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Cinco de Mayo Events in Chicago for Kids

Mexico Fest is one of Chicago's kid-friendly Cinco de Mayo events. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Mexico Fest is one of Chicago's kid-friendly Cinco de Mayo events. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
4/25/25 - By Maureen Wilkey

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Mexican-American heritage in the United States at one of these Chicago events for kids. Parks, restaurants, malls, and more are putting on events for kids to get them involved in the fiesta. We've rounded up nine in the city and suburbs. One thing to note is that the annual Cinco de Mayo Parade in Pilsen has been cancelled this year. Please check each organizer's website before heading out to the event to make sure there are no changes.

Check out our Best Spring Festivals in Chicago for more family fun this season. 

Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Carnivale. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Carnivale. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Cinco de Mayo Events in Chicago for Kids and Families

Cinco de Mayo Kickoff Food Truck Rally

Aurora
Thursday, May 1
Visit Fox Valley Mall for a food truck rally along with small craft and retail vendors celebrating the Mexican American community. Bring family and friends for a community vibe with great foods and music. READ MORE

Festival Cinco de Mayo 2025

Cicero
Thursday, May 1- Sunday, May 4
The Town of Cicero invites families to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with carnival rides, food, music, raffles and more! House music and freestyle will play on Thursday and Friday. This event at Laramie and 34th is sponsored by the Town of Cicero and Cicero Mexican Cultural Committee. READ MORE

Mexico Fest at Navy Pier

Downtown
Friday, May 2- Sunday, May 4
Navy Pier is joining forces with the Consulado General de México en Chicago & The Governments of Chihuahua, Nayarit, and Querétaro to host Mexico Fest, a weekend-long event featuring a mercadito of artisans, performances by Mexican musicians and dancers, and workshops for kids. Mariachi and Ballet Folklorico will be featured in the Culture Corner and the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion. READ MORE

Cinco de Mayo 2 Mile Color Crawl

West Chicago
Friday, May 2
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by running or walking through vibrant colors made of food safe biodegradable corn starch in Kress Creek Farm Park in West Chicago. Sign up by April 20 to ensure you get a t-shirt. READ MORE

Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Calumet Park Chicago

Eastside
Friday, May 2
Join the Chicago Park District in celebrating Cinco de Mayo at this family oriented event in Calumet Park. A mariachi band will play as the park hosts family friendly activities. READ MORE

Cinco de Mayo Food Festival Bridgeview

Bridgeview
Saturday, May 3- Sunday, May 4
This multi-day festival will feature plenty of delicious tacos, live music, food, arts & crafts, a huge carnival, activities for families and children, and much more. Enjoy a petting zoo and plenty of tacos! READ MORE

North Riverside Mall Cinco de Mayo Concert

North Riverside
Saturday, May 3
North Riverside Mall presents a performance by a Mariachi band along with dancing from Folkloric Dancers from La Academia Mexican Dance Academy in its Center Court. READ MORE

Carnivale Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Fulton Market
Monday, May 5
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Carnivale! The restaurant will host performances by The Fiesta Show, along with festive cocktails and delicious bites. Enjoy a night of culture, food and music. READ MORE

Cinco de Mayo Skate or Bowl Fiesta

South Side
Monday, May 5
Visit Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Family Fun Center for an afternoon of skating or bowling, along with lots of ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Buy red and green glow sticks or a walking taco, enjoy giveaways, and see a special mystery guest from 6-7 p.m. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: