Whether you prefer a night out with some authentic Mexican bites and libations or a day spent with the family enjoying games and live music at a festival, Iowa hosts an assortment of celebrations in honor of Cinco de Mayo.
Cinco de Mayo at Coa Cantina
Des Moines
Coa Cantina is home to the largest selection of tequila in all of Des Moines, so it comes as no surprise that the cantina is the go-to for most Iowans on Cinco de Mayo. In addition to its massive tequila selection, Coa Cantina is famous for having the best margaritas in the city, and in honor of the Mexican holiday, the spot is offering discounted cocktails, multiple live music performances, photo booth experiences, tacos, games and more fun to be had on May 5. This event is 21-plus, and there is no entry charge.
To learn more about Cinco de Mayo at Coa Cantina, visit allevents.in.
Festival Cinco de Mayo
West Des Moines
One of the largest Cinco de Mayo festivals has returned for its 16th year in Valley Junction on Saturday, May 7. The festivities kick off at noon, featuring family-friendly fun, authentic Mexican fare, live music, dancing, artwork auctions and much more until 10 p.m. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public.
To learn more about Festival Cinco de Mayo, visit valleyjunction.com.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Belmond
Belmond’s Business District Center is throwing its own Cinco celebration on May 7 with the help of local vendors in the center. The event will offer visitors a taste of Mexican cuisine, live music, games for both little ones and adults, traditional dance shows, handcrafted art and other items will also be available to purchase and peruse. The event is free and open to the public.
To learn more about Cinco de Mayo Celebration, visit belmondiowa.com.
Ganzo’s Cinco de Mayo 5K
Davenport
If you find yourself in Davenport this Cinco de Mayo, be sure to stop by Ganzo’s Cinco de Mayo 5K for its 10th anniversary on Saturday, May 7. The run, in support of autism, offers a multitude of race styles for participants of all ages. After the trek is complete, be sure to stay for the kid-friendly after-party featuring live music, food, bouncy castles, jalapeno-eating contests, face painting and more fiesta fun. Registration prices vary depending on your choice of the race but begin at $15.
To learn more about Ganzo’s Cinco de Mayo 5K, visit ganzos5k.com.
Cinco de Mayo Downtown Block Party
Mount Pleasant
Downtown Mount Pleasant’s main street is shutting down for an exciting Cinco de Mayo Block Party. Join the multitude of small businesses and local dining destinations for the party, where attendees will enjoy a variety of different Mexican fare, Cinco-inspired handcrafted cocktails, photo sessions in photo booths, games, karaoke and much more fun from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person.
To learn more about Cinco de Mayo Downtown Block Party, visit eventbrite.com.
Cinco de Mayo
Coralville
Backpocket Brewing in Coralville is offering a Cinco de Mayo bash all day long on May 5. The event will feature live music, $3 Tipsy in Tijuana cocktails, loaded Bloody Marias, $3 tequila shots, spicy enchilada pizza and more discounted Mexican-inspired sips and bites to enjoy. The event is 21-plus with no coverage charge.
To learn more about Cinco de Mayo, visit allevents.in.