Your Punta Gorda Cinco de Mayo Weekend

Tomorrow, Cinco de Mayo, (the 5th of May) is celebrated in the United States and Mexico,  primarily in the state of Puebla, where the holiday is called El Día de la Batalla de Puebla ( The Day of the Battle of Puebla). The celebrated day was started in Mexican American communities in the western U.S.  to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of  the U.S. Civil War, and today the date is observed here in the U.S. as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.

And because American's love affair with Mexican food and beverage has intensified with every passing year, the celebrations have become more widespread including in Punta Gorda which loves to find ways to party.  Here's some ways to celebrate Cinco tonight and/or tomorrow, or not.    

At Dean's South of the Border:  

Celebrate May 5 starting with brunch at 11 a.m. with Claudio B, and later in the night Zombie U takes over.  Tonight there is a pre-Cinco de Mayo party with Arden's Rule.  Dean's is also collecting canned goods this weekend for the Homeless Coalition.  

At Harpoon Harry's 

HH will be celebrating the day tomorrow afternoon.   And if you want to start your party early Zombie's are at Harry's tonight.  

At the Celtic Ray

Check out the Crestliners tonight at the Ray.   No published 5th of May event, but you know it's always a good day to be at the Ray.

At the Ice House

Kollections perform tonight at this local pub.  And they do have a British pub version of nachos  on the menu (Frachos -- all the nachos stuff on British chips (potatoes)) to enjoy with their vast selections of beer included some Mexican.  

At the Tiki Bar at the Sheraton

Sunday Cinco party in the afternoon (one admission price to enjoy make yourself tacos and more). Lee James will be there tonight for the sunset crowd.

At the Punta Gorda Elks

Members can celebrate with a day in the some enjoying some wings, rings, tacos and music by Island Vibe from 2 p.m. Sunday. Tonight Jay Smith starts at 6:30 p.m.

At Trabue

For a quieter evening tonight, Michael Hirst (singer/songwriter) will be performing in the garden from 6 p.m.

At Twin Isles Country Club 

Cinco de Barko - Cinco de Mayo fundraiser for the Animal Welfare Shelter.

Cinco de Barko celebration hosted by Jeff Collins. Mexican Food and 1 FREE Sangria as you revel in the sounds of Mariachi music. $50 person benefits the AWL

At Laishley Park

Charlotte Harbor Fest (a Fishing/Seafood/Beer Festival) is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Laishley Park.    Live music will be provided by Marty Moss, Jack Michael & Drive 31, and American Made playing Saturday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  For hours and information, call Smuggler’s Event Management at 941-637-5953