Business Beat: Here’s where you can hang out for Cinco de Mayo, Star Wars Day

The first week in May is ripe with holidays for those looking to get out of the house and celebrate something: there’s Cinco de Mayo, Star Wars Day, German Mai Fest and the Kentucky Derby. And, lucky for Long Beach, there are plenty of local businesses and groups offering events, food and drinks to celebrate.

Here is a sampling:

Mai Fest

This weekend, Rasselbock German Kitchen and Beer Garden will celebrate the German holiday Mai Fest,” which marks the official arrival of spring.

The celebration, on Saturday and Sunday, May 4-5, will feature live music, food specials and a very-limited amount of original Hofbrau Maibock specialty beer.

Rasselbock German Kitchen and Beer Garden is located at 4020 Atlantic Ave.

Cinco De Mayo

It’s a “fiesta de dos por uno” — or a two-for-one party — at Fuego in Hotel Maya, beginning with brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 5, followed by dinner at 5 p.m. Both will be accompanied by live entertainment, with the Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea, the official mariachi band of Disneyland, performing from noon to 3 p.m. and a DJ performing from 5 to 9 p.m.

The Latin-infused Fuego restaurant will set the holiday mood with a decorated “Cinco de Maya Cabana” for up to 15 guests, which is available by reservation until May 15. Reservations are suggested for Fuego’s Cinco de Mayo fiesta and semi-private “Cinco de Maya Cabana.”

Belmont Height’s Panxa Cocina, meanwhile, will have a special Cinco de Mayo brunch fiesta. The celebration will feature specials on tequila and taco plates, with a live DJ from noon to 3 p.m. Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

You can pregame the holiday on Friday, May 3, on board the Queen Mary for “Margaritas on the Mary” from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will feature margaritas and $3 tacos, with music by The Banana Bunch, led by Christian Beana and David Beery, who play live music on steel drums and hand pans.

The Bixby Knolls Business Association’s “First Fridays” will have a Cinco de Mayo theme with festivities, Mexican delicacies, refreshing micheladas, music, entertainment and an artist showcase. The event is slated to take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 3. For details, check out instagram.com/bixbyknolls.

Star Wars Day

May the 4th be with you: “Star Wars” fans love Saturday’s date. Don your Stormtrooper, Princess Leia or Luke Skywalker costume and get ready for cosmic celebrations.

Families can celebrate the Star Wars franchise at the Billie Jean King Main Library from 1 to 3p.m. Saturday, May 4. Participants can make light saber crafts, watch a “Star Wars” film and participate in other fun activities in celebration of Star Wars Day. Guests are welcome to dress as their favorite “Star Wars” character to help get into the spirit. Registration is not required.

“Disco Death Star” will take place on Saturday, from 8 p.m. to midnight, at Alter Society on Pine Avenue, in downtown, and will offer a “May the 4th” dance party.

Channel your inner disco diva or unleash the force as your favorite “Star Wars” character because that night, the dance floor will transcend galaxies. Sip on cocktails that pay homage to both iconic realms, from the sparkling “Tatooine Twist” to the electrifying “Disco Death Star.”

Long Beach Beer Lab will host a “Star Wars” marathon and pairing flights adventure, with specially crafted “Star Wars”-themed beers and pastries, from Friday to Sunday.

On Saturday, there will be a costume contest at both locations. There will also be “Star Wars” trivia, kicking off at 2 p.m. at Wrigley Beer Lab.

And with a blend of both Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Long Beach Beer Lab – Wrigley will host “Cinco de Star Wars Cantina” with a DJ from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Kentucky Derby

Sunday is the 150th-running of the Kentucky Derby.

Mint Juleps, the traditional drink of the Derby, will be served locally at The Attic on Broadway. Belmont Shore’s Saint and Second will feature a Thin Mint Julep, which will include a bit of chocolate — almost like the Girl Scout cookies of the same name — and Fourth Street’s Stache Bar will also serve a classic version.