Sure, we all wish we were out at our favorite neighborhood bars celebrating Cinco de Mayo with the best of them this year. But thankfully, even during a statewide lockdown, local cantinas aren’t leaving us hanging. From full-fledged Mexican restaurants to trendy tequila bars, plenty of Charm City spots are featuring carryout specials to spice up virtual celebrations at home. Here are a few to choose from:

Bandito’s Bar + Kitchen: Cinco de Mayo, the anniversary of the Mexicans’ unlikely victory over France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862, just so happens to fall on Taco Tuesday this year—and this Federal Hill staple is celebrating accordingly. Bandito’s will be open from 12-9 p.m. with takeout specials such as 16 or 32-oz. cocktails and margaritas, canned beers, orders of three tacos, and DIY taco kits. Orders can be placed online, in-person, or by phone.

Blue Agave: Just around the corner on Light Street, this neighborhood favorite will be open from 12-10 p.m., packing up orders of guacamole fresco, chips and salsa, fajitas, and tacos. To-go margaritas are available in traditional house or Spicy Guavarita flavors. Customers can call ahead for pickup or order delivery via Grubhub and Doordash.

Cane Collective Kits Benefiting CFF Maryland: The bar veterans behind craft spirit company Cane Collective have teamed up with Mr. Nice Guy Cocktails to distribute a special passionfruit margarita kit on Cinco de Mayo—with all proceeds benefiting the Maryland chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The $75 kit includes one bottle of Patron Reposado, one bottle of Cane’s passionfruit-jalapeno mix, and one Patron cocktail shaker. Orders can be placed onlinefor pickup and delivery.

Clavel: The team at this Remington gem is encouraging patrons to decorate their homes with homemade papel picado (Mexican folk art made by cutting designs into tissue paper) and tag the restaurant in their photos. To complete the festivities, Clavel’s new carryout operation, Pisa y Corre, is featuring tamales, michelada kits, special mezcal flights, and frozen empanadas to fry at home. Order online here.

El Bufalo Tequila Bar and Kitchen: Naturally, the Cinco de Mayo celebrations at this Canton stalwart began a few days early. But they will continue throughout the day on Tuesday with 64-oz. Altos margarita pouches for $14, Casamigos premium margarita pouches for $10, and $65 build-your-own taco party kits. Place carryout orders by calling 410-814-0594.

La Food Marketa: Call this Pikesville spot to order a turkey chorizo, Peruvian chicken, and beef barbacoa taco kit that serves four. It comes will all the fixins, but you can also add on guacamole, churros, a pint of margaritas, or even a six-pack of the Mexican beer that shall not be named.

La Palapa Grill & Cantina: La Palapa is a fiesta headquarters in Ellicott City. Though the bar’s holiday celebrations will look a bit different this year, it’s still offering massive margaritas—made with Jose Cuervo or 1800 tequila—for curbside pickup. Additionally, guests can order chips and salsa, as well as 12 pork carnitas tacos topped with grilled pineapple, red onion, and cilantro. Orders can be placed online or by calling the restaurant.

Mezcal Mexican Restaurant and Bar: Celebrate with the full food menu recently made available for carryout at this Baltimore County cantina, which operates locations in Owings Mills and Timonium. In addition to the standout fajitas, burritos, and tacos, Mezcal offers bottled sangria, margaritas, and mojitos.

Papi’s Tacos: Not only is Papi’s offering special fiesta packages from its Hampden location (a bundle for four includes tequila, a mixer, an appetizer, tacos, and two sides), but it’s also hosting a virtual fiesta on Facebook Live. Throw on a sombrero and tune in from home to enjoy mariachi music, raffle drawings, live comedy with Mike Quindlen, trivia with owner Charlie Gjerde, and maybe even a piñata to whack open for good measure. The team is also giving away a $50 gift card to Papi’s and its sister-spots, as well as a Yeti cooler filled with $500 worth of booze. Any to-go order of $25 or more from either Papi’s location in Hampden or Fells Point will come with a raffle ticket to enter to win the prizes.

