Furry fiesta-goers in McLean, VA, can “pawty” at Shipgarten’s Cinco de Mayo Night Party on May 3, 2025. Pet lovers can bring their dogs for a night of festive food (Pup Cups and Kongs filled with peanut butter, anyone?), drinks, live music, games with “pawsome” prizes, and off-leash fun in Shipgarten’s dog park. A photo booth will be onsite to take themed photos, so come dressed in your Cinco de Mayo best. The party will take place from 5 until 7:30 p.m.

If you’re not in the McLean area, check out other dog-friendly celebrations like the Cinco de Mayo Night Market on May 3, 2025, in Orlando, FL, or Cafe du Paws Cinco de Mayo on May 4, 2025, in Washington, DC where Fido can have fun with themed activities and grub.

Plan a visit to your favorite local dog-friendly Mexican restaurant. Sip on a concoction from the tequila bar while overlooking the water at Javelina Cantina in Lake Havasu City, AZ, munch on the Perfect Quesadilla at Diego’s in Newport, RI, or order a special meal for Fido from the doggie menu at Zorro’s Cafe and Cantina in Pismo Beach, CA. If you do plan to head to a Mexican restaurant on Cinco de Mayo, call ahead to ensure your pup is welcome at any special events they may be hosting.

Ready to plan a getaway south of the border with your pooch? These pet-friendly hotels in Mexico will welcome your dog with open arms:

• Near Cancun along Mexico’s beautiful Riviera Maya, Dreams Jade Resort & Spa - All-Inclusive offers dog-friendly accommodations in select room categories. Dogs are given beds, bowls, and waste bags to use during their stay, and there’s a small off-leash dog area on the property.

• In the capital of Jalisco, The Westin Guadalajara welcomes dogs with plush Heavenly dog beds and bowls for use during your stay, and there is a grassy pet relief area onsite.

• The stunning One&Only Palmilla Los Cabos on Mexico’s Pacific Coast welcomes cats or dogs. Pet beds, toys, and dishes are provided for your furry friends.

Can you really have a Cinco de Mayo party without tacos? If you don’t feel like going out, set up a taco bar for family and friends with yummy fillings, toppings and salsas. Group all the pup-friendly ingredients together or mark them with a cute sticker or card.

Use flour or corn tortillas (which are okay for Fido to eat occasionally) as your base. Fill the tacos with low-fat ground beef, turkey or chicken - just don’t go crazy with the seasonings. Other pooch-friendly proteins include grilled chicken, lean steak, eggs, bacon, shrimp and cod. You can also include veggies like lettuce, cabbage, sweet potatoes and cilantro, and other toppings like cheese and plain Greek yogurt. Keep Fido away from the guacamole and salsa. These contain avocados, tomatoes, onion, garlic and spicy peppers, which are toxic for dogs.

This simple “Bark-aritas” recipe will help your pooch wash down his tacos with a refreshing frozen concoction. It's non-alcoholic and doesn’t include limes, which are too acidic for Fido’s tummy.

Ingredients

* Chicken broth

* Ice cubes

* Cucumber slices

Add chicken broth and ice cubes into a blender and blend until smooth. You can also make this “on the rocks” by placing ice cubes into the chicken broth. Serve immediately in a dog bowl or a paper cup garnished with a slice of cucumber.

Check out BringFido’s Ruff Guide Store for several festive toys that Fido will go crazy over! If your pooch has a sweet tooth, the Churros Dog Toy’s fun, interactive squeaker is sure to hit the spot. When it’s time to turn it up, the Tequila Shots Dog Toys and Fido Loco Tequila Dog Toy will fit the bill. And, this Piñata Dog Toy is “pawfect” for a real party animal!

Everyone loves a piñata at a Cinco de Mayo party. Purchase a bone-shaped one and fill it with dog treats and toys. Even though Fido can’t take a whack at it himself, he’ll reap the rewards once it’s cracked open.

Your party animal will feel festive at any Cinco de Mayo function wearing this serape and sombrero, but he’ll look muy caliente in the colorful Frisco Summer Tropical Wave Stripe Dog & Cat T-Shirt. If he needs something with a little more give before he eats, let Fido show his love for everyone’s favorite Mexican treat with this adorable taco costume.