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.
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.
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.
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.
