Soft-serve margaritas are a unique seasonal drink special at restaurants like El Paso Tacos & Tequila, located at 149 S. Daniel Morgan Avenue in Spartanburg. Photo courtesy of Melissa Rhine
Spartanburg’s Cinco de Mayo lineup is stretching across multiple days this year, blending food, music and community in a way that reflects the area’s growing Hispanic and Latinx influence. Over the past decade, that community has expanded significantly across the county, shaping everything from local restaurants to events like these-where culture, family and celebration take center stage.
The festivities begin this Saturday, May 2, with “Cinco on Liberty Street” hosted by The Club House in Downtown Spartanburg. Running from 4 to 10 p.m., the event will feature DJ Andres Zea, drinks and an open-air street party atmosphere alongside Bronco Mexican Restaurant. It’s an early kickoff designed to bring people downtown for an evening of music and celebration.
The citywide “Cycle, Sizzle & Cinco” celebration continues through May 5, weaving together food, entertainment and community gatherings across downtown. On Cinco de Mayo itself, Tuesday, May 5, the energy peaks with several major events happening across Spartanburg County. For something a little different, Craft Axe Throwing is joining the fun with its “Cinco De Throw” event. Guests can enjoy drink specials and a buy-one-get-one 50% off throwing session when they mention the promotion at check-in—adding a high-energy, hands-on twist to the downtown festivities.
At Fifth Third Park, the Hub City Spartanburgers host a special Cinco de Mayo celebration game at 6:35 p.m. as part of Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión series. For the night, the team transforms into the “Gusanos de Mezcal del Burg,” celebrating Hispanic culture with themed jerseys, music, and an immersive in-game experience. The celebration doesn’t stop there—the team will continue the cultural spotlight later this season with a “Fiesta at Fifth Third Park” on July 17 and a “Thirsty Thursday” Copa night on Sept. 3, both carrying that same high-energy identity and community focus.
For those looking for something a little more unconventional, Willy Taco is hosting a Cinco de Mayo parking lot party at its Boiling Springs location on May 5. The event features micro wrestling, a DJ, $3 street tacos and outdoor bar specials, creating what organizers describe as a high-energy, anything-goes atmosphere. The addition of Micro Wrestling Federation matches adds a unique twist, turning the space into a full entertainment venue for the night.
Just a few minutes away, the Willy Taco Hub City location is also joining the celebration with its own Cinco-inspired parking lot party vibes—featuring live music, DJs and taco specials that lean into the brand’s signature “funky fresh fusion” style. Known for its upbeat, high-energy environment and creative take on tacos and margaritas, Willy Taco has become a go-to spot for casual, crowd-filled celebrations across the Upstate.
Back downtown, El Paso Tacos & Tequila is a family-owned restaurant known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. This year they’re highlighting unique seasonal drink specials like strawberry and lime soft-serve margaritas alongside their full menu. Soft serve margaritas are one of the biggest viral drink trends right now, popping up all over social media for their eye-catching swirl and creamy texture. Unlike traditional frozen margaritas, they’re blended into a thick, almost ice-cream-like consistency—often mixing tequila, lime and a touch of dairy for that smooth finish. The aesthetic alone makes them worth the trip, but it’s the rich, velvety taste that keeps people coming back. They’ve quickly gone from big-city trend to must-try menu item, and now spots like El Paso in downtown Spartanburg are bringing the viral moment right here locally.
Altogether, these events highlight more than just a day of celebration—they reflect a cultural presence that continues to grow across Spartanburg. With a family-centered Hispanic community influencing local business and dining, Cinco de Mayo has become a natural extension of that cultural impact.
From Liberty Street to the ballpark to Boiling Springs, the message is simple: come hungry, come ready, and support the restaurants and businesses bringing the fiesta to life across Spartanburg.
