Cinco de Mayo commemorates the surprising victory that Mexican militia won over the French army at The Battle of Puebla in 1862. If you’re looking to join in on the celebration this year, Denver will have a parade, live music, and plenty of food trucks at the annual Cinco de Mayo Festival. This family-friendly event draws thousands each year, so get ready for a weekend full of entertainment and activities that celebrate Mexican heritage and culture. Other exciting events include rooftop parties, car shows, a 5K and even baby goat yoga with margs!
Denver’s Cinco de Mayo Festival
Where? 101 14th Avenue
The Cinco de Mayo Festival is a weekend-long event, kicking off on May 4th and running through the 5th from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This long-standing tradition is a favorite amongst Denver residents. With so many exciting events, concerts, and nonstop entertainment going on, time will fly by. Bring the entire family out, as there are plenty of kid-friendly activities as well. The parade is scheduled for May 4th from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM and is set to end at Denver’s Civic Center Park — which is the site of the festival. Other festive events include the Chihuahua races, the taco-eating contest, and the lowrider car show. Saturday’s headliners are Dueto Voces de Rancho and on Sunday there will be a headlining performance by Patrulla 81.
PRO Tip: Want to partake in a VIP tasting experience? Sign up to sample locally handcrafted tequila, whiskey, mezcal, and microbrews on Saturday, May 4th. Tickets begin at $50 online and will be $65 at the door.
Denver Cinco de Mayo Weekend Pub Crawl
Where? 1437 Market Street
Denver’s Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl kicks off on May 4th at 5:00 PM and runs into the early morning hours. Grab your wristband and chart your own course using the digital map of participating venues. You’ll find hidden gems around the city, as well as popular spots with drink and food specials. The variety of atmospheres will keep you on your toes. Whether you love craft beer or cocktails, there will be something for everybody. Don a colorful outfit and organize a group of friends to take on this Cinco de Mayo adventure with you.
PRO Tip: Participants will receive free entry to participating venues, as well as a 3D digital bar crawl map and drink and food specials. There will be staff on-site at the check-in location to answer any questions.
Cinco de Mayo Baby Goat Yoga
Where? 3200 Larimer Street
The Infinite Monkey Theorem is hosting a truly unique Cinco de Mayo experience on May 5th. With two time slots at 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM, join in on Cinco de Mayo-themed baby goat yoga and margaritas. Little Legs Ranch’s baby dwarf goats will be wearing sombreros and giving out plenty of cuddles and laughs. Tickets include 50 minutes of yoga, followed by a half hour of social time with baby goats and drinks.
PRO Tip: The historical popularity of this event means that it may sell out. Grab your tickets while they’re available and remember to bring your mat! There will be a few extras available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Death to Genres Presents Cinco de Mayo
Where? 2721 Larimer Street
On May 5th, the Larimer Lounge is hosting a live music concert by Hispanic artists. Entry costs $15 and everyone is welcome. Teens under 16 will need to be admitted with a ticketed guardian. Performers at this event include Bruha with The Void Lovers, Nueva Realidad, Slim Organics, and The Harlotts. Doors open at 4:00 PM and the first musicians take the stage at 5:00 PM.
PRO Tip: If this is your first show at the Larimer Lounge, prepare for a great time! The venue is located in the heart of Denver’s RiNo neighborhood and is known for bringing in independent artists and DJ performers.
Cinco de Mayo 5K @ Diebolt Brewing
Where? 3855 Mariposa Street
On May 5th, Diebolt Brewing is hosting the Cinco de Mayo 5K. This fun run event is great for the whole family and ends at the taproom. Run, walk, or jog — it doesn’t matter! Participants 21 and up can enjoy a free, local craft brew at the finish line. Start windows are at 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM. There will be door prizes from the Colorado Brewery Running Series and participants will have access to the festivities, such as live music, food trucks, local vendors, and plenty of goodies and giveaways to keep the party going.
PRO Tip: Dogs and strollers are welcome on the course and should be used with care and caution. Plenty of public parking will be available, though public transit is encouraged when possible — especially if you plan on imbibing after the race.
Pharaohs Cinco de Mayo Show & Shine
Where? 165 North Main Street
This Cinco de Mayo, join Pharaohs Car Club of Colorado to celebrate the 2024 cruise-in and show on May 5th. Kicking off at 3:00 PM and running until 7:00 PM, visitors will be able to view all vehicles on display and participate in door prizes and giveaways. There will be parking available at adjacent restaurants and plenty of food and drink to partake in. Prizes will be awarded to the top 5 vehicles on display.
PRO Tip: Admission is totally free and the venue this year will be The Grill on Main Street in Brighton, Colorado.
Cinco de Mayo Jazz Jam
Where? 2736 Welton Street Suite 102
Limited seats are available at this Cinco de Mayo Jazz Jam at Spangalang Brewery, so grab yours while they’re available. The featured artist is Mistura Fina with the legendary drummer, Frank Ayala. The jam begins at 6:00 PM and wraps up around 10:00 PM on May 3rd. There will be a handpicked selection of craft beers and signature cocktails available from the brewery’s award-winning drink lineup, so raise your glass to a night of music, dancing, and celebration. Food will be available from local vendors, from savory eats to sweet treats.
PRO Tip: Admission is free, though patrons can opt for the VIP treatment with a reserved table with premium seating and dedicated service, as well as a complimentary drink.
