As May 5 approaches, Iowa is gearing up for a fiesta to remember. From vibrant festivals to lively pub crawls, the following are five must-attend Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Iowa.
May 3: Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Mount Pleasant
Watch as Downtown Mount Pleasant comes alive this Cinco de Mayo with a block party fiesta taking place on Friday, May 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. This celebration will feature a day filled with music, dancing, karaoke, prize giveaways and delicious food as downtown businesses and restaurants come together for the event. This Cinco de Mayo celebration in Iowa is $20 per person and is open to all ages. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.
May 4: Cinco de Mayo Festival
Valley Junction
Immerse yourself in Mexican culture at Valley Junction’s Cinco de Mayo Festival, taking place from noon to 10 p.m. This exciting cultural fiesta will feature traditional Mexican fare, artwork to browse, live music, dancing and more family-friendly fun. Mayor Russ Trimble will also make a proclamation during the event and crown a Cinco de Mayo King and Queen. The Cinco de Mayo celebration in Iowa is free and open to the public. For more information, visit valleyjunction.com.
May 4: Des Moines Cinco de Mayo Weekend Pub Crawl
Raise a glass during the Des Moines Cinco de Mayo Weekend Pub Crawl, taking place from 5 to 11 p.m. This exhilarating event will allow attendees and their amigos to crawl their way through some of Des Moines’ hottest spots as they enjoy food and drink specials, live music, dancing and more. This event is for 21-plus only and is currently free for early bird pricing but is subject to change as the date gets closer. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.
May 5: Cinco de Mayo Drag Brunch
Cedar Rapids
Dance the day away during the Cinco de Mayo Drag Brunch on Sunday, May 5, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Cliff’s Dive Bar & Grill in Cedar Rapids. This exciting event will feature one of the fiercest lineups of queens, including Sharaya Diamond, Trade Peaches and Robin Graves with Hollywood Hope serving as the host. In addition to live performances, guests will indulge in a brunch menu for $19.96 per person (plus $14.95 for bottomless mimosas). For more information, visit ticketleap.events.
May 5: Cinco de Mayo at Pedalers Fork
Cedar Rapids
Head to Pedalers Fork in Cedar Rapids for a Cinco de Mayo celebration in Iowa like no other, with a specialty menu chock-full of specials for the holiday. These items include drink deals like $16 buckets of Corona, $5 you-call-it tequila shots, two-for-one mimosas and half-off wine bottles, in addition to a delish themed food lineup. Savor eats like French toast with Blondie syrup, biscuits and gravy and veggie scrambled eggs for breakfast; and a prime rib and ham carving station, burritos, tacos and tortilla chips with salsa for lunch (to name a few). These dishes will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at $23 per adult and $9 for kids under 12. For more information, visit allevents.in.