If celebrating Cinco de Mayo has yet to become a yearly tradition for you, 2025 is the year to change that. There are lots of places around the Rock that are already in on the fun, and they want you to join them, whether you choose to do so strictly on May 5 or stretch out the festivities for a few days.
To keep things simple, we got down to the salty, spicy, nitty gritty details with this cheat sheet of the best places to get your fiesta on.
If you want to keep it local, hit these neighborhood haunts:
Downtown Little Rock Partnership: Life is good (really good) thanks to this tag team event between the DLRP and TAC Wrestling featuring live wrestling, food trucks, margs and a screening of “Nacho Libre.” It starts at 6 p.m. Monday at 420 Byrd St. Learn more here.
Tamalcalli: It’s the food truck’s third Cinco de Mayo in its brick-and-mortar location downtown, and they’re already party pros. Guests can get in on $5 margs all day Monday to wash down all their tamales and tacos. Learn more here.
The Rail Yard: The East Village favorite is putting its space to good use. A Saturday yard party awaits with local food trucks, music, lawn games and drink specials. It starts at 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Plaza Frida: Keeping the fun outdoors, this decidedly “Not Cinco de Mayo” festival on Saturday is “the wrong day, but the right reason.” The 4001 W. 65th St. venue will be packed with local food, vendors, entertainment and activities for the whole family while learning about the holiday’s origins. Be there 5-9 p.m. Learn more here.
The Fold: Over in Riverdale, the party lasts all day Saturday, doubling up on parties to also celebrate the restaurant’s 13th birthday with menu specials, music, rescue dogs, Cinco brunch and more. Learn more here.
Club 27: What’s a celebration without dancing? This River Market joint kicks things off Saturday night with a bachata lesson at 9 p.m., then cuts dancers loose for the rest of the night with Mariachi America. Learn more here.
Guac on The Rock: Cheers from one Rock to another. Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson is once again encouraging folks to try his tequila brand by offering free guacamole when you order a Teremana Tequila cocktail at a local restaurant. All you have to do is submit your receipt for reimbursement. Learn more and find a list of who carries Teremana Tequila locally here.
Colonial Wines & Spirits: Doing your celebratory sipping at home this year? Do it in style with a tasty tequila-based cocktail designed by the pros. Learn more here.
Wolfe Street: If you’re looking to celebrate sober, this downtown nonprofit is offering up free popcorn and slushes all day Learn more here.
If you’re simply on the hunt for a great local marg, you can’t go wrong with these:
- Baja Grill
- El Porton
- Cantina Cinco de Mayo
- Casa Mañana
- El Mezcal
- Heights Taco & Tamale Co.
- La Hacienda
- Local Lime
- Mojitos & Margaritas Grill & Bar
- Riviera Maya
- Camp Taco
- Santo Coyote
- Señor Tequila
Of course, if you want to celebrate with the tried-and-true chains in the area, they’ve got you covered, too:
- On the Border – $5 margs and beer May 1-5
- Chuy’s – all-day food and drink specials
Have another to add to the list? Send us the details: info@littlerocksoiree.com.