Cinco de Mayo is one of the most vibrant and lively celebrations in Denver, bringing together the city’s rich Mexican-American heritage, delicious food, music, and cultural traditions. Whether you’re looking for a massive festival, a great place to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine, or a lively bar to sip margaritas, Denver has something for everyone on May 5th.
The Significance of Cinco de Mayo
Before we dive into the best places to celebrate, let’s clear up a common misconception—Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. Instead, it commemorates the Battle of Puebla in 1862, where the Mexican army achieved an unlikely victory against French forces. While it’s not a major holiday in Mexico, it has become a significant cultural celebration in the United States, particularly in cities with strong Mexican-American communities—like Denver.
Now, let’s explore the best places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Denver!
1. Celebrate at the Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival in Civic Center Park
📍 Location: Civic Center Park, Downtown Denver
📅 When: The weekend closest to May 5th
💰 Cost: Free Entry
If you want to experience Denver’s largest and most authentic Cinco de Mayo celebration, you can’t miss the Cinco de Mayo Festival at Civic Center Park. This two-day event is one of the biggest Cinco de Mayo festivals in the country, drawing over 400,000 people every year. It’s a full-blown cultural extravaganza, with live music, folkloric dancers, incredible food, and fun for all ages.
What to Expect:
🎶 Live Entertainment: Multiple stages featuring mariachi bands, Latin rock groups, salsa performances, and traditional Mexican folk dancing.
🌮 Mexican Cuisine: This festival is a food lover’s dream. Expect to find street tacos, tamales, elotes (Mexican street corn), churros, and more from some of Denver’s best Mexican food vendors.
🐕 Chihuahua Races & Beauty Pageant: Yes, you read that right! One of the most anticipated events of the festival is the annual Chihuahua races, where tiny pups race for glory. There’s also a Chihuahua beauty contest, where the cutest (and sometimes funniest) outfits take center stage.
🛍️ Vendors & Artisans: The festival also has a huge marketplace with handcrafted Mexican goods, clothing, and traditional art, making it a great place to shop for unique souvenirs.
Why You Should Go:
✔️ It’s the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in Colorado.
✔️ Family-friendly with fun activities for kids and adults alike.
✔️ A perfect way to experience Mexican culture and traditions in the heart of Denver.
Pro Tip: The festival gets crowded, so arrive early to grab a good spot for performances and food vendors!
2. Grab a Fiesta Feast at La Loma Mexican Kitchen
📍 Location: 1801 Broadway, Denver, CO
💰 Price: $$-$$$
If you’re looking for a Cinco de Mayo dining experience with incredible Mexican flavors, head over to La Loma Mexican Kitchen. This Denver staple is famous for its green chile, handmade tortillas, and strong margaritas—a perfect spot to celebrate in style.
Cinco de Mayo Specials:
🍹 Margarita & Tequila Flights: For Cinco de Mayo, La Loma rolls out special tequila flights and handcrafted margaritas, perfect for sipping your way into the fiesta spirit.
🌮 Exclusive Cinco de Mayo Menu: The restaurant often offers limited-time holiday specials, featuring dishes inspired by traditional Mexican street food.
🎶 Live Music & Festive Decor: Expect a fun and lively atmosphere, with decorations and possibly live mariachi performances to set the mood.
Why You Should Go:
✔️ One of Denver’s most beloved Mexican restaurants with decades of history.
✔️ Their house-made tortillas are legendary—soft, fresh, and made daily.
✔️ Perfectly crafted margaritas that pair beautifully with your meal.
Pro Tip: Reservations fill up fast for Cinco de Mayo, so book a table in advance!
3. Dance & Drink at Latino Fest at Number Thirty Eight
📍 Location: 3560 Chestnut Place, Denver, CO
💰 Cost: Varies
If you’re ready to dance, drink, and celebrate in true Latin style, Latino Fest at Number Thirty Eight is the place to be. Located in Denver’s trendy RiNo district, Number Thirty Eight is a huge indoor-outdoor venue with multiple bars, a massive patio, and a stage for live performances. Cinco de Mayo here turns into an all-night Latin fiesta, packed with energy, music, and delicious food.
What to Expect:
💃 Live Latin Bands & DJs – Get ready to dance to salsa, cumbia, reggaeton, bachata, and merengue, played by some of the best Latin musicians and DJs in the city.
🍻 Outdoor Beer Garden & Signature Cocktails – Number Thirty Eight is known for its large selection of local craft beers and creative tequila-based cocktails, perfect for toasting to Cinco de Mayo.
🌮 Food Trucks & Latin Cuisine – Satisfy your cravings with street-style tacos, empanadas, arepas, and other Latin-inspired delights from rotating food trucks on-site.
🎉 Festive Atmosphere – This party gets wild, with an energetic crowd, festive decorations, and non-stop music to keep you moving all night long.
Why You Should Go:
✔️ The ultimate Latin dance party with top-tier DJs and live music.
✔️ Outdoor and indoor spaces to match your vibe—whether you want to dance or chill with a drink.
