Cheers to Cinco de Mayo Cinco de Mayo has become a lot like St. Patrick's Day -- for many people, it's just another excuse to party. If that's the case, here are a few suggestions. The large Latino club Nuevo Rodeo is hosting a street festival all day Saturday, featuring national performers and a low-rider show. The party will head into the club at 9 p.m. (noon-9 p.m. Sun. 2709 E. Lake St., Mpls. 612-728-0101. www.elnuevorodeo.com). Bar Abilene is offering five days of drink specials (starting today), which it's calling "Cinco de Cinco." Each day you can get a specialty 16-ounce margarita for $5. Call the bar for more details (today-Tue. 1300 Lagoon Av. S., Mpls. 612-825-2525. www.barabilene.com). If you really want to get your drink on, check out "Cinco de Drinko" at the downtown Drink. The party bar is offering $1 Coronas, Dos Equis and Jose Cuervo shots until 11 p.m., and $2.50 you-call-its afterward (9 p.m. Tue. 26 N. 5th St., Mpls. 612-659-9000).

Derby day

Fans of the Kentucky Derby should head to Brit's Pub on Saturday. The derby will be screened live in the bar's Long Room. They'll be serving the derby's traditional drink -- mint juleps. Since it's the race of all races, formal attire is encouraged. (3 p.m. Sat. 1110 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. Free. 612-332-3908. www.britspub.com)

TOM HORGEN