Cinco de Mayo is tomorrow (Tuesday), bringing an outdoor taco bar and dancing to Shirlington and specials at several Arlington restaurants.
Guapo’s Restaurant is hosting its yearly Cinco de Mayo party from 2-11 p.m. at 4028 Campbell Avenue, prompting a road closure on eastbound Campbell Avenue between S. Randolph Street and S. Quincy streets.
The celebration’s lineup of live music includes DJ Manny from 2-4 p.m., followed by Grupo Sector L. Attendees can expect an outdoor taquiza, or taco bar, and Cinco de Mayo-themed gift shop. Options will include $7 tacos and Corazón tequila shots, $20 large margaritas and $8 beers.
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TRAFFIC ALERT ⚠️ : ACPD will conduct road closures on Tuesday, May 5 to accommodate the 2026 Cinco de Mayo Festival. DETAILS: https://t.co/JoJpr1EkHz pic.twitter.com/dbWQrpkJMd
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) April 28, 2026
Free Lyft rides totaling up to $15 will also be available beginning at 4 p.m. tomorrow and lasting until 4 a.m. the following morning, courtesy of the regional SoberRide initiative.
Elsewhere in Arlington, several celebrations are planned to observe the holiday, which commemorates Mexico’s 1862 victory over French forces in the Battle of Puebla.
In Rosslyn, Lili’s will serve limited-edition soft serve margaritas at the Upside on Moore food hall while Inca Social will offer $6 margaritas and $3 tacos all day tomorrow.
The Columbia Pike Partnership will host a Cinco de Mayo happy hour this Thursday at Los Chamacos (922 S. Walter Reed Drive), while Punch Bowl Social in Ballston will be offering specials and live music this week.
More information on Shirlington road closures from an ACPD press release is available, below.
As Cinco de Mayo approaches, the Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) encourages community members to celebrate responsibly while honoring the holiday’s rich history and cultural significance. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States in 2024 involved impaired drivers—an important reminder as communities mark holidays, like Cinco de Mayo, where alcohol consumption may be more common.
On Tuesday, May 5, ACPD will implement a road closure in Shirlington to accommodate Guapo’s 2026 Cinco de Mayo Festival. During the closure, ACPD’s Business Outreach Unit will also host a SoberRide event, encouraging attendees to plan ahead and make safe transportation choices throughout the celebration.
The following road will be closed from approximately 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.:
EB Campbell Avenue, between S. Randolph Street and S. Quincy Street
SoberRide Event Information
As part of the Department’s anti-drunk driving educational efforts, ACPD is hosting an interactive event highlighting the impacts alcohol has on motor skills — because even one drink is one too many to get behind the wheel. This event is free and open to the public.
TIME: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Outside Guapo’s Cocina & Bar, 4028 Campbell Avenue
SoberRide® Program
The Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) will be offering FREE Lyft rides (up to $15) through their 2026 Cinco De Mayo SoberRide® program from 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5 until 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. For additional information on WRAP’s program to ensure area residents have a safe way home on high-risk holidays, visit their website.
Additional Information
Community members should expect to see an increased police presence in the area, and motorists are urged to follow law enforcement direction, be mindful of closures, and remain alert for increased pedestrian traffic. Additional closures not mentioned above may be implemented at police discretion in the interest of public safety.
Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “No Parking” signs. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. If your vehicle is towed, please use the online portal to find out the status of your vehicle and where it is located. The online portal is updated in real time. If you cannot locate your vehicle or need additional support using the online portal, call the County non-emergency number at 703-558-2222.
