By LA Metro
Cinco de Mayo celebrations are kicking off early across Los Angeles this year with events starting as soon as late April.
While the holiday is rooted in Puebla, Mexico, it has grown into a vibrant tradition in the U.S., bringing people together to enjoy music, food and cultural pride. At its core, the observance commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla, when Mexico’s Army pulled off an unexpected victory against a much larger French force.
Planning to join the festivities? We’ve rounded up five free events – plus a bonus – that are perfect for the whole family and easy to reach by Metro bus or rail. Skip the parking hunt and high gas prices and let Metro get you straight to the celebration.
1. Fiesta Broadway
Fiesta Broadway returns to its 33rd edition, bringing one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the country to downtown LA (DTLA). Expect a full day of live music, culture and community vibes. This year’s lineup includes Edwin Luna, Banda Los Recoditos, Mariachi Grullense and more. Come hungry – there will be plenty of food vendors and even lucha libre.
- When: Sunday, April 26
- Where: Broadway between 1st and 4th Streets in DTLA
- Time: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Go Metro: Take the Metro A or E Lines to Historic Broadway Station. You can also take the Metro B or D Lines to Civic Center/Grand Park Station.
- For more information visit: fiesta-broadway.com.
2. La Plaza de la Cultura y Artes
Head to La Plaza for a fun afternoon featuring Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas, an all-female mariachi group celebrating tradition and empowering women in the industry. You can also join hands-on workshops like chile poblano seed planting, making a delicious carlota de limon or creating embroidered tenangos (colorful Mexican textiles art). Food and drinks will be available for purchase
- When: Sunday, April 26
- Where: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes – 501 N Main St., LA
- Time: 12 pm
- Go Metro: Take Metro’s A, B or D Lines to Union Station. You can also take the J Line to Aliso St and Los Angeles St. (Patsaouras Busway Station.)
- For more information visit: lapca.org/event/cinco-de-mayo.
3. Historical Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival
A community tradition dating back to the 1960s, this Venice celebration brings together music, culture and a full lineup of live performances. Enjoy mariachi, Aztec and folklorico dancers, plus a showcase of classic cars. With food trucks, raffles and activities throughout the day, this is a lively celebration from start to finish
- When: Saturday, May 2
- Where: Oakwood Recreation Park – 767 California Ave., Venice
- Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Go Metro: Take Bus Line 3 to Venice/Shell and walk 0.5 miles to the event.
- For more information: eventbrite.com/e/historical-venice-cinco-de-mayo.
4. Placita Olvera
Celebrate at historic Placita Olvera with a full day of high-energy performances. Enjoy mariachi, norteño, tríos and folklórico dancers bringing color and tradition to the plaza. Browse handcrafted goods from local artisans and let the kids enjoy games and activities – it’s a classic LA Cinco de Mayo experience.
- When: Sunday, May 3
- Where: 125 Paseo de la Plaza, LA
- Time: 10 am
- Go Metro: Take the Metro A, B or D Lines to Union Station. You can also take the J Line to Patsaouras Busway Station.
- For more information, visit: cincodemayofiesta.net.
5. Monterey Park
Spend the evening at Barnes Park for an evening filled with music and festive energy. The event will feature Mariachi Orgullo Jalisciense, along with dancing, cultural performances and more. You’ll also find food vendors, a beer garden, carnival rides and plenty of activities to keep the fiesta going.
- When: Thursday, May 7
- Where: At Barnes Park – 350 S McPherrin Ave., Monterey Park
- Time: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Go Metro: Take the Metro Line 70 to Garvey / Ramona.
- For more information visit: montereypark.ca.gov/682/Cinco-de-Mayo.
(Bonus) Grand Central Market
While not a Cinco de Mayo-specific event, this one is worth adding to your plans. Head to Grand Central Market for live music by Mariachi Magnolia, a femme-owned modern group blending traditional sounds with boleros, cumbias, rock en español, sones, ranchera and more. They perform every second and last Sunday of the month – including this April 26 – making it an easy way to add a little musica to your weekend.
- When: Sunday, April 26
- Where: Grand Central Market – 317 S Broadway, LA
- Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Go Metro: Take the Metro B or D Line to Pershing Square or the A/E Line to
Historic Broadway Station - For more information visit: grandcentralmarket.com/gcm-event.