Ay, cinco de mayo. You just don't get enough credit for all the joy and wisdom you bring us. Like last year, when I learned I had a fondness for Herradura tequila and drag queens in sombreros. Some memories can't be replaced.
In honor of the Corona-soaked memories you're sure to make (and then, re-make), here's our list of 25 events for you to check out this weekend.
Fiesta Cuatro at Tilt. Friday May 4. 4pm to 8pm. $4 Cover Includes complimentary XXs Drafts 4pm to 8pm and a complimentary Taco Buffet from 530 to 7pm. Other Specials -$4 1800 Shots, $4 Redbull Vodkas. DJ Litz will be spinning from 8pm to close. 127 W. Trade St.
World of Beer. Viva la cerveza! The fiesta starts at noon. Extensive Mexican draft lineup, "Most interesting man" lookalike contest, complimentary food from Phat Burrito, live entertainment starting at 9pm, beer oriented giveaways (Dos Equis, Triple C growlers.) 222 E. Bland St.
Howl At The Moon. Cinco de Drinko. Coronas, 1800 margaritas and 86 oz Blue Margarita buckets. Doors open 6pm. 210 E. Trade St.
Salsa-Thon Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Festivities kick off Uptown at 12pm. Admission is free and features a variety of entertainment for the entire family, highlighting salsa dancing and salsa music. Dance exhibitions will take place throughout the day, as well as live musical performances, sponsor displays with products to sample, authentic Latin food and arts and crafts by local artists. Visit www.Charlotte5deMayo.com for more information.
Krazy Fish. Cinco de Mayo BBQ & Fish Fry. $1 beers and $2 tacos. BBQ and fish fry in the parking lot, with the full menu inside. 3pm-2am. 2501 Central Avenue.
EpiCinco 2012. The EpiCentre's daylong shindig. The schedule breaks down like this:
Pre-party : 2-4pm at Vida Cantina. Celebration continues into the courtyard
Mariachi band from 2:30 to 5:30
Registration for Chihuahua Race : 3pm
Chihuahua Race : 4-8pm : with the chance to win a trip to Cancun
EpiCinco Bar Crawl begins after Chihuahua Race - the first 500 bar crawlers get a free sombrero.
Mez and Kazba's Cinco De Mayo Party-$1000 Pinata Bash. Dos discotecas una gran fiesta - two clubs, one huge party. Mez- Midnight Pinata bash with $1000's in cash and prizes. Beats supplied by DJ Rowshay.At Kazba, you can party all night long with DJ Rwonz. $3 Coronas and $4 tequila shots.10:00pm. For VIP- vip@mezcharlotte.com or vip@kazbacharlotte.com.
La Paz's Cinco De Mayo.
Five outside bars, two outside $2 Taco Stands, a number of drink specials. Brunch and lunch will be served from 10am-2:45, followed by the MET Cinco Block party at 3pm. La Paz will host the after party, starting at 10pm.
Free show at Tommy's Pub. Several bands getting the celebration started early, around 3pm. Donations gladly accepted in support of the touring musicians involved. 2007 Central Avenue.
Cinco de MANIK at Dharma Lounge. Guest DJS and a special patio "fiesta food spread" out early. Doors open at 9:00pm
18+ $15, 21+ $10.
Three Panty Opera - Cinco De Mamma. Cabaret style burlesque with a Cinco twist. Cover is $10 and will get you both shows (completely different). Doors at 7pm, shows at 10 and 11:30. Ages 18 and up. Under 21 increased cover charge
Cinco De Drinko at BAR-$2 cervezas, $4 tequila shots and $5 BARgaritas. Free sombreros if you arrive by 11pm. Doors Open at 9pm. 18+.
Loco Lime 3rd Annual Cinco De Mayo Block Party. Live bands outside all day, starting at 2pm. Lots of giveaways and a cornhole tournament. 1101 Central Ave. 11am-2am.
Birdsong Brewing Co. . The jalapeno pale ale will be back on tap, and the Alt Ego band will be rockin' on the patio from 4-7pm. 2315 N. Davidson St.
RedRopeInc Presents Yacht Wars. $45 lands you afloat on a yacht tour of Lake Norman, with free shuttle service from Osso Restaurant and Lounge. Open bar for the first hour. Pre-game at Osso starts at 12pm. 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
The Pub At Gateway Cinco De Mayo Fiesta. Pub poker games at 2pm and 4pm. The Jose Cuervo girls will be buying everyone tequila shots around 8 PM. 710 W. Trade St.
Fashion SOUL'S Cinco de Mayo Ball.
Inaugural Niner Pool-Cooler Palooza. . Beer pong and free food. Need I say more? DJs will be spinning and drinks will be flowing (no bottles, please.) No cover. Phillips University Center. 1pm - 6pm. 18+.
Wild Wing Cafe EpiCentre - Cinco de Mayo Celebration w/Latin music by Eta Carina. Corona & Dos Equis beer specials all day. 210 E. Trade Street.
Latorres Disco. Hosting the official after-party for Charlotte 2012 Salsa-Thon and The 5 De Mayo Fight: Maywheater Vs Cotto. Doors open at 6pm. 118 W. Trade St.
Cinco de mayo karaoke night at Milestone. 8pm - 2:30am. 3400 Tuckaseegee Road.
2nd Annual 7th Street Cinco de Mayo Derby Days. Jackalope Jack's, Kennedy's Premium Bar and Grill and Philosophers Stone have teamed up again this cinco. Come watch the Kentucky Derby and stay for $3.5 Victoria Drafts, $3 Corona Bottles, $4 Sauza and Hornitos Plata shots, $5 Margaritas, and $7.5 Coronaritas.
Wear your best Derby Day hat and you might be the lucky recipient of $100 big ones.
CincoFest Bar Crawl VI. Participating bars include: Pavilion At EpiCentre - BlackFinn - Strike City Tilt - Prohibition - Dixie's Tavern - Fitzgerald's. Designated drivers are always welcome and can attend any Lazyday.com bar crawl for free. 3:00pm-12am Cost is just $10 in advance ($20 day of.) 21+ only. 210 E Trade St.
Cantina 1511. Both Dilworth and Stonecrest locations will offer drink special and outdoor beverage service along with music, contests and festivities.
The 5th Annual Cinco de Mayo Fanta Festival The Latin American Coalition presents this free, family friendly celebration of Mexican culture. The festival attracts more than 25,000 people and will feature various Mexican Regional musical acts, traditional foods, folkloric dances, a Latino marketplace, a free soccer clinic for kids 6 - 12 years old, and more. Sunday, May 6, 11am- 7pm. McAlpine Creek Greenway Park, 8711 Monroe Rd.