10 Fresh Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo this Year

Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in New Orleans

With festival season in full swing and everyone flocking to Jazz Fest, Cinco de Mayo can be too easily forgotten in New Orleans. While not Mexico's Independence day, Cinco de Mayo is a festive celebration of Mexican heritage, cuisine and community.

Whether you are looking to dance the night away with a margarita in hand or find a family-friendly event to try authentic cuisine, check out the list below for an idea of events in the Greater New Orleans area celebrating Cinco de Mayo.

1. Cinco de Mayo Fest

Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie, (504) 226-6084

cincodemayofest.com

Ready for their ninth festival, Cinco de Mayo Fest, presented by Los Jefes Grill, is one of the largest celebrations of Mexican food and culture in Louisiana. Featuring live music, 15 food vendors, a mechanical bull, silent disco and more, Cinco de Mayo Fest on May 5 is guaranteed to be a good time. Grab your friends to see DJ Mannie Fresh, Partners-n-crime, and La-Tran-K while enjoying food from Don Cruz Elotes, Southern's, and more.

2. Cinco de Mayo Celebration at HIDE/SEEK

309 Decatur St., (504) 375-0361

hideseeknola.com

If you are looking for a night dedicated to Mexican beats and flowing tequila, Hide/Seek's Cinco celebration may be the perfect place for you. Keeping the party going from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. on May 5, the beats of DJ Jess, DJ Poppa, and DJ Red will keep your feet on the dance floor for longer than you thought possible. While usually closed on Monday's, Hide/Seek is keeping the party rolling through the weekend for their late night Cinco celebration.

3. Tacos Del Cartel

1010 Girod St., (504) 354-9038

tacosdelcartel.com

Celebrating the grand opening of new locations in Baton Rouge and Metairie, Tacos Del Cartel will turn up the heat this May 5 for an all-out fiesta featuring a live DJ and special prices on their innovative and contemporary Mexican delicacies. Try their El Tendedero de Birria tacos served on a traditional Mexican clothesline. Don't miss out on the upbeat atmosphere and refreshing specialty cocktails for an elevated Cinco de Mayo experience.

4. Felipe's Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Multiple Locations

felipestaqueria.com

With events taking place at all four of their locations in the metro area, Felipe's Taqueria knows how to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. With a lucha libre wrestling match at Mid-City, six live performances, and many more activities across their locations including photo booths facepainting and more, Felipe's is a celebration that is welcome to all. Ready to serve everything from scratch, Felipe's team is preparing to make over 4,000 hand-squeezed margaritas and over 2,000 tacos.

5. Treeista Fiesta Cinco de Mayo Takeover

1840 Thalia St., (504) 375-0361

treehousenola.co

With $5 margaritas being served all day and various deals on bottles of tequila, Treehouse is throwing down this Cinco for their first annual Treeista Fiesta. LookAtWarren will host the event with beats throughout the night by DJ RBD x MAALY G, making margaritas just the start of the celebrations. Featuring a $500 cash prize for the best dressed guest, you won't want to miss the Treeista Fiesta.

6. Johnny Sanchez

930 Poydras St, Suite 101., (504) 304-6615

johnnysancheznola.com

Known as an award-winning chef and TV personality, Chef Aarón Sánchez has starred as a judge in Chopped, MasterChef, and many other food shows. With exquisite taste and a dedication to culinary art, Chef Sánchez's restaurant Johnny Sanchez harmoniously combines New Orleans rich flavors with traditional Hispanic culinary techniques. Since starring in various cooking shows, Chef Sánchez has been recognized by the Hispanic federation as a leader in the Hispanic community, making his NOLA restaurant the perfect spot for a culinary celebration.

7. Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl

eventbrite.com/e/the-official-new-orleans-cinco-de-mayo-bar-club-crawl-2025-tickets-1279671615249

Taking place before and during Cinco de Mayo, take part in the Official New Orleans Cinco de Mayo Bar & Club Crawl on May 3 and May 5. With free shots and exclusive drink specials at four different venues, join this bar crawl as a fun way to join a bigger group and experience the local celebration of this beloved holiday. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

8. The Velvet Cactus

6300 Argonne Blvd., (504) 301-2083

thevelvetcactus.com

Offering a full day of fun and specialty frozen cocktails, the Velvet Cactus is excited to bring live music and delicious food to attendees during their family friendly celebration this May 5. With a $5 cover fee starting at 5 p.m., the night ramps up with a whole line up of artists covering a variety of genres including yacht rock, roots, and funk. Featuring the sounds of Da Hounds and Where Y'acht, the tunes will be flowing and the food will be steaming. Look forward to this evening filled with Mexican celebration.

9. El Gato Negro

Multiple locations

elgatonegronola.com

With multiple locations across the the Greater New Orleans area, El Gato Negro is a local favorite for reliable tacos and cold margaritas. Known as the original creators of the pineapple cilantro margarita, their specialty margaritas never miss and they offer a wide selection to choose from. Their menu is filled with traditional Mexican dishes that provide the perfect pallet for celebrating the rich celebration of Cinco de Mayo.

10. Juan's Flying Burrito

Multiple locations

juansflyingburrito.com

Combining Creole and Hispanic culinary traditions, Juan's Flying Burrito is in their 26th year of producing an authentic and lively experience through the flavors and atmosphere of each of their locations. Their menu features a wide selection of unique dishes holding both Creole and Hispanic flavors, showcasing their innovative abilities and dedication to authentic cuisine. Don't miss the opportunity to try their frozen lemon berry margarita and get the best of New Orleans culture while celebrating Cinco de Mayo.

Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

Whether you are looking to try authentic Mexican tacos or find the perfect spicy margarita, the events above offer a wide range of events taking place this Cinco de Mayo. Keep the party going after Jazz Fest and enjoy one of the late night celebrations, or spend your weekend with friends at Cinco de Mayo Fest for the biggest celebration. Whatever you do, be sure to look out for block parties and Latin music throughout the city.