Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of the outnumbered Mexican army over French forces, providing the momentum and national confidence for the Mexican people to drive the foreign power from their country. Today, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the tradition of freedom and acknowledges the beauty of Latino culture.
Denver's Cinco de Mayo "Celebrate Culture" Festival has been a Mile High tradition for more than three decades! Three stages will provide live entertainment from morning until evening, featuring mariachi, salsa, norteño and many other genres of Latino music and dance.
Other events during the festival include the annual Cinco de Mayo Community Parade on Saturday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to noon, a taco-eating contest (Sunday, May 5, at 2 p.m.), lowrider car shows (Saturday and Sunday) and the famous Chihuahua race (Saturday, May 4, at 12 noon)!
As you stroll through Civic Center Park, check out vendors displaying Mexican folk art and handcrafted goods.
Food is a big part of Cinco de Mayo, and there will be plenty of it at the festival. Hundreds of vendors will be serving up tacos, enchiladas, burritos and more of the best Colorado Mexican cuisine. Green chile is a Denver culinary staple, so expect these offerings to be the best of the best.
For more information, see the event's website.
Other Events
WHEN: May 3, 2024
WHERE: Museo de las Americas
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Museo de las Americas with free admission all day long! Check out their current exhibition, Espíritu Hermosx, and enjoy an exciting evening filled with culture, dance and delicious food. Watch a captivating presentation by Ballet Folklórico Sangre de México while savoring tasty delights from Tia Sopapilla and sipping on refreshing beverages.
WHEN: May 3, 2024
WHERE: Spangalang Brewery
Secure your spot for a night of jazz magic! Reserve a table now at Spangalang Brewery's Cinco de Mayo Jazz Jam featuring Mistura Fina.
WHEN: May 3, 2024
WHERE: The Source Hotel
Head to The Source for a First Friday Pop-Up Art Gallery, a curated celebration featuring Denver-based fine artists Lyndy Bush, Amber Faye Art and The Source's own VelArt. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo weekend with festive live Spanish Guitar by Dave Devine along with a Margarita Sample Station courtesy of The Woods! Plus, dine on expertly crafted cocktails and plates from The Source Hotel & Market Hall’s culinary artists.
WHEN: May 3, 2024
WHERE: Catbird Hotel
Swing by Catbird for Chef Erick Briggs' Tex-Mex extravaganza during First Friday for a unique spin on Cinco de Mayo weekend featuring a bold taco bar serving a free flow of his favorite tacos during happy hour. Lalo Tequila will also be hosting a live tasting alongside tequila-based specials. Taco Bar starts from $18 and includes the chef's selection of his favorite tacos, and happy hour specials are presented by Lalo Tequila.
WHEN: May 3, 2024
WHERE: Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins
This late-night Cinco de Mayo party featuring DJ Javi is perfect for fans of Romeo Santos, Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan, Shakira, Marc Anthony and other Latin artists!
WHEN: May 4–5, 2024
WHERE: Mile High Spirits
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with $8 margs at Mile High Spirits!
WHEN: May 4–5, 2024
WHERE: 3900-4100 Morrison Rd.
The fourth annual Cinco de Mayo en Westwood community celebration honors the historical significance of the Batalla de Puebla and supports the cultural preservation of the Westwood community. All are welcome to come and enjoy two days of live music, cultural dance performances, lucha libre, local vendors, youth activities, art installations and delicious Mexican food!!
WHEN: May 4–5, 2024
WHERE: Jaguar Room (at Con Safos)
This Cinco de Mayo weekend, join an all-access fiesta at Denver's best bars and restaurants! Savor featured taco and margarita pairings with fun giveaways along the way! The party starts at Jaguar Room (at Con Safos) and also include venues like Sidecar Lounge, The Refinery, Sonny's Tacos and more. Choose a Saturday or Sunday ticket or both.
WHEN: May 4–5, 2024
WHERE: Ratio Beerworks
Shop local vendors and makers just in time for Mother's Day, get a flash tattoo from local artists, and enjoy the amazing beer from Ratio! There will also be a Cinco de Mayo-themed pug meetup on May 5!
WHEN: May 5, 2024
WHERE: Mission Ballroom
It's more than a concert. It's a celebration that honors Cinco de Mayo and showcases bass music artist Mersiv's deep Mexican roots through a day filled with music, culture and community. The festivity kicks off with a vibrant daytime block party and transitions into an evening concert. Attendees will enjoy a lineup that reflects Mexican heritage, authentic cuisine and live performances, including mariachi — all curated to foster a spirit of community and cultural diversity.
WHEN: May 5, 2024
WHERE: Le Méridien Denver Downtown
Enjoy a special fiesta menu featuring three new taco dishes! As guests arrive, they’ll be welcomed with a complimentary ice luge shot as the talented DJ Mike Majic keeps the beats flowing and the energy high. A photo booth, courtesy of Patrón Tequila, will be available to capture the memorable event. This party will offer a sneak peek of what’s to come at 54thirty’s new weekly Tuesday happening, Tequila-Tacos-Tunes, which will run from May 7 to Sept. 25, and will feature the specialty menu.
WHEN: May 5, 2024
WHERE: Outlets at Castle Rock, Castle Rock
Get ready to fiesta like there’s no ‘mañana’ with the Outlets at Castle Rock on Cinco de Mayo! There will be mesmerizing performances from Ballet Folklórico dancers and delicious bites available for purchase from Qdoba in honor of the festivities. The afternoon will showcase performers dancing through the courtyard with dazzling garments and there will be fun-filled activities for shoppers of all ages! You can even meet your favorite "Encanto" characters, and your kiddos can visit the face-painting station for an added layer of fun.
WHEN: May 5, 2024
WHERE: Table Mountain Inn, Golden
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style. Maestro Dobel Tequila will be in the Cantina from 3 to 5 p.m. with free samples of the Maestro Cadillac Margarita and free swag! Enjoy all-day specials like the Green Chili Philly, plus featured margaritas and Social Mexican-Style Lager, brewed by Boulder Social!
WHEN: May 5, 2024
WHERE: The Buffalo Rose, Golden
The Golden High School Performing Arts Boosters proudly present the 2024 GHS Battle of the Bands, followed by a performance from Those Crazy Nights – A Tribute to Journey “The Vinyl Countdown." Come support the kids and their passions, enjoy Cinco de Mayo drink specials and stay for the amazing talents of Those Crazy Nights! This public event is a fundraiser in support of the Golden High School Performing Arts Boosters. Ticket sales will go directly to support to the GHS instrumental, vocal and theater programs and their students.
WHEN: May 5–11, 2024
WHERE: Zeppelin Station
The ‘Elevated Eats’ pop-up series at RiNo’s Zeppelin Station kicks off with TACOMONO, a concept from the culinary minds of Uptown & Humboldt, recently crowned Best Food Truck by Westword. The TACOMONO concept is a vibrant fusion of Latin American and Asian flavors, with a menu inspired by the bold and diverse culinary traditions and flavors of both regions. Each dish at TACOMONO is crafted with passion and creativity by local Denver Chefs Gio Diaz and Michelle Peoples.
