Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It’s a relatively minor holiday south of the border, but a popular fiesta for Americans who love any excuse to live it up with tacos, margs and their best amigos. These local establishments are going all out for Cinco de Mayo—some as early as May 3—with vibrant flavors, games and Latin beats.
Arlington Beer Garden Tequila Fest
Festival attire is in order if you’re partying at this Clarendon outdoor beer garden. Reserved for revelers 21 and older, the event runs from noon to 10 p.m. May 3Â and 4-9 p.m. May 4, with DJs spinning Latin, hip hop, top 40 hits and other upbeat tunes. Expect tequila tastings, including top-shelf brands and local favorites; tacos and street food; games, contests, giveaways and more. Buy tickets here. // 3217 10th Street N., Arlington (Clarendon)
Bartaco
It always feels like Cinco de Mayo during High Tide Hour (happy hour) from 3-6 p.m. at this Mosaic District taqueria, when small bites are one for $3, two for $5 or three for $8. Dig into an order of chicken croquetas, pork belly sope or the tacos of your choosing, plus quaffs like the Grove (vodka, green juice and lime with a chamoy and Tajin rim), the Maui Express (dark rum, pineapple juice, mint and sweet pom blossom grenadine), or the Cazuela, made with Joven tequila, grapefruit, lime and sprite, served in a festive terracotta cup with a salted rim. // 2990 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Cinco on the Dance Floor at Taco Bamba
Want to learn some new salsa and bachata dance moves? Taco Bamba is offering free dance instruction on May 5, 6-9 p.m. at its Landmark location in Alexandria. And hey, as long as you’re there, pick up some tacos and batched cocktails to take home afterward and keep the party going. // 6259 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria
Clarendon Margarita Fest Street Party
Hosted by Clarendon Ballroom, this outdoor bash for the 21+ set brings live music, DJs and performers to a central stage on May 3, 3-9 p.m. Groove to beats while visiting tasting stations to sample margaritas ($6), tequila shooters ($5) and fireballs ($5) from 3-5 p.m., plus Mexican beers, tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Then take a few swings at the piñata, and play corn hole, giant Jenga and water pong. Entry is free with an RSVP.  // 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Guapos Outdoor Fiesta Â
The roads will be closed in Shirlington from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. May 3 to accommodate this all-day Cinco de Mayo street festival. The party features a DJ and band, street tacos, ice cold cervezas, margs and t-shirt giveaways. Admission is free; food and beverages available for purchase. // 4028 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Inca Social
Mexicans may not make a big deal of Cinco de Mayo, but Peruvians do at this lively spot between Courthouse and Rosslyn. Stop by between 11 a.m. May 3 and 10 p.m. May 4 for $6 margaritas and taco specials at the bar. Â Reservations aren’t required, but the restaurant suggests booking ahead if you have a large party. // 1776 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Jinya Ramen Bar
Feeling festive but not in the mood for Mexican food? This Asian ramen bar is getting in on the action with all-day specials on May 5, including mini tacos ($2 each) with fillers such as salmon poke, spicy tuna tacos and plant-based Impossible meat. Â // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Makers Union
Say “ole” to food and drink specials including fish tacos, a Cinco de Mayo burger ((pepper jack, pico de gallo, pickled peppers, and guac), Jello shots, tequila sunrise coolers, guava margaritas and Cadillac margs at this National Landing gastropub on May 3 and 5. Saturday’s patio party features live music sets from noon to 3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Monday keeps the vibes going with tunes from 5-8 p.m. // 1450 S. Eads St., Arlington (National Landing)
Cinco de Mayo Springo
Test your luck with a game of LoterÃa, a traditional Mexican game of chance similar to bingo at this event on May 5, 1-3 p.m. Sponsored by the Alliance for Arlington Senior Programs and designed for participants ages 55 and older, the fun also includes lively rounds of bingo with the opportunity to win small prizes. Players must have a 55+ pass. Click here for details. Â // Lubber Run Community Center, 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington
Ometeo
The Tex-Mexeria’s second annual Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 4, 1-5 p.m. brings $10 margaritas, food specials, face painting and cornhole, plus music by DJ Harry Hotter and Mariachi Olivieros. Come back on Monday, Cinco de Mayo, for an all-day happy hour and more mariachi tunes. // 1640 Capital One Drive North, Tysons
Punch Bowl Social
This Ballston fun zone with multiple bars, a restaurant, arcade games and karaoke is going all out with a weekend-long fiesta May 2-5. Drink your fill of Patron margaritas ($12) in mini collectible bottles to take home, or swig a Stone & Patron beer and shot ($15). Munch on free chips and salsa while enjoying a curated playlist of (the other kind of) salsa, along with merengue and reggaeton. Collect a surprise at the door while supplies last. Admission is free with an RSVP. The party becomes 21+ only after 10 p.m. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Running of the Chihuahuas at The Wharf
Head into the city on May 3, 2-5 p.m. for Chihuahua races, a Pacifico beer garden, DJ music, an adoptable pet parade, an all-breed dog costume contest and other hilarity. Admission is free. // 760 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, D.C.
Shipgarten
Make a day of it at Shipgarten in Tysons and bring your pup. An outdoor fiesta on May 3, 1-6 p.m. includes food, drinks (including pup cups and kongs for furbabies) and a photo booth, plus lawn games and a hot pepper eating contest with prizes, and live music starting at 5 p.m. Quench your thirst with 40+ beer and cider samples from local breweries. A kids corner will include face painting, a moon bounce and fun crafts. Free parking with shuttle service from 1700 Old Meadow Road. // 7581 Colshire Drive, Tysons
Urbano
Bring the entire familia to the Mosaic District on May 4, 2-5 p.m. for a celebration complete with face painters, balloon twisters and a live DJ dance party. Grown ups can swing by the Hornitos Cantina Trailer for specials including margaritas ($13) and palomas ($14) or, for those partial to bourbon, a Jim Beam Pineapple Kentucky Cantarito ($12). Shots start at $9. Feast on a plate of three tacos with shredded braised chicken, ground beef or mushroom ($10 plain or $14 loaded). Then dance off those calories with beats by a live DJ from 8 to 11 p.m. The food and drink specials continue through May 5. // 2985 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Whino
Raise a glass and surround yourself with cool art on May 5, 4-10 p.m. at this “lowbrow” gallery and cocktail bar in Ballston Quarter. The specials include $10 Hornitos Plata margaritas and Banhez Mezcal margaritas.  // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Virginia Square)