Pack your weekend with all things caliente!

First, Friday or Saturday, head to St. Paul’s District del Sol for the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, the annual celebration of Mexican heritage. Activities include a parade, lowrider car show, performances, music, and food.

While you are in District del Sol, visit Don Pancho’s Bakery. Owner Efrain Perez is featured in the new book Minnesota Lunch, edited by James Norton of The Heavy Table blog, in a chapter titled “The Mexican Torta” by Susan Pagani: “If you go in the early morning, Don Pancho’s is steamy with the smell of fresh baked goods, yeasty and sweet. Racks of croissants–chocolate, jalapeno, feta!–fill proofing racks set at the center of the shop, which is lined with cases of doughnuts, cakes, pastry, and cookies. And, of course, the breads used to make tortas: bolillo and telera.”

To learn more about Minnesota’s Mexican community and history, check out Mexicans in Minnesota and Latino Minnesota.

Heat up your Saturday night at the Artists’ Quarter for a book talk and signing with Jay Goetting and Leigh Kamman for Jay’s new book, Joined at the Hip: A History of Jazz in the Twin Cities from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. Then stay at the club for a performance by Atlantis Quartet.

And finally, add a little spice to Mother’s Day by bringing Mom to the Minnesota History Center’s exhibit Underwear: A Brief History. (Exhibit opens Saturday, May 7, but on Mother’s Day, May 8, admission for moms is FREE!)