With Cinco de Mayo right around the corner, it’s time to get your plans in order. From bar crawls and local fiestas to paint-and-sip parties, check out these five Cinco de Mayo events in Iowa.
Cinco de Mayo Downtown Fiesta
Mount Pleasant
Downtown Mount Pleasant’s main street is shutting down for an exciting Cinco de Mayo block party. Join the many small businesses and local dining destinations for the fiesta, where attendees will enjoy a variety of Mexican dishes, Cinco-inspired handcrafted cocktails, photo booths, games, karaoke and much more fun from 5 to 7:30 p.m. An after-party will also be taking place in Central Park starting at 8 p.m. with prize giveaways worth over $3,500. Tickets are $20 per person and include access to both the fiesta and after-party. For more information, visit allevents.in.
Ganzo’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Davenport
Though the restaurant will not be having its annual 5K, Ganzo’s Mexican Restaurant in Davenport will be hosting one of the biggest Cinco de Mayo events in Iowa on the memorable holiday. The fiesta aims to showcase Mexican culture’s diverse history, music and arts while providing fun for the whole family. The event will feature live music from Latin bands, tequila tastings, Mexican fare, jalapeno-eating contests, piñatas, bounce houses, face painting and much more. Admission to the fiesta is free, with prices varying depending on fare and activities. For more information, visit ganzos.com.
Cinco de Mayo Margarita Party
Muscatine
Join Create! DIY Craft Studio for a paint-and-sip Cinco de Mayo celebration. The fun event will feature an assortment of margaritas, chips and salsa and other goodies while guests try their hand at painting a portrait of a margarita glass. The class is beginner-friendly, with an instructor guiding you through each step, and will take place on May 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person, and the event is for 21 plus. For more information, visit creatediycraftstudio.com.
Cinco de Mayo Beer Glass Painting
Burlington
Art Center of Burlington is hosting a unique Cinco de Mayo event in Iowa this holiday with the help of the lead instructor, Jeri Sparks. The event will teach guests how to properly paint a beer glass with step-by-step guidance in a fun environment on Friday, May 5, from 5 to 6 p.m. The class is $35 per person and will feature a walk through the art gallery after completing your piece. For more information, visit allevents.in.
Des Moines Cinco de Mayo Weekend Bar Crawl
Des Moines
It would not be a Cinco celebration without some drinks, and what better way to grab a cold one than with friends as you explore some of Des Moines’ best bars. The bar crawl will take place on May 5 to May 6, starting at 1 p.m. and will feature exclusive entry in some of the best bars in town, drink specials, live music experiences, a costume contest, giveaways and a professional photographer to capture the magical night. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased in advance. For more information, visit app.discotech.me.