Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in the Sacramento Area

Cinco de Mayo is an exciting holiday across the entire country, but particularly in the state of California. In fact, it is believed that the holiday originated about two hours away in the historic gold rush town of Columbia.

Much like with any holiday, Sacramento sure knows how to throw a party for Cinco de Mayo. This exciting holiday celebrating Mexican culture often involves authentic Mexican food, refreshing drinks, festive costumes and lively music! What a glorious combination.

So you don’t miss out on the festivities this year, we gathered some of the best Cinco de Mayo events happening in the area. Choose the one that sounds the most enjoyable, and get ready to have a blast this Cinco de Mayo!

Fiesta en la Calle’s Cinco de Mayo Festival

Sunday, May 1, 2016  | 11 a.m.—6 p.m

The Fiesta en la Calle concert series is getting the party started early this year with their Cinco de Mayo Festival on Sunday, May 1. Head to Southside Park any time between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. to enjoy food, art and cultural performances — all for free! Enjoy lots of live bands and artists throughout the day, and don’t miss the special car show by Los Compadres Bombs. This festival is the perfect way to end the weekend and start celebrating the week of Cinco de Mayo!

Photos Courtesy of Fiesta en la Calle

Cinco Denio’s

Sunday, May 1, 2016 | 10 a.m.—2 p.m

Denio’s Roseville Farmer’s Market and Swap Meet has been a community staple for the folks in Roseville since 1947. They are celebrating Cinco de Mayo this year with their special Cinco Denio’s event on Sunday, May 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring the family to this fiesta where you’ll enjoy authentic Mexican food, great music, a low-rider car display, a futsal tournament and Mexican wrestling! In addition to the Cinco de Mayo festivities, the market will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day.

Photos Courtesy of Denio’s Roseville Farmer’s Market

Saint John’s “Guest Chef Dinner” Featuring Taylor’s Kitchen

Thursday, May 5, 2016 | 6 p.m.

Make a difference in the community while celebrating exceptional fine Mexican cuisine at Saint John’s Program for Real Change’s Guest Chef Dinner. Once a month, renowned chefs come to Plates Cafe and serve up gourmet dishes to supporters of Saint John’s. These events offer employment training for the homeless mothers and the proceeds support the organization’s mission.

On Cinco de Mayo, Taylor’s Kitchen will provide a special meal crafted by chefs Justin and Casey. The menu will feature the exquisite flavors of Mexico, and amazing wines from Moniz Family Wines. Cocktail hour with a complimentary wine tasting is from 6–7 p.m., and dinner starts at 7 p.m.

Mexican Restaurants in Sacramento

If you don’t make it to one of the Cinco De Mayo events, here are a few local places you can still go to to celebrate the holiday!

Centro Cocina Mexicana

Centro Cocina Mexicana has been a staple in the Sacramento dining scene for over 20 years, offering regional Mexican cuisine in a festive and colorful atmosphere. So what better place to spend Cinco de Mayo? Their menus feature fresh plates comprised of only the freshest ingredients, with authentic Mexican flavors and recipes. Choose from their huge selection of appetizers, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fresh fish, grilled meats, poultry, and housemade desserts. And make a toast to Cinco de Mayo with one of their 300+ brands of tequila at their full-service bar!

Thursday, May 5

On Cinco de Mayo, Centro will be hosting a party in their back parking lot offering food and drink specials, games, and other entertainment.

Photos Courtesy of  Centro Cocina Mexicana

Ernesto’s

Enjoy fine authentic Mexican food at Ernesto’s in Midtown. Their chefs work diligently to ensure that only the freshest ingredients are served and each dish is saturated in robust Mexican flavors.

Thursday, May 5 | Starting at 11 a.m.

Ernesto’s is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a live mariachi band, margarita specials, tequila tasting and beer promotions. You won’t want to miss this party starting at 11 a.m. on May 5!

Florez Bar & Grill

Florez Bar & Grill is throwing quite the party for Cinco de Mayo this year. Florez will be offering lots of drink specials, making the fiesta complete!

Thursday, May 5 | 12–10 p.m.

Enjoy mariachi music from 12–4 p.m., DJ music from 4–8 p.m., more mariachi music from 5–9 p.m., and samba dancers from 8–10 p.m. Don’t miss out on this exciting evening celebrating Mexican culture at one of the best Mexican restaurants in town.

Photos Courtesy of  Florez Bar & Grill

Mayahuel

Mayahuel provides an authentic cultural experience — from the food on your plate to the art on the walls. In fact, you can find art in every corner at this upscale Mexican restaurant — including the murals, sculptures, small-batch tequila and mezcal bottles, one-of-a-kind drinks, fresh authentic cuisine, and the music. Immerse yourself in the passion, romance and enchantment that is Mayahuel.

Vallejo’s

With two locations in Sacramento, Vallejo’s is a well-loved community staple that has been serving the Midtown area with the finest authentic Mexican food since 1983. This family-owned establishment is throwing quite the party for Cinco de Mayo — and Seis de Mayo, too!

Thursday, May 5 | 6 p.m. – Midnight

Enjoy live music from Q-VO, featuring all your favorite souldies, funk, old school classics and more! If you’re there for lunch, enjoy live mariachi from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Entrance costs $5 and Vallejo’s is only admitting those over 21 after 6 p.m.

Friday, May 6 | 6 p.m. – Midnight

Enter Vallejo’s with no cover, and enjoy the old-school vinyl mixes from DJ Meza and comedy from Danny Cruzz on Friday night. Entrance is for those 21 and over after 6 p.m.!

Photos Courtesy of Vallejo’s

Zocalo

Whether you’re in Midtown or Roseville, Zocalo is a wonderful place to grab lunch, dinner or a drink — especially on Cinco de Mayo! Zocalo provides a contemporary twist on authentic regional Mexican fare, and plenty of margaritas and other drinks to accompany your dish of choice. Their bright and refreshing interior makes this the perfect setting for enjoying an exceptional meal with family and friends.

Adios, Sacramento!

Have a fun, festive and safe Cinco de Mayo! Let us know what your plans are for this exciting holiday. We always love to know about celebrations, events and specials happening in the area!