✔️ Great tequila specials and signature margaritas.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to grab a good spot near the dance floor and take advantage of happy hour drink deals!
4. Margaritas & Mariachis at Tamayo
📍 Location: 1400 Larimer Street, Denver, CO
💰 Price: $$-$$$
If you prefer a more upscale Cinco de Mayo celebration with rooftop views, incredible margaritas, and live mariachi music, Tamayo is your go-to spot. Located in the heart of Larimer Square, Tamayo offers an elegant yet festive atmosphere, making it perfect for groups, date nights, or anyone looking for a stylish fiesta.
Cinco de Mayo Highlights:
🍹 Bottomless Margaritas – Enjoy all-you-can-drink margaritas for a set price, featuring classic, spicy, and fruit-infused flavors.
🎺 Live Mariachi Performances – Throughout the day, mariachi bands roam the restaurant, bringing an authentic and lively touch to the celebration.
🌮 Gourmet Mexican Tasting Menu – Chef-crafted modern Mexican dishes, such as lobster tacos, duck carnitas, and mole poblano, elevate your Cinco de Mayo dining experience.
🌇 Rooftop Fiesta with a View – Tamayo’s stunning rooftop patio overlooks downtown Denver, making it one of the best places to sip margaritas while watching the sunset.
Why You Should Go:
✔️ The best rooftop fiesta in Denver with incredible skyline views.
✔️ Next-level margaritas that go beyond the basics.
✔️ Perfect for small groups, date nights, and anyone who loves upscale Mexican cuisine.
Pro Tip: Make a reservation in advance! Tamayo’s rooftop fills up fast on Cinco de Mayo.
5. Street Tacos & Tequila at Los Chingones
📍 Location: 2463 Larimer Street, Denver, CO
💰 Price: $$
If you’re looking for a laid-back yet high-energy spot to enjoy authentic street tacos, strong tequila drinks, and a festive atmosphere, Los Chingones in RiNo is a must-visit. This modern, playful take on Mexican street food makes it one of Denver’s go-to spots for Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Why You’ll Love It:
🌮 Taco & Tequila Specials – Los Chingones goes all out on Cinco de Mayo, offering killer taco deals and discounted tequila shots throughout the day.
🍹 Massive Outdoor Patio – If the sun is shining, you’ll want to grab a table outside! Their huge rooftop and patio make for a perfect place to sip margaritas and soak in the lively atmosphere.
🎶 DJ Sets & Festive Vibes – Expect live DJs spinning Latin beats, colorful decorations, and an overall energetic crowd ready to party.
Why You Should Go:
✔️ Perfect for casual groups & bar-hopping – It’s right in the heart of RiNo, making it a great stop on a Cinco de Mayo taco and tequila crawl.
✔️ A modern take on Mexican flavors – Think Korean BBQ tacos, spicy-sweet margaritas, and unexpected twists on classic dishes.
✔️ Some of the best street tacos in Denver – Handmade tortillas, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors set this spot apart.
Pro Tip: Los Chingones gets packed on Cinco de Mayo, so go early or be prepared to wait for a table!
6. Tequila Tastings at Blue Agave Grill
📍 Location: 1201 16th Street Mall, Denver, CO
💰 Price: $$-$$$
If your Cinco de Mayo celebration is less about rowdy partying and more about premium tequila, craft margaritas, and gourmet Mexican food, then Blue Agave Grill in downtown Denver is the place for you.
Cinco de Mayo Highlights:
🥃 Exclusive Tequila Tastings – For true tequila connoisseurs, Blue Agave offers special Cinco de Mayo tasting flights featuring premium añejo, reposado, and blanco tequilas from some of Mexico’s best distilleries.
🍸 Signature Infused Margaritas – Blue Agave is known for its handcrafted margaritas made with unique ingredients like prickly pear, blood orange, and spicy habanero-lime.
🌮 Refined Mexican Cuisine – If you’re craving flavorful, chef-driven dishes, Blue Agave’s fresh, house-made salsas, slow-braised carnitas, and mole-covered enchiladas will impress.
🛋️ Chill, Upscale Atmosphere – Compared to the crowded bars and wild dance floors, Blue Agave offers a more relaxed yet still festive environment to celebrate with great drinks and even better food.
Why You Should Go:
✔️ Perfect for tequila lovers & cocktail enthusiasts – If you want to go beyond basic margaritas, this is your spot.
✔️ Centrally located – Right on the 16th Street Mall, making it an easy stop before or after hitting other Cinco de Mayo festivities.
✔️ More refined & relaxed – Ideal for date nights, small groups, or those who want to enjoy great Mexican food without the party chaos.
Pro Tip: Reserve a spot at the bar if you’re interested in a guided tequila tasting experience.
Final Thoughts
Denver knows how to throw an epic Cinco de Mayo celebration, and whether you prefer a massive festival, a laid-back taco night, or a high-energy party, there’s something for everyone. From the lively Cinco de Mayo Festival in Civic Center Park to margarita-fueled rooftop celebrations, you can’t go wrong with any of these options.
So, grab your sombrero, sip on a margarita, and get ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Denver style!
