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9 Things For Cinco De Mayo Weekend In Southwest Florida

Mariachi band on the street for cinco de mayo weekend in southwest Florida

It's the first weekend in May and it includes one of the biggest days of the year to party. Here are your Weekend Vibes, what is happening for Cinco De Mayo weekend in Southwest Florida.

The number of Cinco de Mayo celebrations and specials at local bars and restaurants are too many to list. Here we've list a couple of the top ones. Since the fiesta falls on Sunday, you might be planning a party at home. Click here for some easy party tips and tricks.

Food this weekend is not just about tacos, chips and salsa. Check out the BBQ event happening in Punta Gorda on Saturday too. Getty Images

Also Happening Cinco De Mayo Weekend In Southwest Florida

Food events are big deal in Southwest Florida. Cinco de Mayo included. However, so is barbeque and you'll get plenty of it at a festival in Punta Gorda. You'll also get music from one of the winners of "The Voice" on NBC.

Also, if you like flowers and plants there is another festival just for you. This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Hibiscus Festival.

And we can't forget about racing fans. Horse racing that is. The world famous Kentucky Derby is Saturday. Put aside your sombrero's and Margaritas for your derby hats and Mint Juleps.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Here are your Weekend Vibes for May 3rd through the 5th. If you can, get out and support local events and business.

*Please note, events are subject to change. It never hurts to confirm with a phone call or a check of social media and event websites.

Cinco de Mayo Sun Splash weekend

Cool down at Sun Splash Water Park Saturday and Sunday and enjoy Cinco de Mayo themed games food and drinks. There will also be festive Mariachi music. Sun Splash is on Lake Kennedy Drive in Cape Coral. More info here.

South Cape Cinco de Drinko Pub Crawl

This is similar to the monthly Trolley Parties through South Cape Coral. However, this time a limo bus will be your transportation. Hop on board and enjoy Mexican themed food and drinks at the participating bars and restaurants. 7-11 p.m. Saturday. $30 in advance, $25 for designated drivers. More info here.

Cantina’s CincoRita Run

Start burning calories before eating and drinking. Join in the one mile or 5K run starting at Cantina Laredo at The Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers. The run begins at 8am Saturday. Cantina has a breakfast buffet for $10. More info here

Mercato

Mercato has a big party on the lawn for Cinco de Mayo. Enjoy lots of food and music including a Santana tribut band. Sunday 2-9pm. Free. Mercato is in North Naples More info here.

Bands, Brews, & BBQ Fest

Sample 50 beers, eat slow smoked BBQ and listen to lots of live music. This event is at Laishley Park on Saturday. Headlining the musical line up is Jake Hoot, a winner from "The Voice" TV show. 1pm to 9pm. Tickets start at $8. More info here.

20th Annual Hibiscus Festival

If you like plants, expecially Hibiscus, this annual event is for you. They even have a Little Miss Hibiscus Queen. Besides plants galore there will be crafts, music, food and more. There is even a dinner under the stars. The fun takes place at Gilchrist Park in Punta Gorda Thursday through Sunday. More info here.

Hamilton

The Broadway show everyone has been talking about is on its final days in SWFL. The musical “Hamilton” sets the biographical story about Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and the other founding fathers of the United States to current day music. The show runs through May 5 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. Tickets start at $52. RUSH tickets are also available for $39.28 day of show. More info here.

PlayLab Festival

This is a series of events at the Florida Reparatory Theater in Fort Myers. It highlights five plays and playwrights panel discussions. Evens take place at the Historic Arcade Theatre. Tickets start at $25. More info here

Rookery Bay Estuaries Day

Saturday is National Estuaries Day and they are celebrating at Rookery Bay in Naples. Admission is free for a day of family fun. Enjoy lots of kids activities, demos, boat tours, food trucks, book signings, and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. More info here. 

Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.