Taco Bravo: This Timonium newbie is open from 12-9 p.m. for curbside pickup and delivery. In addition to its regular menu, the spot is offering a deal on five chicken or steak tacos for $10. To-go cocktails include $5 margaritas, $10 grande sangrias and mojitos, and $25 64-oz. margaritas.

The Urban Oyster: Typically closed for carryout on Tuesdays, this Locust Point oyster bar is opening up for the occasion with a special menu of surf and turf tacos, guacamole, pico de gallo, elote, tequila lime pie, and seafood nachos smothered in beer cheese. Throw in a spicy grilled pineapple margarita and you’re in for a full-blown fiesta.

Vida Taco Bar: The Severna Park location of this strictly tacos-and-tequila bar is open from 12-8 p.m. for takeout tacos, nachos, guacamole, and cocktails. You can also catch Vida’s mobile margarita vans roaming in the communities surrounding all three of its locations. Upcoming routes are announced daily and orders can be placed online here.

As the sun beats down on Baltimore in these dog days of summer, everyone could use an excuse to cool off. And spots all across Charm City are offering unbeatable drink specials on Wednesday, July 24 in honor of one of our country’s most arbitrary holidays: National Tequila Day.

Taking the cake for, perhaps, the most creative drink we’ve seen in tequila’s honor is one that seems to intoxicate and re-hydrate you at the same time: a frozen Patron Pedialyte margarita (Patron Silver, strawberry or blue raspberry pedialyte, lime, and agave) created by bar manager Liz Jankiewicz of Ouzo Bay and Ouzo Beach.

“Not only is it good to throw some electrolytes at the guest while it’s hot out,” Jankiewicz says, “but it actually pairs really well with the tequila because of the level of salinity in it. Just like if you’re having your margarita with salt on the rim.”

And this holiday will be a chance for those who haven’t made it out of town this summer to get a taste of an island vacation: “Having a margarita taps into the idea of a destination,” Jankiewicz says. “It turns your normal watering hole turns into a getaway.”

Whether you want to sip on a frozen margarita, or throw back shots like it’s your day job, there are plenty of places to partake. So get your sliced limes and salted rims ready, and check out some of the best spots to spend the holiday.

Blue Agave: Named after tequila’s essential ingredient, this Federal Hill destination is certainly ringing in the holiday with cheer. The bar will feature $2 discounts on all-things tequila-related, including margaritas, flights, and shots, as well as discounted bottle club membership offers. And with their featured tequila of the month being Casamigos, no one will leave unsatisfied.

Canton Crossing Wine & Spirits: If you’re looking for a bargain, this Canton spirits shop will offer free—yes, we said free—samples of various Rooster Rojo tequilas, which are made from 100 percent Blue Weber agave. Make sure to swing by between 4 and 6 p.m. to try blanco, reposado, and anejo varieties.

El Bufalo Tequila Bar & Kitchen: Wondering why this Canton spot is a rightful place to celebrate the Mexican spirit? The name speaks for itself. El Bufalo’s specials include $6 shots and $8 margaritas that make use of the restaurant’s catalog of more than 50 tequila brands. Any purchase of a Casamigos, Don Julio, or Olmeca Altos drinks will get you a raffle ticket for a Bottle Club giveaway.

Lee’s Pint & Shell: This Canton haunt is the place to be for Don Julio fans. Lee’s is offering a $10 deal that includes two 5-oz. margaritas, a shot of anejo, and a shot of blanco—all of the Don Julio variety.

Nacho Mama’s: Both the Towson and Canton locations of this Elvis-themed cantina will feature all-day specials for tequila lovers. Flights of Casamigos, Patron, and Herradura will be served along with presentation mats and tasting notes. If you’re not up for that, try a special shot in one of the bar’s renowned hubcap margaritas. We recommend the “Pama Sunset” (Pomegranate liqueur, house tequila, and homemade lime mix), the “Blue Suede Shoes” (El Jimador, Blue Curacao, and homemade lime mix), or the “King” (Don Julio Reposado, Limeade, and Grand Marnier float).

