Cinco de Mayo Festivities

Looking for something fun and culturally stimulating this weekend? Check out this list of events happening around the Bay Area to celebrate Cinco de Mayo early.

Did you know?

Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's underdog victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The triumph inspired the Mexican people and, six years later, the French were finally driven out of Mexico for good. Not to be confused with Mexico's Independence Day, September 16th.

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in the Bay Area

San Jose Cinco De Mayo Festival

The revival of the Cinco de Mayo Festival at Plaza de Cesar Chavez promises to be a fantastic celebration of Mexican history and culture right in the heart of the South Bay.

• Takes place this Sunday, May 3, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

• Features a vibrant parade highlighting lowriders, local dancers, and community groups.

• The plaza will be filled with main stage entertainment and local vendors offering authentic food and crafts.

41st Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival (Hayward)

For those in the East Bay, Downtown Hayward is hosting a massive daytime street fair at the intersection of B St & Main St. Cinco de Mayo Festival Hayward

• Kicks off Saturday, May 2, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Enjoy live mariachi music, Aztec dancers, and ballet folklorico performances.

• The family-friendly event also features a classic car show and plenty of local food vendors.

Oakland First Fridays: ¡Celebrando Oakland!

Kick off the weekend early at Oakland First Fridays on Telegraph Avenue, which is hosting a special "¡Celebrando Oakland!" theme.

• Takes place Friday, May 1, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

• This popular street festival will be packed with festive energy, showcasing local artists, creators, and community groups.

• A massive lineup of food trucks and dessert vendors will be serving up treats all evening.

Fiesta Saturdays at Plank

If you're looking for an afternoon of games and great food, head over to Plank in Oakland's Jack London Square.

• The event starts Saturday, May 2, and runs from 11:00 AM to midnight.

• Features an outdoor beer garden vibe with street tacos, homemade horchata, and elote.

• Perfect for groups, offering a double arcade bonus, bowling, and live Latin music.

Selena De Mayo!

Head over to SPARK Social SF in Mission Bay for a festive, daytime celebration honoring the Queen of Tejano music.

• Kicks off on Sunday, May 3, at 12:00 PM.

• Enjoy a relaxed afternoon with their rotating lineup of local food trucks, beer, and sangria in an outdoor setting.

San Francisco Cinco De Mayo Bar Crawl

For those looking to start the festivities on Saturday, this lively pub crawl begins at the Comet Club on Union Street, San Francisco Cinco De Mayo Bar Crawl.

• Check-in begins at 5:00 PM on Saturday, May 2.

• It's a great way to explore multiple venues while enjoying themed cocktails, drink specials, and live mariachi music along the route.

Fun Fact

Americans consume roughly 81 million pounds of avocados for Cinco de Mayo! This makes Cinco de Mayo the second-largest day for avocado consumption in the United States, right behind the Super Bowl!