The origins of Cinco de Mayo in Mexico and the United States
The commemoration Mexico’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 is now a celebration of Mexican culture on both sides of the border.
- Columbus is home to Cinco de Mayo events beyond just food and drink specials.
- Activities include a 5K run, a pop-up market for Latino businesses and artists, and a dance party.
- Specialized social events are planned, including a singles mixer and a professional networking happy hour.
Cinco de Mayo isn’t all food and drink – just mostly.
Here are some celebrations of the Mexican holiday that are coming up around Columbus that might include tacos and tequila but aren’t created around the pairing. They include a fun run on the Southeast Side, a business networking happy hour in Northland, a dance party Downtown and a place for singles to mingle on the Near East Side.
Cinco de Mayo Run & Fiesta
The Hispanic Chamber of Columbus is hosting a 5K run and walk at 8:30 a.m. May 3 for people of all ages and fitness levels. There will be music along the route and a post-race fiesta. It’s $50 to register online or in person on race day (arrive at 7:30 a.m. if you’re waiting). The Cinco de Mayo Run & Fiesta will take place at Smith Farms, 3285 Watkins Road on Columbus’ Southeast Side. Details: business.hccolumbus.com
El Mercadito vendors at Bridge Park
El Mercadito, a recurring pop-up market for Latino small businesses and artists, has coordinated vendors who will sell local, handmade goods at North Market Bridge Park in Dublin for an all-day celebration May 5. A live DJ will provide music. You won’t go hungry (or thirsty), either: Dos Hermanos will offer $3 tacos, and Market Bar will have $8 house margaritas. Details: 6750 Longshore St., Dublin; northmarket.org
Cinco de Mayo dance party
DJs will be playing Latin and Caribbean party hits − reggaeton, dembow, guaracha, salsa and more − a Cinco de Mayo party at Las Palmas Tropical Escape on May 8 from 10 p.m. “until late.” The bar will offer drink and bottle specials throughout the night. Details: 46 N. High St., Downtown; reservations through WhatsApp: 614-207-6941; instagram.com/palmastropical
Cinco de Mayo for singles
DateColumbus, started by three women who wanted a real-life alternative to dating apps, will host a Cinco de Mayo singles social at 6:30 p.m. May 5 at East Market’s The Railhouse bar. The night will include icebreaking events, a DJ and food and drink specials. Festive attire (bright colors and bold prints) is encouraged. Tickets are $20 and available through Eventbrite. Details: 212 Kelton Ave., Near East Side; datecityirl.com
Dos Hermanos fundraiser
The Columbus restaurants founded by Lisa Gutierrez in 2012 will host “Nacho Average Fundraiser” to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and raise money for what they’re calling “a powerful new stage of growth.” The event from 4 to 7 p.m. May 4 includes Mexican food, a margarita bar and folk dancing. Tickets are $99 and available through Eventbrite. Details: 3946 Morse Crossing, Easton Town Center; eatatdos.com
Hispanic Professionals Network
Columbus Realtors Hispanic Professionals Network will host a Cinco de Mayo happy hour from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 5 at the Northland location of El Barco restaurant. The networking event includes appetizers and margaritas and is open to all Columbus Realtors members. Details: 1930 E. Dublin Granville Road, Northland; columbusrealtors.com
Follow Dispatch dining reporter Bob Vitale on Instagram at @dispatchdining. You can reach him directly at rvitale@dispatch.com.
