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Best Cinco de Mayo 2016 Celebrations Near Chicago

Although originally simply a holiday to commemorate the Mexican army's victory over France during the Franco-Mexican War in 1862, Cinco de Mayo has now become a more general celebration. Whether you're looking to kick back with tequila shots and margaritas or are in the mood for a more culture experience for the holiday, Chicago's got a bit of it all to celebrate this Cinco de Mayo. Here are some of the best Cinco de Mayo 2016 celebrations in the Chicago area.
Cinco De Mayo
(Photo Credit: Adobe Gilas Rosemont's Facebook)

Adobe Gilas
5545 Park Place
Rosemont, IL. 60018
(847) 233-0080
adobegilas.com
Date: Thursday, May 5

The great thing about dinner, lunch, or drinks at Adobe Gilas is that every day is a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Located in nearby Rosemont within the party-central MB Financial Park, Adobe Gilas features a colorful and festive decor and attitude with a whimsical drink menu, Mexican and American food items, and both DJs and live entertainment. So when it's time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Adobe Gilas turns things up a notch higher than anyone can. With food and drink specials fit for the revelry of the day, a Mariachi Band, drawings to win a free trip to sunny Mexico and more fun activities, no one celebrates Cindo de Mayo quite like Adobe Gilas.

Cinco de Miler
Soldier Field Stadium Green
1410 Museum Campus Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
www.cincodemiler.com
Date: Saturday, May 7
Time: 9:00 a.m.

If you're looking for a truly unique way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year, how about while running a marathon? A much healthier alternative than back to back shots of tequila, Cinco de Miler is a 15k (9.3 miles) and 5k (3.1 miles) race in the name of Cinco de Mayo. Taking place on May 7 this year, Cinco de Miler will help support The 100 Club of Chicago, an organization that helps provide for the families of first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty. It's not just a marathon — it's a race fiesta!

Cinco De Mayo
(Photo Credit: moescantina.com)

Whiskey And Tequila Fest
Moe's Cantina & Old Crow
149-155 W. Kinzie St.
Chicago, IL. 60654
moescantina.com/
Date: May 7
Time: Noon - 4:00 p.m.

What's better than a Cinco De Mayo party? Well, how about one that celebrates The Kentucky Derby as well? Taking place at Moe's Cantina & Old Crow in the River North area of Chicago this year is the Whiskey and Tequila Festival. Come and sample over 50 unique whiskeys, bourbons, tequilas and mezcals, participate in the best Derby Hat and Best Sombrero contests, and watch the Kentucky Derby race as well. It's all happening on Saturday, May 7 from noon until 4 p.m.

Related:  Best Date Night Activities In Chicago

Cinco De Mayo Parade
Little Village
1800 W. Cermak Road (Damen/Cermak to Marshall/Cermak)
Chicago, IL 60608
www.cityofchicago.org
Date: May 1
Time: Noon

Everyone loves a parade, and that's why it's a great thing that there are so many in Chicago year-round — including one for Cinco de Mayo! Taking place in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago, come celebrate your own culture or learn about this rich heritage at the Cinco de Mayo Parade. Kids of all ages will love the colors, the music and the warmth spilling into the streets of Little Village. The parade takes place on May 1 from Damen and Cermak to Marshall and Cermak, and begins at noon.

2016 Cinco de Mayo Soiree
IO Godfrey Rooftop Lounge
Godfrey Hotel
127 W. Huron St.
Chicago, IL. 60654
www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-cinco-de-mayo-soiree

If you're looking for an opportunity to have a fun time with kindred souls while also networking your business at the same time, then the 2016 Cinco de Mayo Soiree is all you could ever ask for. Hosted by HispanicPro, this combination social and business event is a must for Chicago's Latino professional community, but all are welcome, of course. Being held at the posh I|O Rooftop Lounge atop the Godfrey Hotel, the 2016 Cinco de Mayo Soiree will include Mexican food-bites, tequila cocktails, and let's not forget the cold Cerveza as well. It's all happening on Thursday, May 5, 2016 from 6 to 9 p.m., and tickets range in price from $21.49 – $26.62.

Related: Best Places For Port Wine In Chicago

Soon after earning her BA in journalism, Melanie Falina began writing about one of the loves of her life - music. Since then, she's covered some of the biggest names in music, in addition to writing on an array of other topics as well. She has written for Black Belt magazine, KISS: The Official Authorized Quarterly Magazine, Examiner, AXS.com, Yahoo Voices, and more, and was editor for Don Lemmon's KNOW HOW Book Three, Refuse To Fail. Melanie is also a poet with six published collections of poetry available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and various establishments.
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