Cinco de Mayo is Monday, May 5, but the festivities kick off this weekend. Get a start on the celebration at a block party, family-friendly festival, or craft class ahead of the holiday.
Lucha Libre Battle
Mexico’s professional wrestling troupe Lucha Libre will battle it out at Hook Hall, with two matches. Wrestling fans can expect to see competitors perform high-flying maneuvers and don cultural masks in celebration of the holiday; come dressed in a luchador mask to add to the fun ($25+).
Comedy & Tequila
Spend a fun evening at DC Comedy Clubhouse with host Chris Harrison for a night of jokes and tequila drinks. The intimate venue showcases a lineup of standup comic performances, and a DJ afterparty to commemorate Cinco de Mayo ($20).
Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Punch Bowl Social
Retro arcade games, bowling, karaoke, ping-pong, and a photo booth are highlights at this restaurant/bar. This weekend, it’ll put on a Latin dance playlist and giveaway door prizes (free entry).
Cinco de Mayo at Bryant Street
The Bryant Street Market celebration is a one-day community gathering. Starting at 11 AM, you can shop LatinX vendors at Dreamer’s Collective market. In the afternoon, you can dance with neighbors at a DJ block party featuring performances by Corazon Folklorico (free).
Running of the Chihuahuas
The most adorable dog race returns to DC this weekend to help raise funds for Rural Dog Rescue. The 13th Annual Running of the Chihuahuas brings more than 150 chihuahuas to the Wharf’s 60-foot racetrack to compete for pet-friendly gifts and prizes. The event includes an adoptable pet parade, photos with a giant inflatable chihuahua, DJ tunes, and a dog costume contest (free).
Shipgarten’s Cinco de Mayo Festival
Shipgarten’s two-day Cinco de Mayo Festival welcomes all ages. Festivities include live music by Bobby Crim, beer and cider samples, a marshmallow and sombrero toss (winners get a free T-shirt), a hot pepper eating contest, and treats for dogs. At Sunday’s family festival kids can meet characters from Disney’s Encanto movie, play in a moon bounce, watch a magic show, and have their faces painted (free).
Little Piñata Workshop
Tap into your creativity at a family-friendly, hands-on workshop where you can build your own colorful piñata. The class comes with a margarita and a Mexican snack ($40+).
Feliz Cinco de Mayo
Children can visit the Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library to celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla in Mexico. Youngsters can craft their own marigold flowers, make chili pepper shakers, and snack on Mexican candies (free, recommended for ages 5 to 12).
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Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
