Cinco de Mayo is approaching! The fifth of May is commonly mistaken as Mexican Independence Day, but it actually commemorates Mexico’s underdog victory in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. Fast-forward to the new millennium and the mostly American-celebrated holiday is unrecognizable from its original roots. However, Los Angeles is home to some incredible events that honor and celebrate Mexican history, and we’ve gathered all of our favorite ones below.
1. Enjoy the Cinco de Mayo Family Day at Plaza de Cultura y Artes
Celebrate the roots of Cinco de Mayo with The Real Cinco de Mayo: Made in California, a free event honoring the holiday’s origins in California’s Latino communities. Guests will enjoy live performances by Ballet Folklórico Flor de Mayo, Santa Monica College’s Global Motion, and folk group Conjunto Tenocelomeh, along with a theatrical production and historical talk by Dr. David Hayes-Bautista. The day also includes hands-on art and garden workshops, from amate paper crafts and Talavera vase painting to pápalo seed planting. A cooking demo led by Chef Wendy Centeno adds a tasty touch, and food and drinks will be available for purchase.
🗓️ When: Sunday, April 27, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
📍Location: 501 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Estados Unidos
2. Watch the Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade
Cinco de Mayo in Los Angeles, wouldn’t be complete without the Venice Parade returns with their historic event to celebrate Mexican American Heritage. The community can expect powerful performances by Aztec Dancers, Grupo La Rosa Folklorico, Venice High School Band, Santa Monica College Cheerleaders, Classic Cars/Lowriders, and more. There will also be vendors, authentic Mexican food, and live music.
🗓️ When: Saturday, May 3, 202025,0 a.m. to 6 p.m.
📍 Location: Oakwood Park Recreation Center, 767 California Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90291
📝 Extra info:
-Parade starts at 10:0 a.m.
-Parade route starts at Lincoln Blvd and California Ave.
-Street Festival begins at 11:00 a.m. on 7th Ave between California Ave and Broadway Ave.
3. Feel the rush with a brand-new edition of Lucha VaVoom
Lucha VaVoom de La Liz is back with its biggest event of the year: the legendary Cinco de Mayan show.
This wild 21+ spectacle blends world-class lucha libre, award-winning burlesque goddesses, contortionists, comedy legends, and mariachi music. Expect lowriders, tamales, aerial stunts, and non-stop thrills, all packed into one outrageous, over-the-top celebration. Tickets are on sale now, ranging from $69.00 to $117.00.
🎟️ Get your tickets here
🗓️ When: Saturday, May 3, 202025,0 a.m. to 6 p.m.
📍Location: Olvera St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
4. Enjoy Cinco de Mayo Rose Bowl Festival
5. Party at Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
This historic Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles, which is part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument, is lined with vendors selling everything from colorful piñatas to Mexican pottery, at Cinco de Mayo in Los Angeles. This restored district honors the city’s Mexican heritage and is one of the best places to get delicious Mexican, browse traditional crafts and enjoy live music including Mariachis, Norteño, Trios, Folkloric Dancers and Marimbas.
🗓️ When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
📍Location: Olvera St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
6. Celebrate at the Force of the Fiesta party
The Force of the Fiesta brings the magic of Star Wars Day and the spirit of Cinco de Mayo together in one unforgettable celebration. This family- and pet-friendly event features lively mariachi performances, local vendors, and fun-filled kids’ activities and crafts. With fiesta vibes and a galactic twist, it’s a playful cultural mashup that welcomes all ages. Best of all? It’s free to attend!
🗓️ When: Sunday, May 4, 2025 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
📍Location: 6400 E Pacific Coast Hwy Long Beach, CA 90803
7. Enjoy live mariachi music in Santa Monica
Experience a vibrant Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Delight in captivating performances by UCLA’s Mariachi de Uclatlán, Academia de Danza BFFM, and the talented recording artist Danny Muñoz. Indulge in the ultimate fiesta atmosphere with outdoor dining from local favorites including Casa Martin, Cabo Cantina, 1212, and Ugo Trattoria.
🗓️ When: Monday, May 5, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
📍Location: 1200 block of the Third Street Promenade
8. Rediscover the Museum of Latin American Art
Located in the LBC, the Museum Of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to featuring and highlighting both modern and contemporary Latin American art. While general admission is typically $15, the museum is totally free to the public on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., which makes it ideal to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 628 Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
9. Enjoy some tacos at the oldest Mexican restaurant in LA
Crunchy and juicy tacos are perfect for any day and any time. But undoubtedly, there’s no better plan to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Los Angeles than visiting the mythical and legendary Mexican restaurant, El Cholo. This place is one of the city’s finest restaurants, serving delicious meals since 1923.
📍 Location: 121 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006
10. Visit the Avila Adobe house
The oldest house in the entire city is freely accessible every day of the week. But Cinco de Mayo is a more than special occasion to visit, as it’s the ideal time to honor Los Angeles’ roots by celebrating the strong bond with Mexican culture.
📍 Location: 10 Olvera St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
11. Catalina Museum’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Catalina Museum for Art & History is set to bring the community together once again with the Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration happening on May 5th. It’s a vibrant community event featuring Mariachi Las Catrinas, Ballet Folklorico Quetzal, student performances, art activities, and delicious local food. Attendees of all ages can enjoy delicious Mexican dishes from local food vendors. Plus, margaritas, wine, beer, and other refreshments will be available for purchase.
📆 When: Monday, May 5, 2025 from 5 to 9 p.m.
📍 Where: Catalina Museum for Art & History (217 Metropole Avenue, Avalon, CA 90704)
Originally written by Sophie Len.