From NYC to LA: Best Cinco de Mayo Events

A celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, Cinco de Mayo is largely popular in the United States. Areas such as California, Texas, New York, along with a few others, tend to extend the celebration to a full three days, and with Cinco de Mayo falling on a Sunday this year, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. If you happen to be in one of these areas, join in the fun and take part in these many festivities. Here’s the definitive list:

CALIFORNIA

The Ninth Annual San Francisco’s Cinco de Mayo Festival

Presented by the Mission Neighborhood Center of San Francisco, the ninth annual San Francisco Cinco de Mayo Festival kicks off the day with a Latin inspired Zumba-thon at 10:00 am. Then, enjoy dancing and traditional Mexican music from noon until 5PM featuring ballet folklore ensembles, mariachi bands, as well as Edgardo & Candela and many more talented musicians. 

The Santa Barbara Cinco de Mayo Festival

The ever-popular Santa Barbara Cinco de Mayo Festival celebrates the day with food, live music and dancing. Join the masses in De La Guerra Plaza. 

Waxing Poetic Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Looking for a low-key way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Visit the Waxing Poetic Jewelry Boutique and join in free, family-friendly fun. Browse the charms and jewelry on display while listening to festive mariachi music, sipping non-alcoholic margaritas and enjoying Mexican treats. The fun begins at noon and the event is free. 

Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo

If you are in the San Diego from May 4-5, come celebrate the 30^th annual Old Town Cinco de Mayo Festival. Admission is free and has a variety of activities for guests to enjoy including tequila samplings, marketplace and specialty shops, as well as food and live mariachi music and dancing.  Guests are encouraged to explore the village, taking in the sites, culture and history of Mexico for themselves. Various restaurants in the area will be participating in special food and drink menus as well. 

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TEXAS

Viva! Cino de Mayo

Located in the Hays County Civic Center, the Viva! Cinco de Mayo Festival in San Marco, Texas will last for three days this year. From May 3-5, beginning at 7:00 pm., guests can enjoy a full menu cook-off, Little Miss and Miss Cinco de Mayo pageant, live music and dancers, as well as a celebration parade in the downtown area. For more information on this event, please call (405) 124-1353.

Lupe Tortilla

The crew at Lupe Tortilla loves Cinco de Mayo so much, not only do they have a countdown on their homepage, they also have several special offers for the day. For only $17.95, there’s all you can eat fajitas and a live music jam. Tickets are still available but limited. 

CHICAGO

The Cinco de Mayo Festival Parade

The Cinco de Mayo Festival Parade in Chicago is the city’s largest parade celebration, dedicated to Mexican culture in the forms of food and music. From May 3-5, come free of charge and attend along with thousands of others and celebrate Mexican heritage. For more info on Cindo de Mayo happenings in Chicago, click here. 

Mercadito

If you are planning your own Cinco de Mayo party but aren’t sure how to execute it, stop by Patricio Sandoval’s restaurant, Mercadito. For $65 per guest, Chef Sandoval will show how to plan your own fiesta, with a Latin inspired menu and cooking demo. All demos begin at 6:30 pm and a reservation is required. For more information, please call (312) 329-9555.

WASHINGTON D.C.

Cinco de Mayo Festival 2013 Hosted by Maru Montero

If you are in Washington D.C., and in the mood for dancing, visit the annual National Cinco de Mayo Festival on the National Mall. Free of charge, and guests can enjoy everything from live music and dance to arts and crafts workshops to food and games for the entire family. The Maru Montero Dance Company hosts the festival, which runs from Sunday, May 5 from 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM. 

NEW YORK

Cinco de Mayo Mex Fest

Presented by iAdventure.com, this year’s Mex Fest promises to be more fun than the last. On Sunday, May 5 from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm, participate in all day margarita drinking, food, and games like jalapeño eating contests. A DJ will be playing live music throughout the day as you travel from food truck to food truck to fill your stomach with tasty Mexican treats. In order to attend, a ticket must be purchased for this event. General admission is $25.

New York Cinco de Mayo Pub-Crawl

Beginning on Friday, May 3, you can join in a Happy Hour pub crawl, with drink specials starting at $2 for select domestic draft beers, $4 ,argaritas and/or tequila shots and other choices as well. If you’re one to party, it might be best to purchase the three day all access pass for $10, which allows you a spot on all three pub-crawls. You can also purchase a variety of items including t-shirts, sombreros, and mustaches online. Registration venues, ticket prices and starting times/points vary with each location.

Cinco de Mayo Parade

Join in on the all-day celebration marching up and down Central Park West. The Cinco de Mayo parade celebrates Mexican music, dancing, history and culture with a multitude of talented performers. The event has been known to attract a fair amount of celebrities including Latin American actors, athletes and musicians. 

Maya

Looking for authentic Mexican cuisine to fill your tummy? Look no further than Maya. Chef Richard Sandoval offers menu specials all day including a Cinco de Mayo “Bottomless Brunch.” For $35, you’ll get unlimited small plates to munch on and endless brunch cocktails to sip on. Brunch runs from 10:30 am until 3 pm. 

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PHILADELPHIA

El Rey

Philadelphia is not without its share of Mexican cooking. Stop by El Rey for a special Cinco de Mayo menu, courtesy of  Mexican chef Dionicio Jimenez. The menu features a plentiful variety of nachos, tacos, and enchiladas starting at only $3, with the highest menu item priced at $12. This menu is available from May 4 through May 5. 

Distrito

Still hungry? Down the street you will find Jose Garces’ restarant, Distrito. Another Latin gem, Distrito offers it’s “Cinco por Cinco” on Cinco de Mayo, during brunch hours (11:00 am – 2:30 pm). During this special, guests can enjoy chilaquiles, huevos y jamon, or the classic favorite choriqueso made with chorizo. You’ll want to stick around for “Beats and Street Eats” from 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, where you can enjoy $5 margaritas and $3-$4 draft beers including Corona Light and Dos Equis. Guests can munch on tacos, nachos and a variety of other items reasonably priced from $5-$7. There will also be a live DJ playing music beginning at 2:00 pm.