All events take place next Wednesday and are open to all ages.

Commemorating the 1862 victory of an outnumbered Mexican army over the French who had come to conquer them, Cinco de Mayo celebrations reverberate across Orange County. Spice up your day when you check out some of these festivities:


• A Cinco de Mayo Celebration at the Pretend City Children’s Museum lets youngsters make mini Mexican flags and maracas and then get into the spirit of the day as they learn the Mexican Hat Dance and the Jalapeno Hop. Visitors also enjoy stories that teach about Mexican customs and traditions. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 5.
Event admission (includes museum entry): $10. ($2 kids up to 12 months.) 29 Hubble, Irvine. 949-428-3900. www.pretendcity.org


• Lace up your sneakers and participate in the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation’s Cinco de Mayo Half Marathon/10K/5K Run and Walk starting at the Irvine Spectrum. Participants jog or walk along tree-lined trails, then enjoy an Expo filled with live mariachis, offerings from an interactive video game truck, a rock climbing wall, train rides, clowns, refreshments and more. 5:30 to 11:30 a.m. May 2.
Half Marathon: $75; 10K/5K Run: $40; 5K Walk: $35; 1K Kids’ Walk: $20. 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine. 949-859-6312. www.pcrf-kids.org


• Mouth-watering authentic Mexican food and live mariachi music transport visitors south of the border when they enjoy a Cinco de Mayo Celebration at O’Neill’s Bar and Grill at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club. 4 to 9 p.m. May 5.
Prices vary. Reservations recommended. 26772 Avery Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949-305-5100. www.arroyotrabuco.com


• Join in Orange County’s largest Cinco de Mayo Celebration when you make the trek to downtown Santa Ana where festivities include live entertainment, carnival rides, games, vendor booths and authentic Mexican food. Noon to 10 p.m. May 1; noon to 9 p.m. May 2.
Free admission. Historic Fourth and Fifth streets, Santa Ana. 714-843-6080. www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us


• Savor signature Partida Tequila cocktails and appetizers and rock out to live music during a Cinco de Mayo Celebration on the vineyard patio at the Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar. Afterwards, enjoy dinner in the dining room. (Reservations recommended.) Cinco de Mayo celebration: 6:30 p.m. May 5. $40 (plus tax) per person.
Dinner: prices vary. 2647 Park Ave., Tustin. 714-258-7600. www.thewineryrestaurant.net


• Mariachis, Aztec dancers, Ballet Folkloric, ballad singers and live bands get visitors into a festive mood during the 20th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival at Max Berg Plaza Park. Participants also enjoy children’s games and crafts, a Salsa Showdown, a colorful student Art Contest and more. Noon to 6 p.m. May 8.
Free admission. 1100 Calle Puente, San Clemente. 949-361-8264. www.san-clemente.org