Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican victory over the French Empire on May 5, 1862, in the historic Battle of Puebla. The celebration is more popular in the United States than Mexico – and no, it’s not Mexican Independence Day. To celebrate this year, Milwaukee has live performances, festivals, dancing and tons of delicious Mexican food to choose from. Zocalo Food Park is even making a whole weekend out of it!
1. Esperanza Rising
ALL WEEKEND | TODD WEHR THEATRE, MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Two young storytellers and an ensemble cast tell the story of Esperanza, a wealthy Mexican girl whose privilege falters after tragedy in the 1930s. She and her mother must flee to California, where Esperanza must learn to rise above and discover what she is truly made of.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
2. Cinco de Mayo Weekend Family Fun Carnival
ALL WEEKEND | UMOS, INC.
Have fun all weekend long at this carnival full of family-friendly rides!
3. DJ Cubano
FRIDAY FROM 8-11 P.M. | ZÓCALO FOOD PARK
Kick the weekend off with DJ Cubano spinning electrifying Latin beats and the hottest tracks with Zócalo’s delicious food and drinks.
4. Los Nenes Del Lago
SATURDAY FROM 5:30-7:30 P.M. | ZÓCALO FOOD PARK
Catch this emerging Latin band performing at Zócalo, and grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks while you’re there.
5. Los Mitoteros
SATURDAY FROM 8-10 P.M. | ZOCALO FOOD PARK
Affter Los Nenes del Lago, catch Los Mitoteros at Zócalo. This nine-piece Latin ensemble will get you moving and grooving.
6. Cinco de Mayo Festival
SUNDAY FROM 11 A.M.-7 P.M. | HUMBOLDT PARK
Celebrate with traditional Mexican foods, music, dance and some of Milwaukee’s best taco trucks. This festival also features a chihuahua beauty contest and a tamale-eating contest!
7. A Night of Empanadas & Salsa Dancing
SUNDAY AT NOON AND MONDAY AT 2 P.M. | THE STARLING
Feel the rhythm and get dancing with a free salsa lesson from a local instructor! This event is suited for beginners or experienced dancers. They’ve also got authentic empanadas from Antigua and tasty handcrafted cocktails (with non-alcoholic options). Get a free mini margarita if you RSVP!
8. 414 Flea
SUNDAY FROM 11 A.M.-5 P.M. | ZÓCALO FOOD PARK
Shop tons of vintage clothing and doo-dads while Zócalo hosts a special celebration for Cinco de Mayo.
9. Cinco de Mayo Day Party
SUNDAY FROM 3-6 P.M. | TROPIC
This pre-Cinco de Mayo party features tasty jerk tacos, margarita specials, raffles and giveaways!
10. Open Mic
SUNDAY FROM 4-7 P.M. | ZÓCALO FOOD PARK
Catch some live entertainment (or be the entertainment) after the flea market is over at this intimate open mic hosted by Tlalok Rodriguez.
