This information was accurate at the time of publication. Please check with venues for the most current information.
If you are the organizer of one of these or another Cinco de Mayo event, please send updates or corrections to golosangeles.guide@about.com
More: What is Cinco de Mayo?
1. Annual Mariachi Festival at Mariachi Plaza
The Mariachi Festival is held in conjunction with the Boyle Heights Farmers Market at Mariachi Plaza. Big name and local mariachi bands perform. I'm including it in the Cinco de Mayo list because it has previously been held the weekend closest to Cinco de MAyo, but for 2012 it has been moved to mid-April.
When: April 15, 2012, 11 am - 5 pm
Where: Mariachi Plaza, 1st and Bailey, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Cost: Free
Metro: Metro Gold Line, Mariachi Plaza Station
2. Fiesta Broadway
Courtesy of Fiesta Broadway
A mile-long street fair with music, games and vendor booths in downtown LA. The date moves around between late April and early May.
When: Sunday, April 29, 2012, 11 am - 6 pm
Where: Broadway from 1st to Olympic, Downtown Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Info: www.fiestabroadway.la
More: Fiesta Broadway Profile and Map
3. Cinco de Mayo Fiesta and Classic Car Show in Santa Monica
Mariachis, a salsa band, folklorico dancers and children's crafts will share space with classic, vintage, muscle cars, low riders, trucks and specialty vehicles at this celebration at Virginia Park in Santa Monica.
When: Sunday, May 6, 2012, noon-5:00 pm
Where: Virginia Park, northwest corner of Pico and Cloverfield in Santa Monica
Cost: Free
Parking: Free at Santa Monica College “Structure A” at the corner of Pico and 17th Street, a Big Blue Bus will provide free shuttle service from the corner of Pico and 16th St eastbound
Info: www.vapark.smgov.net
4. Cinco de Mayo in Santa Ana
The largest Mexican-American community in Orange County celebrates with two-days of festivities including carnival rides, games, music, dance and lots of food on historic 4th Street in downtown Santa Ana.
When: May 5-6, 2012, Saturday - Sunday noon - 9 pm
Where: 4th Street in Downtown Santa Ana
Cost: Free
Info: http://www.santa-ana.org/cda/documents/SACincodeMayo.pdf
5. Monrovia’s Cinco De Mayo Cultural Art and Music Festival
Live Mexican music and dancing, arts booths and food will highlight this street party in the San Gabriel Valley.
When: April 29, 2012, noon-9 pm
Where: Colorado and Myrtle Ave in Old Town Monrovia
Cost: Free
Info: www.monrovia5demayo.org
6. Cinco de Mayo at Olvera Street
© 2005 Kayte Deioma, courtesy of www.KayteDeioma.com
A traditional celebration with mariachis, folklorico dancers, piñatas and other activities for the kids at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Site on Olvera Street in Downtown Los Angeles.
When: May 5-6, 2012, Saturday noon- 7 pm, Sunday 11 am - 5 pm,
Where: Olvera Street pedestrian zone at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, 845 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Metro: Red Line to Union Station
Info: (213) 289-4641, www.elpueblo.lacity.org
7. Cinco de Maya at LA Plaza
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the brand new LA Plaza museum with free admission, crafts and music.
When: May 5, 2012, hours TBA
Where: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N Main St , Los Angeles, 90012
Cost: TBA
Metro: Red Line to Union Station
Info: lapca.org
8. Cinco de Mayo at L.A. Live
L.A. Live's Cinco de Mayo celebration includes the Battle of the Mariachi's, a beer and margarita garden and Mexican food on Nokia Plaza. The after-party continues at Rosa Mexicano and the conga Room.
When: 2012 info TBA
Where: Nokia Plaza at L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015
Cost: Free
Metro: Red Line to Pico Station
Info: http://lalive.com/cincodemayo
9. Lucha VaVoom at the Mayan Theater
A crazy Mexican combination of acrobatic masked wrestlers, burlesque, striptease and comedy. The touring show is stopping in Los Angeles for just one night on Cinco de Mayo.
When: May 4&5, 2012, 8 pm (doors open at 7)
Where: The Mayan Theater, 1038 South Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Cost: $45
Info: http://luchavavoom.com
