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Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in Los Angeles for Families

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by watching a performance of the Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico. Photo courtesy of Downtown Santa Monica
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by watching a performance of the Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico. Photo courtesy of Downtown Santa Monica
4/25/25 - By Toby B

First, let's set the record straight: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. What the day actually celebrates is an underdog Mexican victory over a French military attack on Puebla, Mexico, in 1862. The holiday is mostly observed in Puebla and Southern California, where there's little mention of the French but much swinging at piñatas and dancing to mariachis.

Many Cinco de Mayo events are pub crawls or margarita mixers. However, we've hunted down celebrations the whole family can enjoy (but mom can still find a margarita at most of these, too!). There are Cinco de Mayo festivals throughout LA and the OC, starting as early as a week before the big day, so get in the spirit to dance, watch parades, and nosh on chips and salsa.

Check out more top things to do in Los Angeles with kids in May, and browse our Los Angeles events calendar as new events are added daily. 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Cinco de Mayo Family Celebrations in Los Angeles

Cinco de Mayo Family Day

DTLA - FREE
Sunday, April 27, 2025
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a fun and free family day featuring dance, music, hands-on art workshops, and more.  READ MORE

Cinco de Mayo Mercado - San Gabriel

San Gabriel - FREE
Friday, May 2, 2025
Head to the Mission Playhouse Plaza for entertainment, artisan vendors, food booths, kids activities, and a beer garden in celebration of Cinco de Mayo.  READ MORE

Historical Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade/Festival 2025

Venice Beach - FREE
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Venice's Historic Cinco de Mayo Parade and Festival celebrates Mexican American Heritage and the city’s cultural diversity. The event is free and family-friendly. READ MORE

UCLA Spring Showcase x Cinco de Mayo at the Rose Bowl

Pasadena - FREE
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Rose Bowl celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a free community event, and also provides a special sneak peek of the UCLA Bruins 2025 football team as they make preparations for the upcoming season. Families can come together and enjoy Pasadena’s rich Latino culture and traditions through music, sports, art, and film. READ MORE

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

San Clemente
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Orange County's Spanish Village by the Sea puts on its annual festival celebrating el Cinco de Mayo with plenty of traditional music, food, face painting, and other family entertainment. READ MORE

Cinco de Mayo 5k, 10k, and Half-Marathon

Long Beach
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Work off those chips and salsa before you eat them with this Cinco de Mayo run in Long Beach. All participants receive a finisher medal and a goodie bag.This organized run traces the Long Beach path in Belmont Shores.  READ MORE

Cinco de Mayo at the Citadel

City of Commerce - FREE
Saturday & Sunday, May 3 & 4, 2025
The Citadel celebrates Cinco de Mayo weekend with traditional folklorico performances in Center Court. The 15-minute performances are presented on the hour from 12pm to 3pm.  READ MORE

Cinco de Mayo (Bowers)

Santa Ana - FREE
Sunday, May 4, 2025
The Bowers Museum's free family festival for May celebrates Cinco de Mayo.  The full day of fun includes complimentary face painting, art projects, live performances, and more. READ MORE

Cinco de Mayo on the Promenade

Santa Monica - FREE
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Outdoor dining is available to enjoy the festivities at the Cinco de Mayo celebration on 3rd Street Promenade. Performers include Monica Sanchez and the Midnight Grove, Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico, and Louis Mariachis de America. The event is pet-friendly.  READ MORE

Cinco de Mayo Celebration at the Alma Reaves Woods - Watts Branch Library

Watts - FREE
Monday, May 5, 2025
The Alma Reaves Woods- Watts Branch Library hosts a day of celebration with crafts, activities and fun all day long.  READ MORE

Bella Terra Kids Club - Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

Huntington Beach - FREE
Monday, May 5, 2025
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Bella Terra with a special performance by Folklorico Revolucion.  READ MORE

Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration in Monterey Park

Monterey Park - FREE
Thursday, May 8, 2025
The City of Monterey Park’s Cinco de Mayo celebration highlights the sights, sounds, and magic of Mexico. READ MORE

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