Cinco De Mayo Guide

Cinco de Mayo may not be a big deal in Mexico, and it may have spurious origins in the United States. What is certain is that it has become a day to celebrate Mexican American culture. If you live in Southern California, the contributions to our culture are obvious — the food, music and love of community all make for a great foundation for celebration.

Cinco de Mayo Events in Riverside

1. Riverside Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl

• Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
• Time: 4 p.m.
• Location: Riverside, Calif.
• Details: This bar crawl, organized by PubCrawls.com, promises “a wild night of partying” with exclusive access to multiple bars in Riverside, offering drink specials and a festive atmosphere. Tickets are available now, and they offer a chance to earn free tickets by inviting friends.
• Website: eventbrite.com

2. Cinco de Mayo Block Party

• Date: Monday, May 5, 2025
• Time: Doors open at 10 a.m. for brunch; event starts at 1 p.m.
• Location: 3635 University Ave.
• Details: This block party features a lowrider car show, Aztec dance performances, live mariachi and free giveaways. The event includes a live performance by OhGeesy. With brunch available before the main festivities, this promises to be a complete Cinco de Mayo celebration in downtown Riverside.
• Highlights: Lowrider car show, Aztec dance show, live mariachi, performance by OhGeesy

3. Mezcal Ultra Lounge Cinco de Mayo Festival

• Date: Monday, May 5, 2025
• Time: Doors open at noon
• Location: 3737 Main St., Suite 100
• Details: Mezcal Ultra Lounge, described as “the premier tequila lounge in the heart of downtown Riverside,” will host a Cinco de Mayo festival. The venue features three rooms with different atmospheres, perfect for celebrating.
• Website: mezcalultralounge.com

4. Morena’s Mexican Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Special

• Date: Monday, May 5, 2025
• Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Location: 3457 Arlington Ave.
• Details: Don your best fiesta hat and celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Morena’s Mexican Restaurant. Enjoy a special chile colorado menu item created just for the holiday.
• Special menu item: Chile colorado
• Phone: 951-742-5087
• Regular hours: Monday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

5. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Fiesta

• Dates: May 2–4, 2025
• Times:
  • Friday, May 2: 5 to 11 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 3: 4 to 11 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 4: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Location: OLPH School, 6686 Streeter Ave.
• Details: This is the 50th annual fiesta, featuring rides, games, food and entertainment for all ages. While not specifically a Cinco de Mayo event, it coincides with the holiday weekend.
• Contact: Ann R. Meier, 951-689-2125
• Website: riversideca.gov/calendar

6. La Tardeada Banda Festival

• Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
• Time: 2 to 11 p.m.
• Location: North Park, 3200 Mission Inn Ave.
• Details: Billed as the biggest banda festival in Riverside, this event returns in 2025 with live music, food and surprises for the entire family. Locally produced by Killer Queens and Division 9 Gallery, the festival celebrates its second year and has announced legendary Colombian cumbia group La Sonora Dinamita as a headliner. Though it takes place after Cinco de Mayo, it’s part of the broader May celebration and will also honor Mother’s Day.
• Website: latardeadafestival.com
• Contact: info@latardeadafestival.com