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.
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.
The City of Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department has opened seven public pools for the 2025 summer season, running June 9 through August 14.
