All Day
Eleven Nightclub
Eleven Nightclub is tossing a party, offering brunch with bottomless mimosas at 11 a.m., 2-for-1 drinks from 2 to 8 p.m., DJing by Keith Jacobson at 3 p.m. and $5 margaritas and $5 buckets of Coronitas all day. No cover.
8811 Santa Monica Blvd. at Larrabee. More information online.
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Mariachi Band at Micky’s
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May 5
3 to 9 p.m.
Micky’s will have $3 beers, $5 sangria, $9 mojitos and a live Mariachi band at its weekly party “The Lobby.”
8857 Santa Monica Blvd., at Larrabee. More information on Facebook.
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Fiesta Cantina Weekend Celebration
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May 5
4 to 8 p.m.
Fiesta Cantina offers 99 cent Coronas and all drinks are 2-for-1.
8865 Santa Monica Blvd. at San Vicente. More information on Facebook.
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GYM Sportsbar
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May 5
All day
WeHo’s only gay sports bar offers $7 Jose Cuervo Margaritas, $6 regular margaritas and $4 for all Mexican beers.
8737 Santa Monica Blvd. at Hancock. More information on Facebook.
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ELSEWHERE
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Grande Cinco De Mayo Block Party
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May 5
Tortilla Republic
2 to 7 p.m.
West Hollywood and Tortilla Republic team up to put on a Block Party in the parking lot behind Tortilla Republic benefitting Project Angel Food. There will be food and live music to celebrate Mexican culture from 2 to 7 p.m.
Ticket $10 to 20
616 Robertson Blvd. on El Tovar, www.tortillarepublic.com.
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Tequila Tasting
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May 4
8 to 10:30 p.m.
Village at Ed Gould Plaza
Learn about the history, flavors and production of tequila at Learning Curve’s Cinco de Mayo Tequila Tasting.
Tickets are $30 with a $10 “materials charge” upon arrival. The event includes a light dinner, margaritas and, of course, tequila.
Village at Ed Gould Plaza. 1125 McCadden Place at Highland. More information online.
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El Fiesta at LA’s Birthplace
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May 5
All Day
El Pueblo de Los Angeles
This family celebration at the birthplace of Los Angeles includes live traditional Mexican music, booths, dancing and food.
125 Paseo de la Plaza, off Main Street, (213) 485-6855 or elpueblo.lacity.org.
