Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s unexpected victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, but in the U.S. it’s mostly become an excellent excuse to down margaritas, devour tacos and party like you’ve got mañana off.

What started as a historic moment is now celebrated with tequila shots, themed bar crawls and enough guac to fill a kiddie pool. And hey — we’re not complaining.

Around metro Phoenix, bars and restaurants are leaning all the way in with events that promise good vibes, bold flavors and maybe a regrettable group photo or two.

If you’re looking to fiesta for Cinco de Mayo 2025, here are the best bar crawls, street fairs and things to do across metro Phoenix.

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Cinco de Mayo Street Fair and Car Show

Celebrate culture, cars and community at the Cinco de Mayo Street Fair and Car Show in South Phoenix, a free, family-friendly event featuring lowriders, food vendors, live entertainment, dancing and more. Rooted in Chicano activism from the 1960s, this vibrant gathering continues the tradition of honoring Mexican American heritage at historic South Plaza.

Details: 5-10 p.m. Sunday, May 1. 6062 S. Central Ave., Phoenix. Free. facebook.com.

Cinco de Mayo bar crawls

Get ready to party early — the Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl Fiesta kicks off on May 3, bringing festive vibes and drink specials to four Valley cities.

• Phoenix: Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen, 50 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix.
• Tempe: University Sports Grill, 740 S. Mill Ave., Tempe.
• Scottsdale: 50 Shades of Rosé, 7419 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale.
• Chandler: The Uncommon Chandler, 1 E. Boston St., Chandler.

Details: 4 p.m., Saturday, May 3. pubcrawls.com.

Cinco de Mayo Run: Against All Odds Phoenix

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a festive 1 mile, 5K, 10K or half-marathon run. This low-key, community-focused run is capped at 15-20 participants per wave and welcomes all ages and paces. Runners receive a swag bag with a shirt, medal, keychain and more, with no complicated setup or chip timing. Virtual participants can join from anywhere. The event supports a mission of inclusivity.

Details: 7:30 a.m. Saturday, May 3. G.R. Herberger Park, 5802 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. $37. runsignup.com.

Phoenix Cinco de Mayo Festival

The Cinco de Mayo Festival 2025 in downtown Phoenix promises a high-energy celebration with Grammy-winning rock legends Los Lobos and R&B favorites GQ headlining the state’s largest and longest-running Cinco de Mayo event. This all-day, family-friendly festival includes performances on two stages, cultural showcases like lucha libre and mariachi, a kids zone, local vendors and an evening scholarship presentation.

Details: Noon-10 p.m. Sunday, May 4. Washington Street between First and Seventh avenues. $15. cincophx.com.

Fire & Ice: Cinco de Mayo

Renata’s Hearth at the Arizona Biltmore is bringing heat and spirit to Cinco de Mayo with the latest installment of its Fire & Ice cocktail dinner series. Guests can indulge in a five-course dinner, each dish paired with craft cocktails made with Don Fulano tequila. The menu includes scallop ceviche with a mango hibiscus cocktail and a coconut tres leches paired with a Maiz de Mayo drink.

Details: 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 5. Renata’s Hearth at Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E. Missouri Ave., $125. renatashearth.com.

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