Finding good Mexican grub in this town is no problem; we could celebrate Cinco de Mayo once a week if pressed. But if you’re looking to do justice to this weekend’s other big almost-holiday, the Kentucky Derby, that’s a little more of a head scratcher. Here are three ways to indulge in the Southern spirit of the Run for the Roses, no big fancy hats required.

The go-to beverage of Cinco de Mayo is now available in dessert form. Margarita cupcakes are the latest offering from Scottsdale cupcake shop Sprinkles. The tangy little number with key lime-tequila cake capped by key lime frosting and sprinkled with salt is available May 3-5 at the bakery, 4501 N. Scottsdale Road.

There are restaurants that slash prices on margaritas or invite a mariachi band for Cinco de Mayo - and then there are restaurants that go a little nuts.

Trumpeter/bandleader Doc Severinsen can still hit the notes, and it's not something he ever takes for granted. He always warms up.

On May 5, 1862, a rag-tag force of vastly outnumbered Mexican soldiers held off well-provisioned French troops backed by heavy artillery in a battle to defend Mexican sovereignty.

In my 55-plus years as a native of Arizona, our state has always been pragmatically independent and conservative. Only lately has the pragmatism been replaced by dogmatic ideology. This ideology has become more hostile and prominent recently and unfortunately was brought to the forefront immediately before the Holy Days leading up to Easter. It is unfortunate that the vitriolic speak that Maricopa County GOP Chairman Mr. LaFaro chose when speaking at a legislative committee was to compare our governor with Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. It is my opinion that supporting Medicaid expansion to 133 percent of the Federal Poverty Level does not amount to equating Gov. Brewer to Judas.

This weekend marks Josh Mendoza’s first time to have a film screening at the Phoenix Film Festival, but there’s a hunch that this is just the start for the Ahwatukee Foothills native.

Using nothing more than the soot from a wood burning stove mixed with his own saliva, deaf artist James Castle used this homemade ink to communicate with the world.

Phoenix Film Festival: This annual week-long festival draws over 20,000 movie buffs and includes new shorts and feature films alongside fan favorites.

A Mesa restaurant is hoping to offer connoisseurs of Mexican food and drink a not so party-hardy way to ring in Cinco de Mayo.

Sure, you know to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, but how well-versed are you in the history and culture of Ireland?

The Musical Instrument Museum invites you to enjoy a selection of internationally inspired hors d’oeuvres and beverages while The Sugar Thieves, pictured, and the Savoy Hop Cats perform live music and local artists paint pictures before your eyes. Each ticket includes a complimentary beverage and access to a cash bar. The museum galleries will be open.

Chinese New Year is the sort of new year celebration I love.

Allow me to confess right at the start — this is not your grandfather’s Reuben sandwich.

A look at key Mesa facts and figures

A look at key Chandler facts and figures

It sounds like an unfolding epidemic: A decade ago, virtually no one in the U.S. seemed to have a problem eating gluten in bread and other foods. Now, millions do.

From the MIM: Due to unforeseen circumstances, this week's performance by the Leipzig Quartet has been postponed until March 6, 2013. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you have questions, please contact MIM Guest Service at (480) 478-6000 or guestservice@theMIM.org.

The Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Program at Mayo Clinic and Phoenix Children’s Hospital will host the National Marrow Donor Program’s Be The Match: MARROWTHON Donor Recruitment Campaign on July 9 at two Valley locations.

Some noteworthy instruments from jazz history have found their way to the desert.