8 Awesome Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in SF

By Flora Tsapovsky   |   May 2, 2018, 8:48 am

Cinco de Mayo is fast approaching and you know you’ll want to celebrate. This year, a fun coincidence led to the holiday’s union with the Kentucky Derby, resulting in refreshing combos of mint juleps and tacos all over town. Where to toast with margaritas, lick paletas, and nibble on Mexican fare? We got you covered, from a stylish Fiesta-val to a creative Cinco de Derby.

The Assembly: Stylish Fiesta
The Assembly, the stylish women’s clubhouse in the Mission, is hosting a chic Fiesta-val during the Cinco de Mayo weekend complete with custom fragrance making with Carta, facial massages and consultations with Monastery, astrology readings, bouquet making with Matilda’s Magnolias; journal, card, and bag tassel making workshops; plus cocktails, sweet paletas, and tacos aplenty.

449 14th Street, May 5th and 6th,  10 am – 4 pm. Tickets can be purchased here,  $30-40

Recchiuti Confections: Chocolate and Tequila

Recchiuti Confections is joining forces with 123 Spirits and hosting a free tequila and chocolate tasting at The Lab for Cinco de Mayo. Keep an eye out for the limited-edition Tequila and Hibiscus Pate De Fruits (like a boozy gummy bear), which the brand launched especially for the holiday.

 801 22nd Street, May 5th, 2:00-5:00 pm,  free

Finn Town: Cinco de Castro

The Castro ’s tavern Finn Town will juggle both holidays with a Derby-inspired menu during the day and Cinco de Castro festivities come nighttime. Specials include happy hour prices on Finn Town’s margaritas,  specialty cocktails, such as the mezcal-infused  El Picador, plus BBQ tacos with all the toppings you can think of.

2251 Market Street, May 5th, 5:30 pm – 1:30 am

The Mexican Museum: Music and Exhibits

For a relaxed and family-oriented celebration, there’s no better place than the Mexican Museum, which will host its annual Cinco celebration on Friday. Expect music and dance by Cuicacalli Ballet Folklórico and mariachi, bands, and the obligatory margaritas, as well as the enlightening exhibition Family, Homeland, Revolution: Stories of the Chicano Movement, featuring over 40 works by Chicano artists from the Civil Rights Movement to present day.

Fort Mason, Building D, 2 Marina Boulevard, May 4th, 5-8 pm, free

SoMa StrEat Food Park: Lucha Libre Taco-Con

On Sunday, the SoMa food truck venue is hosting a taco extravaganza for those who want to stretch Cinco de Mayo into a two-day thing. Over ten taco vendors, plenty of micheladas and sangria to go around, and an energetic wrestling competition are all to be expected.

428 11th Street, May 6th, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased here, $15-20

Clift Hotel: Tequila and Mezcal tasting

The stylish hotel is starting things early with a Friday tequila and mezcal tasting at the Velvet Room. Sample over thirty different libations from brands like Casa Noble, DeLeón, Del Maguey and Fortaleza, to the sound of  Dj Billy Vidal, and let the hashtag #tgif run wild.
495 Geary Street, May 4th, 5:30 – 8 pm. Tickets can be purchased here, $30-60

Elixir: Cinco de Derby

Why choose when you can have both? Elixir is marrying Mexican traditions and old-fashioned Derby Day dress up, and throwing its 15th anniversary into the mix as well. Drink specials will include $8 Margaritas and similarly priced Mint Juleps, accompanied by a buffet of free snacks. Cheers!

2251 Market Street, May 5th, 1 pm-2 am

Copita: Anniversary festivities
Across the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito’s lauded Copita Tequileria y Comida is celebrating its six-year anniversary in the Cinco de Mayo spirit, with limited edition dishes, $6 margaritas, and music. Try a Lobster Taco, splurge on a fancy $66 margarita or go for the affordable one, and don’t forget to enjoy the view.

739 Bridgeway, Sausalito, May 1st-May 6th