9 Worthy Cinco De Mayo Events In Puget Sound

SEATTLE, WA — Anyone can binge tequila and tacos on Cinco de Mayo. But there are plenty of more elaborate ways to spend the holiday, a celebration of the Mexican army's victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

Check out these cultural celebrations and fundraisers (and, yes, some food-and-drink parties) happening around Puget Sound this weekend.

14th El Centro de la Raza Cinco de Mayo Festival | Saturday, 11 a.m., 2524 16th Ave S, Seattle

A full-day celebration of Mexican culture and history featuring food, performances, art, vendors — did we mention there will be food?

Fermented Salsa Class | Saturday, 11 a.m., The Works Seattle, 151 12th Ave., Seattle

Just in time for Cinco de Mayo on Sunday, this class will teach you how to make fermented salsas. Participants will leave with jars of curtido, a Latin American-inspired sauerkraut, and fermented salsa verde. ($50)

Entre Hermanos Fundraiser | Saturday, noon, El Gallito, 1700 20th Ave, Seattle

This El Gallito Saturday brunch will feature a fundraiser for Entre Hermanos, a Washington nonprofit that supports the Latinx LGBTQ community.

Redmond Cinco de Mayo Festival | Sunday, 11 a.m., 16100 NE Cleveland St., Redmond

This event is the result of a partnership between the city of Redmond and Los Pajaros Studio Gallery. The event will feature food trucks, cultural exhibits, and Mariachi, Banda, and Norteno music.

Cinco de Mayo at Armstrong Family Winery | Sunday, noon, 19151 144th Ave NE, Woodinville

Not very related to the holiday, but will feature local artisans. There will also be a fundraiser for Eli's Park, an effort to remodel a neighborhood park along the Burke Gilman Trail in memory of Eli Reischl.

Cinco de Mayo Beer Release | Sunday, noon, Cairn Brewing, 7204 NE 175th Street, Kenmore

Cairn will release its new Mexican-style lager, Cinco Light Lager. The Taqueria Toñita food truck will be there from 1 to 6 p.m.

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta | Sunday, noon, Vashon Center for the Arts, 19600 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon

A cultural celebration featuring the Baile Folklorico dance group and music from the Mariachi de Guadalajara band. Dancing and food will follow performances. ($5)

15th Green Lake Cinco de Mayor Block Party | Sunday, noon, Tacos Guaymas, 6808 E Green Lake Way N, Seattle

This is just a huge annual party featuring DJs, bands, food, drink specials, and a jalapeno-eating contest. KING 5 will be covering the event beginning at 10 a.m. ($10)

Dilley Pro Bono Project Fundraiser | Sunday, 4 p.m., The Wildrose Bar, 1021 East Pike St., Seattle

This Cinco de Mayo fundraiser features Mexican bingo and dancing to raise money for the Dilley Pro Bono Project, which provides free legal assistance to migrants in Texas.