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).

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