Cinco de Mayo is widely touted as a Mexican festival celebrating heritage, culture and the arts.

It's also a close second to Saint Patrick's day when it comes to holidays most likely to be exploited via misappropriated cultural tropes and binge drinking. That aside, we're all looking for a reason to party at some point, and if you're looking for excuses to imbibe freaky amounts of tequila, this one's for you. Here's some funky pseudo-Mexican shiznit happening in Toronto this Cinco de Mayo.

RESTAURANTS & BARS TO HAVE ON YOUR RADAR

• The Best Mexican Restaurants in Toronto
• The Best Margaritas in Toronto

EVENTS

Cinco de Mayo at Steam Whistle
This event is happening on Friday as opposed to Cinco de Mayo proper, and it offers a side of altruism with your tequila. All proceeds of this early celebration will go to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation's Ride to Conquer Cancer. Tickets are $10. Drink, be merry, and help people!

Cinco De Mayo: Drake's day of ÂĄOlĂŠ!
It appears that the Drake is going buck wild this Sunday. They're putting on all-day dance party on the roof, complete with DJ. A special Cinco de Mayo menu will be instated also, including the requisite cheap tacos and tequila.

Cinco de Mayo at the Monarch Tavern
If you live in the College or Dundas area, you might want to check out the Monarch. There'll be specials on food and margs all day, and there are a ton of beers on tap in case you want to expand beyond Corona and Dos Equis.

Cinco de Mayo Brewmaster Dinner
Mill Street's own brewmaster, Joel Manning, is getting the party started super early on Thursday, May 2. He's got five courses planned along with beer pairings. There are still limited spots available, but get em fast if you plan to hit this up tonight.

Cinco de Mayo at Kid Icarus
If you've got an interest in Mexican culture that runs beyond your interest in margaritas, you might want to pop by Kid Icarus in Kensington and check out their Mexican-themed screen print show. It appears the owners just spent a couple of weeks in Mexico City, and came home inspired. Original works and limited edition prints are on display in the shop on Saturday and Sunday.

Photo via Playa Cabana