Fun Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo This Year
Cinco de Mayo is a great time to learn the history of the battle between Mexico and the French and to enjoy the beautiful culture of Mexican people. The first thing you should know, though, is that there are plenty of Mexican people who do not celebrate Cinco de Mayo; for them, it’s just another day.
If you’re looking to stay local (or inside) for this Cinco de Mayo, here are some ways you and your friends could spend time together:
Have a Cinco de Mayo potluck at home with your groups’ favorites
Cook an authentic Mexican recipe
Order your favorite Mexican meal and desserts from a nearby Mexican-owned business
Start practicing your Spanish (like you told everyone you would- don’t worry, I’m guilty too)
Find a cooking class near you
Visit a Mexican or Latinx heritage museum
Learn how to make your own cocktail
Stream Mexican movies and shows on your favorite platforms
But that’s not all! We’ve also compiled a list for our readers who are looking for fun options on Cinco de Mayo. Let us know if you go to a location from our list below!
New York, NY
$30 Entry Fee - Cinco de Mayo Party @ The Skyport Marina - Cabana Yacht
Cinco de Mayo comes around once a year, and what a better way to celebrate than on a cruise down the NYC harbor? Enjoy 2 dance floors and an open deck with music to dance to. Enjoy tacos and tequila next to the Statue of Liberty along with drink specials all evening.
Cinco de Mayo happens only once a year, that's why we're celebrating all weekend long! Come enjoy unique views of the city while you dance along the NYC harbor aboard a luxury yacht. A DJ will be spinning the latest and greatest music and special drinks will be available for purchase. There's nothing better than Tacos & Tequila right by the Statue of Liberty!
$11 Entry Fee - Official New York City Bar Crawl @ Bar None + Various Venues
It's Cinco de Mayo in the big NYC! New York City is ready for all of its fellow bar crawlers to take on this amazing event on Cinco de Mayo! New York City Cinco de Mayo is one of the best times to party! Party at all of the best bars NYC has to offer with one ticket! The energy New York City brings to the table on Cinco de Mayo is unmatched!
$15 Entry Fee - Cinco de Mayo Fiesta/Game Night @ Pacific BK
Experience a variety of games such as jenga, connect four, giant uno, chess, checkers, twister, beer pong and more. If you do not like having fun, please stay home. Game night will be hosted by: DeeStayFresh.
Philadelphia, PA / South Jersey / Delaware
Free Entry - Cinco de Mayo at Sor Ynez
Join Sor Ynez for their Cinco de Mayo celebration from 4–9pm, sponsored by 1800 Tequila! Enjoy live music, food and drink specials, and snow cones - both boozy and non-alcoholic. Jazz music with Larry Toft from 5–6pm, followed by a set by DJ XTINA from 6–9pm.
From May 1 at 3pm to May 8 at 7pm, celebrate Cinco de Mayo all week in Flemington, NJ, with Mexican food, drink, and Cinco de Mayo-themed events throughout Flemington’s restaurants and markets. Don’t miss the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta – returning to 14 Turntable Junction on Saturday, May 7 from 3 to 7pm. The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta will feature great Mexican food, live mariachi bands, craft beer and sangria, Latino artisans, and kids’ activities. This event benefits the United Way of Hunterdon County. Free admission, bring cash for food, drinks & fun!
Let loose and vibe out to a blend of Afro and Latin beats. Enjoy the live drums, and fashionable attendees with happy hour-priced drinks and bites!
D.C., Maryland
Join Flash for their 4th Annual Cinco De Mayo party- a rooftop party for music lovers, dancing and good vibes. Join the JBC Events team and cheers to DC getting back to the city that we know and love with good music, a dance floor and a gorgeous sunset on Flash's rooftop.
Mix and mingle with other young black professionals during this Cinco de Mayo Happy Hour!
FREE Entry - Cinco de Mayo @ Paraíso
This year's Cinco de Mayo celebrations will include a live Mariachi band, margarita bar, authentic Mexican dishes, and of course no celebration without mezcal and tequila. Take a look at their Pre Fixe menu for some great options!
Chicago, IL
The Cinco de Mayo parade is the biggest highlight of the holiday as thousands of Chicagoans come to watch and participate. The annual procession starts at the intersection of Cermak Road and Wood Street at noon and goes west through Cermak to Marshall Boulevard. After the parade, there is an annual festival at Douglas Park featuring live music, delicious Mexican food and beverages, a carnival, and vendors selling Mexican souvenirs and crafts.
Free Entry - Celebrate Cinco de Mayo @ The Market
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Time Out Market Chicago! We will be featuring Don Julio specials, a build your own Margarita Bar, entertainment and more!
$42/per person - Neon Cacti Paint & Sip
No art experience is necessary. We provide all supplies and instructions. Our artist will walk you through this painting step-by-step. At the end of the experience, you will take home your very own completed custom work of art and an awesome memory!
Texas
Bring your family and friends out for live performances, food trucks, and fun family activities. Stay for the car show and the salsa cook off!
This year's festival will feature traditional dances (Flamenco, Mayan, even dancing horses), live music, family games and more! Come to play games, shop and enjoy the festivities.
This family-friendly event will have live bands, dancing, contests, delicious food, and more to celebrate the Hispanic community. Stop by different vendors and businesses to take some great souvenirs home with you!
Denver, CO
Free Entry - The Denver Cinco de Mayo
Head to the Denver Civic Center Park for a full day dedicated to Mexican culture. Enjoy the live music, great food, and fun activities planned for the community.
Prepare for the Cinco de Mayo Weekend Pub Crawl in Denver on Thursday, May 5th, 2022! Come on down to Denver's hottest bars for the best bar crawl! While going from bar to bar with all of your friends and many other fellow bar crawlers, enjoy the best food and drink specials! The fiesta will begin at 4 pm and will last until late at night! Get your Cinco de Mayo Weekend pub crawl tickets early because prices are expected to rise.
This year's Cinco De Mayo celebration will be the 19th Annual Longmont Celebrates Cinco de Mayo at Roosevelt Park! Longmont Celebrates Cinco de Mayo is an event that celebrates culture and honors the health of the Longmont community. Come enjoy the food, shopping, live entertainment, car show, break dance competition, and free family activities.
California
$25/ per person - Salsa & Merengue Class @ Arthur Murray Dance Studio- Millbrae
Learn the basic skills of salsa and merengue. Then stay for the Latin dance party! All skill levels are welcome.
Free Entry - Cinco de Mayo Festival @ Grape Day Park (on May 8th)
Invite your faves to a free festival with dancing, awesome entertainment, and great food!
Celebrate the Hispanic culture and join us for an afternoon of live entertainment, delicious food, face painting, activities for the children, and fun with family, friends, and neighbors! Be sure to buy your $15 pre-sale activity wristband in advance. Wristband activities include: carnival games, the petting zoo, pony rides, a giant slide, and inflatable games.