If celebrating Cinco de Mayo has yet to become a yearly tradition for you, 2023 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:

Little Rock Zoo: Let's start with the cuteness, shall we? Tequila tasting, music, food and a chance to meet the zoo's rhinos — including the star Kevin — await at "Cinco de Rhino" on Thursday, all to benefit the conservation of rhinos in the wild. It lasts 5:30-7:30 p.m. Learn more here.

Bark Bar: Ok, just a bit more cute. This annual bash is back with an evening of food and drink specials, photo booths and fun for humans and pups alike. Doors open Friday at 4 p.m. Learn more here.

CALS Main Library: To help your kiddos learn more about the holiday, the downtown branch is hosting a special day of salsa-making, games and take-home activities. It starts at 4 p.m. Learn more here.

Tamalcalli: It's the food truck's first Cinco de Mayo in its brick-and-mortar location downtown, and celebrations are in order. Guests can get in on $5 margs all day to wash down their tamales and tacos from 10 a.m. - 1 a.m. the next day. Learn more here.

Eden Salt Studio: If you prefer your Cinco with a little zen, try this sound bath at 6 p.m. It's an hour-long session led by Sara Mulero, but first, themed food and drinks. Learn more here.

Club 27: What's a celebration without dancing? This River Market joint kicks things off with a bachata lesson at 9 p.m., then cuts dancers loose for the rest of the night. Learn more here.

Camp Taco: Keep your dancing shoes on. Along with all-day cocktail specials, stick around for the yard party with themed drinks, eats and a concert with Bad Habit. The show starts at 9 p.m. Learn more here.

Diablos Tacos & Mezcalería: More dancing? You got it. The River Market patio will be party central from 5-11 p.m. with a DJ on hand, then the after party moves to Midtown Billiards. Learn more here.

Guac on The Rock: We promise we're not making this up. 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 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. 

Plaza Frida: Wrapping up with another outdoor party, 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 4-9 p.m. Learn more here.

If you're simply on the hunt for a great local marg, you can't go wrong with these:

  • Baja Grill
  • Cantina Cinco de Mayo
  • Casa Mañana
  • El Mezcal
  • Heights Taco & Tamale Co.
  • La Hacienda
  • Local Lime
  • Mockingbird Bar & Tacos
  • Mojitos & Margaritas Grill & Bar
  • Riviera Maya
  • Santo Coyote
  • Señor Tequila
  • The Fold

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 - $6 Cinco 'Ritas

Chuy's - all-day drink specials and limited-time flavors

Have another to add to the list? Send us the details: info@littlerocksoiree.com.