Observed annually on May 5, Cinco de Mayo honors an 1862 military victory in which a vastly outnumbered Mexican army defeated invading French troops at the Battle of Pueblo. The holiday was first celebrated in California during the gold rush in the city of Colombia (County of Tuolumne) by Mexican miners who lived there and who honored the victory with a fiesta.
Events around the Bay Area will celebrate the holidays this year with food, drink, dancing and more.
The Best Mexican Restaurants in the Bay Area
Mission Food Hub Bike Tour
the Mission Food Hub plans to hold a fundraising event focused on the bike ride starting with breakfast at 10am, followed by a ride to the de Young Museum for free snacks and a museum pass, then return to the starting point for dinner. The event will raise funds for non-profit which helps to provide Bay Area Latino Families with culturally appropriate groceries.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday May 1. Free. Make a donation in line or send checks to Mission Food Hub, 1333 Florida St., SF, CA 94110. Start and finish at John O’Connell High School, 2355 Folsom St., SF
Eighth Annual Artisanal Agave Tequila and Mezcal Tasting in San Francisco
Take in views of the city while learning about and tasting a curated selection of artisanal Mexican liquors curated by brand ambassadors. Rooftop cabin rentals, catering, and full bar service available; Live DJ sets by Tony O.
5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 5. $60 to $500, reservations mandatory. VIA Rooftop Hotel, 138 King St., SF jaffeevents.com
Cinco de Mayo RCC fundraiser
A Rainbow Community Center A benefit and cultural event is planned to celebrate the local Spanish-speaking and Latinx LGBTQ+ community in the bay. The evening will include a raffle, drag performances, taco dinner, beer, music and dancing.
6-9:30 p.m. Thursday, May 5. $40-$60, reservations mandatory. Del Cielo Brewing Co., 701 Escobar St., Martinez. delcielobrewing.com
San Francisco Cinco Pub Crawl
CrawlSF presents its annual Cinco De Mayo pub crawl. It starts at Mayes Oyster House, where attendees can check in from 6-9 p.m. for a wristband and event card. Other stops may include McTeague’s Saloon, Jackalope, R Bar, El Lopo, Soda Popinski’s, the Wreck Room and others.
6 p.m. Thursday, May 5. $5 to $25, reservations encouraged. Meet at Mayes Oyster House, 1233 Polk St., SF crawlsf.com
Urban Adventure Club Cinco de Mayo Margarita Pub Crawl
Start the evening at Death by taco before hitting the nearby bars on this SoMa neighborhood pub crawl. Potential stoppages include Alchemist’s bar and lounge, New Belgium Brewing brewhouse and restaurant, Woodbury, District and others.
6 p.m. to midnight, Thursday, May 5. $10-$25, reservations mandatory. Meet at Death by Taco, 301 King St., SF 415-800-4802. urbanadventureclub.com
Cinco de Drinko Comedy Fiesta with Mex-E-King
A comedy event featuring Eduardo DeColosio.
7:30-10 p.m. Thursday, May 5. $20-$80, 21 and over, reservations encouraged. San Jose Improv, 62 South Second St., San Jose. 408-280-7475. improv.com
Immersive Frida Kahlo Show Cinco de Mayo Benefit Celebration
7 p.m. to 10 p.m. May 5. $30 to $50, reservations mandatory. SVN West San Francisco, 10 South Van Ness Ave., SF carnivalsanfrancisco.org
Cinco de Mayo Reggae on the roof
Celebrate on the rooftop terrace with food, drink specials, dancing and live DJ sets from El Kool Kyle, Papa Kurious, Selecta Rebel and DJ Sep.
8 p.m. Thursday, May 5. Free-$10, reservations encouraged. Continental Club, 1658 12th St., Oakland. continentalcluboakland.com
Calentura Cinco de Mayo with host Chuy Gomez
The popular Bay Area radio personality is set to host an evening of music and entertainment with live sets from DJs Kleankut, Lando, Amilli and Mr. Lucky.
9:30 p.m. Thursday, May 5. Free, by reservation encouraged. Houses of Parliament, 811 Washington St., Oakland. 811parliament.com
Cinco de Mayo SF Lowrider Car Show and Cruise
To verify the cool rides on display, followed by a cruise down Mission Street between Caesar Chavez and the 22n/a streets at 4 p.m.
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday May 7. Free. John O’Connell High School, 20th & Harrison St. and along Mission St., SF sanfranciscolowridercouncil.com
Fruitvale Taco Tour at Un-Cinco de Mayo
Visit some of the many taquerías in the taco mecca of Fruitvale, Oakland, on a 2-hour walking tour. Taste a variety of tacos and salsas while learning about the culture and history of Oakland’s Fruitvale district.
Saturday, May 7 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. $75 including food and beverages. Reservations mandatory. Meet at 3401 E. 12th St., Oakland. ethnictravels.com
Cal Performances presents: Lila Downs
The Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning Mexican American singer and activist will perform with her seven-piece ensemble. For this final event of the Cal Performances 2021-2022 in-person season, Downs will present his own compositions as well as those of others.
8 p.m. on Saturday, May 7. $36 to $86, proof of vaccination, masks and reservations required. Zellerbach Hall, Bancroft Way at Dana Street, UC Berkeley. 510-642-9988. calperformances.org
Salsa by the Bay Cinco De Mayo Weekend Fiesta
Bay Area Salsa and Jaffe Events present a celebratory weekend with wine, dancing and live DJ sets from Tony O, Walt Digz and Pablo.
3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 8. $10 to $80, reservations encouraged. Building 43 Cellar, 2440 Monarch, Alameda. building43winery.com
