Happy Cinco de Mayo! Don’t underestimate Charleston’s love for Mexican food, drinks and culture, because it makes us one of the best cities for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. We’ve got an insane line-up of events and specials going on across bars, restaurants and venues today. The only hard part is not being able to go to all of them!
Events
Santi's Block Party
If this list were ranked, Santi’s block party would be number one. Arguably the best, biggest and most authentic Cinco de Mayo party in Charleston, the party starts at 11 am and features a $13 buffet + margarita, and live music by DJ Soto and Due Mack. There’s also free parking and tickets are free!
Mex 1 West Ashley Block Party
The next biggest block party is Mex 1 in West Ashley. It’s from 5 – 11 pm and benefits the Warrior Surf Foundation. Some of the festivities include margaritas (obviously), live music, a silent auction, shuttles to and from, and vending from Charleston Hemp Collective and High Rise seltzers.
Jalisco's Parking Lot Party
Also at the top of our list is Jalisco’s block party in their parking lot on James Island. They’ve got tacos, margaritas and piñatas. And being one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in town, we know it’s going to be incredible.
Margarita & Mimosa Bar Crawl
This isn’t talked about enough but this is a bar crawl starting at 2 pm at Recovery Room. It goes to Silver Dollar, John King, and Bangkok Lounge, and features $4 mimosas, $5 Day Chaser Hard Seltzer, and $5 Hand Crafted Teremana Margaritas!
It’s going to be sick, get your tickets here.
16th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival
For the 16th year in a row at the Cruise Terminal downtown, there’s the Charleston Cinco de Mayo Festival. To celebrate the holiday and Latin heritage and culture, the celebration features live Bachata bands, salsa dancing lessons & contests, and authentic Mexican cuisine.
Grab your tickets here, they’re only $10.
Cinco de Rita's
If you’re over on Folly, check out Cinco de Rita’s. Featuring food stations, margaritas, beer tents and live music. They’ve got The Houk Brothers from 4 – 6, Bernie Beauchamp of Beaupromo Puppetry from 6 – 7, and Mr. Fahrenheit from 7 – 9!
Grab your tickets here.
Fatty's Beer Works Tequila Bottle Workshop
Fatty’s Beer Works has a very cool looking workshop to make a succulent arrangement out of an upcycled tequila bottle! Plus drink specials from the brewery!
Frontier Lounge
Frontier Lounge is combining Cinco de Mayo celebration with a launch party for Day Chaser Hard Seltzers. Featuring:
$3 tacos
$5 Modelo & Corona
$8 house margaritas
$8 day chasers
$35 day chaser buckets (5)
Specials
Taco Boy
Taco Boy is giving $1 from each drink sale to the Charleston Hispanic Association, so you can feel good while celebrating the Mexican holiday. They also have a DJ dance party, tacos, drink specials and Patron flights!
Maya
Maya is another favorite Mexican restaurant of ours, and their party features Chef’s specials, margarita carafes, and live music.
Pink Cactus
As we’ve said before, some of the greatest margaritas in town are only $5 all day in all flavors. Plus $24 pitchers, $4 tequila shots, and $3 Tecate!
SOL Southwest Kitchen
Cinco de Mayo at SOL looks awesome! All day specials, a complementary tequila tasting from 6-8 pm, and live music by Patrick Norris from 6-9.
La Hacienda
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at La Hacienda has music from DJ RJ from 6 – 11 pm plus get a free t-shirt with the purchase of an entree and a drink!
Juanita Greenbergs
Come grab some drink specials and hear some live music all day at both locations!
El Jefe
Last up, grab some tacos, $3 Coronas, $5 frozen margaritas and other drink specials at El Jefe!
Other Specials
Dispensary
Islander 71
Rusty Bull Brewing
Shelter Kitchen & Bar
The Palace Hotel
The Palace Hotel has $9 margaritas & palomas, $6 Milagro shots and a Mahi Mahi taco special!
Handcraft Kitchen & Cocktails
Charleston Sports Pubs
Red's Ice House
Big John's Tavern
Down on East Bay, grab $5 Corona, Pacifico & Modelo, plus $5 house margaritas!
MESU
Dog and Duck
Republic
I’m sure I missed some specials and events, it’s a big town. But I hope this list helps you find some great ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year in Charleston. It’s one of my favorite holidays for going out and I love that Charleston goes hard for it. Tag us in your celebrations if you end up going to one of the places on this list.
Stay safe out there and happy drinking!