Ouzo Bay: Harbor East’s Mediterranean mainstay is offering a lineup of can’t-miss cocktails for the holiday. Mention this very write-up for $9 drinks like the “Aleppo Pines” made with Patron Roca Silver, yellow chartreuse, retsina reduction, oregano honey, and lemon. Or, head across the street to it’s outdoor sister bar Ouzo Beach for the frozen Pedialyte margarita or a “Paloma Collins” (Patron Roca Silver, pamplemousse, honey, lime, club soda, and salt and a tri-peppercorn rim). All frozen Patron drinks at Ouzo Beach are blended using a stationary bike, so be prepared to bike your own drink if you choose.

Vida Taco Bar: Casamigos is the tequila of choice at this fan-favorite taco joint. Locations in Annapolis, Severna Park, and Harbor Point will serve $10 Casamigos cocktails all day long. Specials include the “Basic” (Casamigos Reposado, Fever-Tree citrus tonic, and fresh lime), the “Mexican Spa Day” (Casamigos Blanco, Fever-Tree cucumber tonic, and fresh mint), and the “Smokey Ginger” (Casamigos Mezcal and Fever-Tree smokey ginger ale).

EAT

April 7: Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar

Jones Fall Expressway, Holliday & Saratoga St. 7 a.m.- 12 p.m. Free

Grab your sun hat and celebrate the return of this 42-year-old Sunday morning ritual with tons of food, games, and a special performance by the BSO OrchKids. Start your day with a stroll beneath the Jones Fall Expressway to sample eats from more than 44 local vendors including Blacksauce Kitchen, Le Monade, and Sporty Dog Creations and stock up on fresh produce from area farms.

DRINK

April 7: Game of Thrones Trivia

El Bufalo Tequila Bar & Kitchen, 2921 O’Donnell St. 1-4 p.m. Free.

Winter may be over, but it’s never too late to flex your Game of Thrones obsession with fellow die-hard fans. Spend your Sunday Funday answering trivia questions about the hit HBO show in preparation for the premiere of its final season on April 14, with plenty of beer buckets and Smirnoff bombs to keep you on your game. Whether you’re a party of two or a group of 8, put your brain power to the test for the chance to win El Bufalo gift cards, free shots, and all the glory.

SEE

April 5: Out of Order

Maryland Art Place, 218 W. Saratoga St. 7-10 p.m. $40-45.

Join Maryland Art Place in celebrating its 22nd annual springtime auction-party that gives regional artists—from students to established professionals—the opportunity to display their work. Take in the floor-to-ceiling display of artworks, and, in between bidding on your favorite pieces, bop along to music by DJ Ridiculous, snap pictures with drag queens Bambi Galore and Whimsy Thrift, and experience a psychic reading by Clairvoyant Lady.

HEAR

April 6: Saturday Morning Tunes

WTMD, 1 Olympic Pl., Towson. 9-11 a.m. Free-$40.

There’s no denying that reggae music is good for the soul, and this weekend, it’ll be good for your ears, too. This Saturday, WTMD will be hosting its first-ever, sensory-friendly Saturday Morning Tunes for families with autistic children. Veteran reggae star Scotty P. of Jah Works will perform acoustic versions of his songs, while little ones can enjoy snacks from Eddie’s of Roland Park, bike rides provided by Race Pace Bicycles, and plenty of dancing.

DO

April 6: Festival for the Animals

Druid Hill Park, 900 Druid Park Lake Dr. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free-$40.

Every pet owner believes that their furry friend deserves the world, and that sentiment is at the heart of this annual festival that supports the Maryland SPCA and its animal rescue, shelter, and aid programs. With your pup in tow, spend the afternoon in Druid Hill Park participating in a walk-a-thon as well as fun-filled contests that benefit this com-paw-ssionate cause.

Between the parades, restaurant specials, and pub crawls in our St. Patrick’s Day Roundup, it might be hard to come out the other end of this weekend without feeling a bit green. If you want to avoid the shamrock-clad crowds, check out these alternative events happening around town.

