We’ve had plenty of April showers, but now that it’s May, we have Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day to look forward to.

Even if you aren’t of Mexican descent or a student of its history and culture, there’s plenty music and food to enjoy locally. 

Cuisine and music will be popular on Friday, May 5, as Dos Margaritas, 4230 N. Clinton St., will have Joe Five performing at 6 p.m.

Over at Mitchell’s Sports & Neighborhood Grill, 6115 W. Jefferson Blvd., Paradise will take the stage. Meanwhile, next door in their country hangout, Knockin’ Boots presents Jai Baker. 

Union Street Market at Electric Works gets festivities going at noon with Memorial Park Middle School’s junior mariachi band. Amaneceres de Mexico Dance is at 6 p.m. and J. Tubbs will have live music at 6:30 p.m. 

The food court will remain open until 9 p.m. and will be open to all ages with food and drink specials all day.

In Roanoke, Monte Cristo Wine Bar, 142 N. Main St., will offer a full evening of food and fun, as Justin Bailey will perform at 7 p.m.

Don’t forget about Mom on May 14

None of you would forget Mother’s Day, right? We didn’t (this year). 

There are dozens of restaurants, about 50 locally, that will meet just about any taste and budget, from Coney dogs and ice cream to pizza and steak with many offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. With the explosion of new restaurants, this is a good chance to sample some new options and old favorites. 

The showcase stretches to include Broadway, Main, and Wells streets. 

While you are grabbing a bite, don’t forget to check out Fort Wayne in Bloom. The downtown event will have trolleys that will take you to 12 stops in the thick of the activity that will get you around with ease.

Over at Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, treat Mom to brunch and a day at checking out all the animals on Saturday, May 13, and Sunday, May 14. 

The brunch is from 10 a.m.-noon. Adults are $22, kids are $11, and children 2 and younger are free. Zoo admission is not included with the brunch. 

If they zoo isn’t your thing but brunch is, swing on over to Chop’s Steaks and Seafood, 6421 W. Jefferson Blvd. Reservations are required; call (260) 436-9115. 

The menu includes prime rib, Bloody Marys, mimosas, and breakfast favorites including biscuits and gravy, bacon, ham, and sausage. Dinner is available from 3-7:30 p.m. for $29.99, $9.95 for children age 10 and younger. 

Another brunch option is at Coyote Creek Bar and Grill, 4935 Hillegas Road, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with bow-tie pasta, omelet and carving stations, pastries and desserts. 

Adults meals are $24.95 and children 10 and younger are $12.95. To make a reservation call (260) 234-3745.

Off the Eaten Path is the Whatzup weekly column that covers Northeast Indiana’s restaurant and food news. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.