Mark your calendars: Cinco de Mayo is Sunday, May 5. The holiday brings many observances and fiestas to the Dallas area, and we’ve rounded up 17 events where you can celebrate.

Remember, the holiday is about more than tacos + margaritas. It holds cultural significance and commemorates Mexico’s victory in the Battle of Puebla against the French forces of Napoleon III on May 5, 1862. It was one battle during the Second Franco-Mexican War — the French didn’t retreat until 1867 — but the day symbolizes resistance against foreign powers.

The Cinco de Mayo parade features displays from many community groups. | Photo via Oak Cliff Arts

Festivals

Dallas Cinco de Mayo, West Jefferson Boulevard | Free | Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m.
This festival features the longstanding parade that will march down a one-mile route with floats and performances showcasing community groups. Nearby stores and vendors will be selling goods and services from Hispanic-owned businesses, and there will be more fun with live music and a kids’ zone.

Cinco de Mayo Market Fest, Carpenter Park | Free entry | Saturday, May 4, 12-8 p.m.
This family-friendly celebration of Mexican culture and heritage will feature live music, games, and 50+ vendors selling food and merchandise. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Front Street Station, Mesquite | Free entry | Saturday, May 4, 12-4 p.m.
The Hispanic Forum of Mesquite hosts this event that features food, vendors, Folklórico dancing, a kids’ zone, and a jalapeno eating contest.

Downtown Dallas Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Harwood Park | Free entry | Sunday, May 5, 12-5 p.m.
Happily Ever Sip & Shop hosts this inaugural, family-friendly market — leashed dogs are welcome, too. Shop from 35+ vendors while enjoying lawn games, event-themed items, and face painting.

4th Annual 5 de Mayo Fiesta, 1400 Parker Square Rd., Flower Mound | Free entry | Saturday, May 4, 3-8 p.m.
This family-friendly celebration of Mexican culture features singers, mariachi, and games — plus, sip on margaritas and dig into themed food.

Cinco de Mayo 2024, Traders Village, Grand Prairie | Free entry | Sunday, May 5, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
This free celebration includes shopping from thousands of vendors, Mexican food and dance, and music from local artists across genres.

Performances

Cinco de Mayo Concert: Shakira + Selena Tribute, The Village Dallas | $25-$100 | Sunday, May 5, 4-9 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday as Grupo La Flor honors the Queen of Tejano Music and Voz Descalza performs hits from the Colombian powerhouse.

Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Sandaga813 | $15-$200 | May 4, 3-8 p.m.
This party for people age 30+ features themed drinks and barbecue dishes. Local jazz group Natural Change Band performs indoors while DJ Ant D spins outdoors.

Cinco de Mayo Comedy Show, The Comedy Arena, McKinney | $15 | Sunday, May 5, 5 p.m.
Get a dose of laughter at this show featuring local comedians Fernando Panda Chacón, Roberto Monky Silva, Jepherson Guevara, AJ (aka Aj Da Funnyman), Richard Moore, and Kevin Deanda.

José is a great spot for margaritas on the Margarita Mile. | Photo via @joseonlovers

Foodie fun

Fiesta de Mayo: DFW Cinco de Mayo Party, Texas Live!, Arlington | $10-$20 | Sunday, May 5, 1 p.m.
Chill out at this festival packed with food, drinks, and live music. General admission includes two margs, and additional drink specials will be available as you chow down and enjoy the performances.

Cinco de Mayo at Legacy Food Hall, Legacy Food Hall | Price of purchase | Saturday, May 4, 12-6 p.m.
Dig into mouthwatering food and drinks, including specialty items and the launch of Unlawful Assembly Brewing Co.’s new Mexican lager. Plus, enjoy live mariachi and Latin music performances.

Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl, Trinity Cider (check in) | $14 | Saturday, May 4 + Sunday, May 5, 1-5 p.m.
Get free entry and complimentary drinks at four local bars while indulging in themed foods and specialty drinks. Plus, enjoy live entertainment as you hop from pub to pub.

The Margarita Mile, Locations vary | Price of purchase | Reopens May 1
This section of the city features more than two dozen restaurants with plenty of food + drink deals in the mix. It reopens for self-guided tours on May 1.

Active

Grand Prairie Cinco De Mayo 10K + 5K, Mike Lewis Park, Grand Prairie | $41-$49 | Saturday, May 4, 8-10:30 a.m.
Lace up and get moving at this all-ages run — just pick the course that’s right for you and you’ll receive a medal for crossing the finish line.

Cinco De Mayo: Run Against All Odds, Trinity River Trail, Fort Worth | $35-$45 | Saturday, May 4, 7:30 a.m.
This 5K, 10K, or half marathon celebrates the concept of winning against the odds. All participants receive a commemorative T-shirt, keychain, and finisher's medal.

Cinco De Mayo Hoop Fest, Plano Sports Authority2, Plano | $350 (per team) | Saturday, May 4 + Sunday, May 5
Score, this basketball tournament will let students in grade 4-12 take the court and dunk on their competition.

Cinco de Mayo Run, Walk + Roll, Playtri Swim-Bike-Run Outlet, McKinney | $15-$40 | Saturday, May 4, 6:15-10:45 a.m.
Get moving at this event that benefits the Neuro Assistance Foundation. Participants can pick a 1K, 5K, or 10K course and the pace that’s suitable for their ability level.