EAT

March 16: Drag Me To Brunch

El Bufalo Tequila Bar & Kitchen, 2921 O’Donnell St. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $20

We can’t think of a better way to start the St. Patrick’s Day weekend shenanigans than with a good ol’ fashioned drag brunch. After noshing on Tex-Mex brunch dishes like spicy chorizo omelets and breakfast tacos, dance along with local queens like Sarah ‘Nade, Virya Shavasana, and Victoria Bohmore as they sashay around El Bufalo Tequila Bar & Kitchen. With bottomless mimosas, tequila sunrises, and Bloody Marys flowing throughout the show, you’re guaranteed to be dragging your feet once it’s time to go back out to the Canton Square.

DRINK

March 16: Unicorn Farts Release Party

DuClaw Brewing Company, 8901 Yellow Bright Rd. 2-3 p.m. Free.

This weekend marks the release of DuClaw Brewing’s unicorn-themed beer in support of the city’s LGBTQ community, and their team of brewers is kicking off the celebration (literally) with an ode to Baltimore Pride’s annual high-heel race. Venture out to Rosedale to participate in a one-of-a-kind 20-meter dash to honor the brand-new glittery ale, Sour Me Unicorn Farts, and then spend the rest afternoon enjoying live music and eats from local food trucks. Show the crowd of onlookers what stilettos are made for and trade in your sweat for 16 ounces of shimmer at the finish line.

SEE

March 16-April 13: Louie’s Cafe Bookstore Exhibition

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 6-8 p.m. Free.

Before Station North’s worker-owned Red Emma’s Bookstore Coffeehouse, there was Louie’s, a beloved bookstore cafe which was the first of its kind when it opened in 1981. This Charles Street staple served as a hub for Baltimore’s artist community, and now, 20 years after its closing, 25 of Louie’s previously featured artists are hanging their masterpieces on the walls of the Creative Alliance to revive the glory of this cultural epicenter. Whether you’re a former patron or just want to revel in this piece of local history, experience its opening on Saturday night and stick around for eats by James Beard Award-winning chef Spike Gjerde and tunes by Ava Oelke with Swing Theory.

HEAR

March 15: Haint Blue

Metro Gallery, 1700 N. Charles St. 8 p.m. $10.

Heavy thunderstorms are in Friday’s forecast, but don’t let that stop you from jamming out with this righteous Baltimore-based septet during the release party for their first full-length album, Overgrown. Pack the Metro Gallery to hear bold anthems and vulnerable ballads from this rising Americana-folk group as well as sets by local artists Caleb Stine and Cora Sone that will have you rockin’ no matter how loudly the thunder rolls.

DO

March 8: Baltimore Oyster Gardening

Downtown Sailing Center, 1425 Key Hwy. 9-11 a.m. Free.

Who knew mollusks needed gardening? This Saturday, head down to Lighthouse Point to help ensure that the 250,000 oysters planted around the Inner Harbor are living their best lives. Show your appreciation for these Chesapeake Bay VIPs by cleaning out their cages and learning about how important they are to the ecosystem. And though you’re bound to get dirty (RIP to your T-shirt), the day’s work will leave you feeling happy as a clam.

Wake up and smell the hairspray—local drag queens have taken over Baltimore’s brunch scene, and they’re leaving a trail of glitter in their wake. With high-energy performers drawing masses of mimosa-sipping patrons to restaurants such as Minnow, El Bufalo Tequila Bar & Kitchen, and Trinacria Cafe, it’s time for a refresher course on how to act when a queen sashays around your table or challenges you to a twerk-off.

We asked Brooklyn Heights, host and lead performer of Points South Latin Kitchen’s Sunday brunch, to give us the lowdown on drag brunch etiquette.

• Always tip your entertainers! It takes a lot of money to look this fabulous, darling.
• Do not touch, unless given permission.
• Unless you work for Picture People, get off your damn phone!
• The more you drink, the prettier we’ll look.
• If anything we do offends you, you probably don’t belong here, anyway.
• Respect the staff as much as the entertainers. We ALL work hard to please you!
• Make a reservation, confirm your reservation, and show up to your damn reservation.
• Have fun!