Looking for a quick Cinco de Mayo plan around the Topsail area today? This year’s local options are mostly venue-led, with restaurant specials, live music, tacos, margaritas, and a few family-friendly activities rather than one large town-run festival.
Here’s a quick look at what’s happening today, Tuesday, May 5, around Surf City, Hampstead, North Topsail Beach, Wilmington, and Jacksonville.
Closest to Topsail
Eventide – Surf City
Where: 106 N. New River Dr., Suite D, Surf City
When: Starts at 6 p.m.
What to expect: Eventide is turning Taco Tuesday into a Cinco de Mayo stop with complimentary tacos for customers, Mexican beer specials, and live music from Pirate & Pearl.
This is one of the better Surf City options if you’re looking for a casual, adult-leaning night out close to the island. See updates from Eventide – Surf City.
Margaritas Mexican Grill & Cantina – Surf City
Where: 204 N. New River Dr., Surf City
When: Live music listed from 6 to 9 p.m.
What to expect: Margaritas is a natural fit for Cinco de Mayo, with food, margaritas, drink specials, and live music from Surf City Slickers.
This is probably the easiest Surf City pick for families or groups who want a sit-down restaurant option without driving far from the beach.
Shaka Taco Hampstead
Where: 2368 Country Club Dr., Hampstead, at Ironclad Golf & Beer Garden
When: 4 to 8 p.m.
What to expect: Shaka Taco Hampstead has the clearest family-friendly Cinco setup near Topsail, with a Safe Haven of Pender fashion show, piñatas, face painting, a kid zone, and al pastor and birria specials.
If you’re looking for something that works for kids and adults, this is likely the strongest local pick. Check the latest from Shaka Taco.
Beach Bums Pizzeria, Bar & Grill – North Topsail Beach
Where: 4021 Island Dr., North Topsail Beach
When: Venue open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; live music listed from 6 to 9 p.m.
What to expect: Beach Bums is leaning into tacos, margaritas, margarita flights, and live music from Mindplays.
This is the best option for anyone on the north end of the island who wants to stay close to the beach. See updates from Beach Bums.
Nearby Options Worth the Drive
Zócalo Street Food & Tequila – Wilmington
Where: 1474 Barclay Pointe Blvd., Suite 206, Wilmington
When: Starts at 5 p.m.
What to expect: Zócalo is hosting one of the bigger Wilmington Cinco de Mayo parties, with live music and drink specials including house margaritas, Mexican beer, and flavored margaritas.
This is the stronger pick if you’re looking for a more energetic Wilmington night-out option.
Hi-Wire Brewing Wilmington Fundraiser for Feast Down East
Where: 1020 Princess St., Wilmington
When: Fundraiser window listed from 4 to 8 p.m.
What to expect: Hi-Wire Brewing Wilmington is hosting a Cinco de Mayo pint night benefiting Feast Down East, giving the night a local-cause angle for anyone heading into Wilmington.
See the event listing from Feast Down East.
Jacksonville Restaurant Options
For readers closer to Sneads Ferry or willing to head toward Jacksonville, El Cerro Grande is promoting an all-day Cinco de Mayo celebration from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., while Mi Cabaña is wrapping up a multi-day fiesta with May 5 food, drinks, music, and specials beginning at 4 p.m.
Quick Picks
- Best family-friendly local option: Shaka Taco Hampstead
- Best Surf City option: Margaritas or Eventide, depending on the crowd
- Best North Topsail option: Beach Bums
- Best Wilmington nightlife option: Zócalo
- Best fundraiser angle: Hi-Wire Brewing benefiting Feast Down East
As always with local event listings, check the venue’s latest post before heading out, especially if weather, crowds, or staffing changes the plan.
