As Cinco de Mayo in Chicago approaches, we’re here to guide you through the best events happening this year. Whether you prefer a rowdy bar crawl, a margarita-fueled brunch, or a block party, we’ve got you covered.
Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration that marks Mexico’s triumph over the French Empire in the Franco-Mexican War. Although it is not a major holiday in Mexico, it has become a significant celebration of Mexican American culture in the United States, often featuring parties, traditional food, and drinking affairs.
1. Cinco de Mayo at Celeste
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Chicago with an unforgettable fiesta at Celeste on Sunday, May 5th, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will take place in the heart of River North and will feature hot beats spun by DJ Twan, BRKN, Mars, Cedeno Jezu B2B Gabe GLVZ, Rika B. Adorio, Frank Bono, Witz Hector, Erik Chike, Nali Antrobus, Wes, Ben, and many more.
But that’s not all! You will also enjoy a delectable build-your-own taco bar from 12 pm to 2 pm, which is included in your ticket purchase. And for those who want to savor the authentic flavors of Mexico, $6 Modelos and $12 tequila/mezcal cocktails will be available throughout the event.
2. Mexico Fest at Navy Pier
In partnership with Consulado General de México en Chicago & The Governments of Chihuahua, Nayarit, and Querétaro, Mexico Fest features free music and dance performances from Mexican artists, a one-of-a-kind mercadito shopping experience curated with more than 30 vendors, and compelling free workshops.
Date: Friday, May 3 — Sunday, May 5
Address: 600 E. Grand Avenue
3. Head to the National Museum of Mexican Art
The National Museum of Mexican Art, formerly known as the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, features Mexican, Latino, and Chicano art and culture. Now on view is the Arte Diseño Xicágo II exhibit, which showcases works of art by Mexican and Chicago artists who participated in the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and present-day Mexican artists working in the Chicagoland area.
Address: National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St.
4. Pilsen’s Cinco De Mayo Saturday Tequila Crawl Party
Get ready for the biggest Cinco De Mayo in Chicago party. If you are looking for the best way to celebrate the Cinco De Mayo holiday, then look no further. Join Pilsen, the non-stop fiesta bar crawl in Chicago, with excellent drinks and tons of Cinco De Mayo fun on Saturday, May 4th!
Address: 1713 W. 18th Street
5. Grab tacos at any of Chicago’s best spots
One of our favorite restaurants in Chicago is Tacotlan, owned by a father-daughter duo, Everardo Macias and Jessica Perjes. Their specialty is the mouth-watering quesabirrias, which are now the top-selling item on their menu. Tacotlan is also known for serving the best tacos in Chicago, and each taco is incredibly delicious. The prices are quite reasonable, ranging from $3.75 for the Taco Chorizo or the Taco Pollo to the Lalo’s On The Beach Taco priced at $10.50, which is served with outer skirt steak, shrimp, lettuce, tomatoes, and aguacate and chipotle salsas.
6. Grab a margarita
Grab a margarita for Cinco De Mayo in Chicago! Del Toro is easily one of our favorite places for margaritas in Chicago, created by Everardo and Andres Garcia. They offer 14 signature margaritas to choose from, all ranging from $12-$14. One of their unique options is the Berry Jalapeño Margarita, priced at $13, which comes with 3G Blanco, Cointreau, raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, jalapeño, syrup, and lime. If you prefer a more straightforward option, their Jalapeño margarita. Additionally, other more common choices are available, such as the Mango Margarita, Passion Fruit Margarita, and Hibiscus Margarita.