Cinco de Mayo in San Diego – Events for Everyone

Cinco De Mayo is a holiday that commemorates the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when a small hopeful Mexican army defeated the oppressive and intimidating French forces. Although it has transformed into an American eating and drinking holiday, it is nonetheless widely celebrated in a variety of ways in San Diego.

Whether you want to eat delicious Mexican food with your family, take shots of tequila with your friends, or immerse yourself in Mexican culture, San Diego offers plenty of events for everyone this Cinco de Mayo.

Fiesta Poblana Saturday, May 8 at 7:30PM

Enjoy indigenous dances and performances form Puebla, Mexico, the region where Mexican forces stood up and defeated French armies on the original Cinco de Mayo. The Fiesta takes place at the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, San Diego’s new multicultural event venue.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration Wednesday, May 5 at 11AM

If you want to feast and drink all day long, join the Playa Grill & Margarita Bar for “San Diego’s best sustainable Cinco de Mayo celebration”. There will be plenty of Cinco de Mayo specials to keep you satisfied on this special holiday, such as $3 Playritas, $5 Baja Shrimp Tacos, $5 Carnitas Burritos, $5 Don Julio shots, and $10 Buckets of Coronitas.

Reggae de Mayo Wednesday, May 5 at 9PM

If you want to party with good music, come to the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach. Stranger and The Devastators along with DJ Mazz mix a unique combo of “soulful reggae roots, rock and jazz infused with conscious lyrics.” Doors open at 9 and happy hour starts at 5:30 with Los Chicharrones Guapos.

Cinco de Mayo Trail Run Saturday, May 8

Perhaps tequila isn’t your thing and you’d rather celebrate this holiday in a healthier manner.  The 4^th Annual Cinco de Mayo Trail run at Lake Poway is considered one of the most grueling runs in San Diego. Organized by the Valley Elementary Educational Foundation, their mission is to bring parents and community members together to raise money to enrich the educational experience at Valley Elementary.

The run features a new 10k distance as well as multiple 5k heats including an open heat, a Men’s Elite Heat, a Women’s Elite Heat and a Heroes’ Heat to honor active-duty firefighters, law enforcement personnel and members of the military.

Ballet Folklorico Tierra Caliente Wednesday, May 5 at 7PM

Enjoy a wonderful Mexican cultural dance performance, brought to you by CSU San Marcos students, community members and Wells Fargo Free First Wednesdays. Ballet Folklorico Tierra Caliente is known for their passion and professionalism at San Diego’s major events throughout the year.

Tesoros Mexicanos: Mexican Treasures from Two Folk Art Collections

Catch a glimpse of the ancient Americas at this exciting art event. You will experience collections from the pre-Christopher Columbus era as well as works from popular Mexican artists at the Cannon Art Gallery in Carlsbad.

Saul Q Wednesday, May 5 at 9PM

Enjoy live cumbia and a mariachi band with Saul Q at El Dorado in downtown.

Cabeza de Gallo Wednesday, May 5 at 9PM

Cabeza de Gallo, which literally translates to Chicken Head, is a country-punk rock Spanish band that will play at the Beauty Bar in El Cajon.

Viva Mexico! Heroes and Artisans Wednesday, May 5 at 10AM

Experience folk-art and Mexican history at the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by enjoying the art of 200 years of Mexican Independence!

Regardless of what you choose to do this Cinco de Mayo, cuidense y diviertanse, San Diego!