Planning on celebrating Cinco de Mayo this weekend? Before your body becomes 75% margarita, know that there are plenty of events going on outside of Austin's best Mexican restaurants and tequila bars. Here are just a few of our favorites:
Cinco de Mayo Hot Pepper Eating Contest at Craftsman: How's your heat tolerance? At this Cinco de Mayo event, each pepper is hotter than the last, and the contestant who can finish the hottest pepper wins a trophy and a $50 gift certificate to Craftsman (plus two tickets to a local distillery tour). Just want to watch other people sweat? Watermelon jalapeño margaritas are $6 and tequila shots and Dos Equis drafts are $3.
Cinco de Mayo pop-up dinner at Paperboy: Want to avoid the crowds at a handful of Mexican restaurants this weekend? Head to Paperboy, where chef Patrick Jackson is whipping up a five-course family-style dinner complete with beer, cocktails and, of course, margaritas.
Burro’s Breakfast Release Party: Stop by Pinthouse Pizza on Burnet for a glass of the Mexican lager they're tapping to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. There's even a taco-inspired pie in collaboration with Tacodeli, plus some lively numbers thanks to mariachi band Mariachi Amor.
8th anniversary and Cinco de Mayo party at Houndstooth: The popular Austin coffee shop is throwing a two-in-one party, celebrating both their 8th anniversary and Cinco de Mayo. From 6pm to midnight, drink for a cause as $1 from every beer sold and $2 from every margarita will go towards Creative Action's Cooking for Campbell program.
Cinco de Mayo party at Malverde: The event space above La Condesa is usually closed to the public, but on Saturday it'll be open to everyone from 5pm to 2am, offering live DJs, dancing, happy hour specials, a cash bar and more. You can RSVP here but it does not guarantee entry, so get there early!
Cinco de Mayo at Emmer & Rye: Stop by one of Austin's best restaurants for their free—yep, you heard us—Cinco de Mayo event from 6 to 10pm, when they'll be handing out complimentary pairings of Cayman Jack cocktails and a red snapper ceviche. Drinks and dishes will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Beer release at Uncle Billy's Brewery & Smokehouse: Head over to Uncle Billy's for a special menu including mini chicken mole tostadas, cartina tacos with chipotle cream and smoked tres leches cake. They'll also be releasing their Tranquilo Mexican-Style Lager, serving $4 pints to keep you hydrated throughout the day.