While Cinco de Mayo means lots of fun for the younger crowds, parents may be stuck trying to find fun local activities and events that are family-friendly and kid-safe.
There are plenty of options to choose from, but Trusting Connections has gathered some fun and popular local family events that will have both the parents and kids laughing and having fun.
Parents can take this time to not only have family fun, but to also educate the kids on Mexican history, traditions, and culture.
A Holiday of History + Culture
Did you know Cinco de Mayo isn’t Mexico’s Independence Day? Mexico’s Independence Day is actuallly on September 16th. Cinco de Mayo was a day of commemoration for Mexico’s victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This once minor holiday has become a much more popular fiesta.
According to Herald and News, “similar to St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo in the United States has grown over time from its roots to encompass a welcoming grand celebration of Latino heritage and Mexican-American pride, regardless of whether people are of Hispanic descent or not.”
Here are some local family events that are happening around Tucson, Phoenix, and Dallas-Fort Worth areas. We hope this list will help our TC families and others plan out a fun Cinco de Mayo weekend for the entire family!
Local Family Events – Tucson, Arizona
Family Friendly Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Hosted by Tohono Chul and Agave Heritage Festival, this annual event celebrates the traditions and heritage of the Southwest. Take the family out to enjoy traditional Mexican music from a live mariachi band, explore hundreds of art displays from local artist, taste some delicious agave samples. Along with entertainment, there will be food vendors and fun activities for the kids. Admission is free for everyone.
When: Sunday, May 5, 2019 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM MST
Where: Tohono Chul
7366 N Paseo Del Norte, Tucson, Arizona 85704
Price: $0
Dr. Gann’s Diet of Hope Cinco de Mayo 10K, 5K & FitKidz Mile
Get the family active this Cinco de Mayo by participating in a 10K, 5K or Mile Run. Hosted by the Sothern Arizona Roadrunners, “the 39th annual edition of Tucson’s most festive and scenic 10K which winds its way through Starr Pass in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains.” The runs are fitting for adults and kids of all ages. There will be a Cinco de Mayo Celebration following the runs, including a jumping castle and games like water balloon toss.
When: Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 6:30 AM MST
Where: Cholla High Magnet School
2001 W Starr Pass Blvd, Tucson, Arizona 85713
Price: $0-40
Event Page
Facebook Event Page
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Local Family Events – Phoenix, Arizona
26th Annual Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival
This popular annual festival, hosted by Cinco Phoenix Festival, garners thousands of attendees in the past and is expected to bring even more this year. Located between the skyscrapers in downtown Phoenix, it’s one of the largest multicultural street festivals in Arizona. There will be live entertainment, games, giveaways, prizes, food and drinks, and an interactive Kid Zone.
When: Sunday, May 5, 2019 from 12 PM – 10 PM MST
Where: Downtown Phoenix
200 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85003
Price: $10-75
Free Cinco de Mayo Event
Bring the kids out to Enchanted Island Amusement Park
for a day filled with fun rides, music, games, prizes, and delicious food. Park admission is free. The family will enjoy traditional and authentic Mexican music, costume, and food.
When: Sunday, May 5, 2019 from 12 PM – 8 PM MST
Where: Enchanted Island Amusement Park
1202 W Encanto Blvd, Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Price: $0 (not including rides)
Local Family Events – Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Traders Village will be hosting and celebrating Cinco de Mayo all Saturday and Sunday. Thousands of people have attended this festive event each year. There will be special performances from 16 bands on four stages, including famous YouTuber, Tio Choko. There will be fun rides and delicious food for the kids, and hundreds of local vendors for parents to shop. Free admission to Traders Village; families will only need to pay for parking.
When: May 4-5, 2019 from 11 AM- 6 PM
Where: Traders Village
2602 Mayfield Rd, Grand Prairie, Texas
Price: $4 for parking
Cinco De Mayo Festival at Pike Park
Drive the family over to Pike Park in Dallas for a day filled with games, raffles, prizes, car shows, food trucks, live music, and more! Hosted by the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, this fun-filled day will sure have the parents and kids smiling from ear to ear. The festivities will kick off at noon. Admission and parking are free.
When: Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 12 PM – 4 PM
Where: Pike Park
2851 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75201
Price: $0
We listed the most popular events, but there are so much more local family events that will be happening around town. If you do attend, please share your pictures on Trusting Connections’ Facebook or Instagram page. Let’s dance into May with a memorable fiesta!