Cinco de Mayo Rooftop Party
Where? 3560 Brighton Boulevard
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Vīb by Best Western in the River North Arts District. Hosted by Denver 90s Babies, this event is a great way to meet new people and celebrate the vibrant Mexican culture in Denver. Sip on margaritas, enjoy tacos and guacamole, and dance the afternoon away to upbeat Spanish music. Attendees will enjoy festive decorations, panoramic city views, and a lively atmosphere on this rooftop fiesta.
PRO Tip: This event is hosted through meetup.com, which is a great way to meet new friends or explore the city if you’re new in town.
Longmont Cinco de Mayo
Where? 700 Longs Peak Avenue
Longmont will be hosting its 21st annual Cinco de Mayo festival on May 4th, 2024 at Roosevelt Park from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This tradition celebrates the culture by welcoming thousands of community members to join in on the festivities with live entertainment, a car show, a break dancing competition, and free family activities. Vendors will include food, art, jewelry, clothing, and more — so come ready to shop until you drop! To promote a family-friendly and healthy atmosphere, Longmont’s celebration is alcohol-free, tobacco-free, and marijuana-free.
PRO Tip: Longmont is driving a zero waste initiative, so they recommend attendees bring a refillable water bottle. There will be available water refill stations onsite.
Where to Find Denver’s Best Margaritas
There’s no better time to enjoy an ice-cold margarita than on Cinco de Mayo. Whether you want to stick to traditional salt on the rim or you want to get creative with flavors — try these unique, classic, and delicious Denver margs.
3 Margaritas Downtown Cocina Mexicana
519 16th Street Mall
With margaritas in the name, the bar for the cocktail is high at 3 Margaritas Downtown Cocina Mexicana. Patrons can choose from the La Original Margarita or mix it up with a cilantro jalapeño rendition. Sharing with the table? Order the Mega Cororrita, which includes four margs and two upside-down coronitas.
Mezcal
3230 East Colfax Avenue
Mezcal has a selection of tequilas and mezcals to craft your very own margarita from. Choose from blanco, reposado, and anejo varieties or just go with one of the flights. The blanco flight uses Cazadores, Espolon, and Milagro and the reposado flight mixes up three cocktails with Gran Centenario, El Tequileño, and Siege Leguas.
Uno Mas Taqueria y Cantina
1585 South Pearl Street
Uno Mas features some one-of-a-kind cocktails, such as the Chile Verde Mezcalrita, the Mezcal Negroni, and the cilantro jalapeño marg with peach liqueur. There is also a rotating seasonal sangria on the menu, which takes advantage of ripe fruits. Patrons can make any cocktail spicy or choose to add pomegranate or mango, as well as a Grand Marnier float.
La Loma
1801 Broadway
La Loma is known for its fresh-squeezed margaritas, beginning with the skinny marg mixed with Herradura Silver Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and agave nectar. The Jefe is the family secret, so order it but don’t ask how it’s mixed! The El Diablo features jalapeño and serrano peppers for an extra kick. Not in a margarita mood? Try the La Paloma, Sangria, or Strawberry Ranch Water.
Check Out These Mexican Restaurants in Denver
Denver’s Mexican restaurants range from hole-in-the-wall taquerias to modern, upscale establishments serving craft cocktails. The dynamic dining scene in the city keeps chefs on their toes and you’ll reap the benefits when you sample the dishes at these Mexican favorites.
Tacos Tequila Whiskey
3300 West 32nd Avenue
Elevate the traditional Mexican cuisine experience at Tacos Tequila Whiskey with a culinary journey through the rich flavors of the region. Sample the Pollo Agave street tacos, which feature agave-dipped fried chicken and a slaw served with a Mexican chimichurri. Share the totopos y tres salsas with the table, which includes made-to-order chips and a choice of three of the restaurant’s signature salsas.
Dos Santos
1475 East 17th Avenue
Dos Santos began in Denver and has since expanded to two more locations, one in Castle Rock and another in Colorado Springs. The menu features appetizers such as tuna poke nachos and traditional chips and salsa and expands to a variety of tacos, including Korean beef barbacoa, chicken Tinga, blackened mahi, and roasted cauliflower. Save room for dessert, with delicacies like a traditional Mexican flan and a chocolate taco dipped in dark chocolate and topped with pepitas.
Otra Vez Cantina
610 16th Street Mall
Otra Vez Cantina has a little bit of everything, including over 100 different tequilas and a variety of mezcals. If you’re looking for a casual dining experience this Cinco de Mayo, grab a seat at the bar or enjoy the outdoor seating and order an enchilada plate or a few street tacos. The green chili-smothered burrito combines a Colorado favorite with a Mexican flare. For dessert, snag an order of sopapillas or churro donut holes with a tequila chocolate sauce.
Remember to Celebrate Responsibly this Cinco de Mayo
As with any celebration where alcohol is present, it’s important to designate a driver if you plan on partaking in the festive atmosphere. If you’ve had a couple of margaritas too many, grab a rideshare to take you back home in order to keep yourself and others on the road safe.
There are plenty of ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo around Denver and there are multiple family-friendly celebrations where alcohol isn’t the main focus. Skip the margs or sample a nonalcoholic drink that’s just as refreshing if you want to avoid the hangover.