Thursday, April 2, 2026

Here are some things planned for Cinco De Mayo

With Cinco de Mayo on a Saturday in 2018, many people have time to celebrate

Several area restaurants will run drink specials for Cinco de Mayo this year. (Port City Daily/File photo)
Several area restaurants will run drink specials for Cinco de Mayo this year. (Port City Daily/File photo)

NEW HANOVER COUNTY—The stars have aligned and this year, Cinco de Mayo falls on a Saturday.

The holiday originates from the celebration of the Mexican army’s defeat of French forces on May 5, 1862. Nowadays, Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo through their love of Mexican food and drinks.

Check out our food and drink section: Brews and Bites

For some area restaurants, Cinco de Mayo is their busiest day of the year.

At La Costa, assistant manager Rafael Guzman said the restaurant gets packed on the holiday.

We’re packed on Cinco de Mayo,” he said. “The past two years were insane.”

La Costa‘s three restaurants, on Oleander Drive, in Porters Neck and in downtown Wilmington, will run drink specials Saturday. For $5, customers can purchase a 16 oz. margarita. All restaurants will have at least 10 different Mexican beers to choose from and will be on special for $3.

At El Cerro Grande, Cinco de Mayo will turn into a party. All three locations, on South College, Military Cutoff and Monkey Junction, will feature a DJ. Shots of Jose Cuervo and 16 oz. classic margaritas will be on special for $5.

Wilmington Brewing Company will be hosting a fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring L Shape Lot. There will be a taco truck on the scene and for every pint poured, $1 will be donated to Ainsley’s Angels. Ainsley’s Angels is a non-profit group that focuses on inclusion efforts for those in the special needs community.

In Leland, Brunswick Forest is hosting a Cinco de Mayo concert featuring Island Time. From 6 to 8 p.m., residents are invited to purchase taco bowls in Annsdale Park.


Johanna Ferebee can be reached at [email protected] or @j__ferebee on Twitter

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