Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Boston

9 Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Boston

Last updated: May 2024


Cinco de Mayo is a social holiday full of food, music, and homage to Mexican-American legacies. Celebrated in light of Mexico’s victory in the Battle of Puebla in 1862, this day has morphed into an annual tradition that transcends borders.

Boston’s vibrant communities are more than prepared with tacos and tequila to commemorate this particular Sunday in May, but the festivities extend beyond dining. Explore the avenues for diving into Boston's Latinx offerings, participating in fitness endeavors, and enjoying touchstones of Mexico’s history and culture—and, of course, a few food and beverage necessities to fuel an exciting weekend ahead.

150th Kentucky Derby Viewing Party

Kentucky Derby 150 presented by Woodford Reserve

This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on the heels of the 150th Kentucky Derby. Encore Boston Harbor hosts a Viewing Party presented by Woodford Reserve on May 4 from 4–7 p.m. Try Woodford Reserve cocktails at On Deck, Rare Lounge, and WynnBET Sportsbook; win prizes, and there will even be a best-dressed contest.

Capture the moment at our 360-photo booth located in the South Esplanade.

A walk-in experience. Please Drink Responsibly. Woodford Reserve is a registered trademark. ©️2024 Brown-Forman Distillery, Inc. All rights reserved.

Visit the Latin Quarter

As the cultural epicenter of Boston’s Latinx community, the Latin Quarter is the corner of the greater Hyde Park area that demands a visit. Stroll through Mozart Park to enjoy the colorful murals as part of a public art walking tour, or visit the nearby Footlight Club in Jamaica Plain for a late-night dose of entertainment.

Instead of Cinco de Mayo, Puerto Rican folk artist Hermes Croatto will perform at Club Passim in Cambridge on May 2, marking the beginning of the festivities in the area.

Check Out the Encore Boston Harbor Cinco de Mayo Popup

Night Shift Brewing Kitchen and Tap

It’s no secret that Cinco de Mayo’s main draw surrounds its gastronomic offerings. Stop by Night Shift Brewing Kitchen & Tap for a special Mexican-inspired menu courtesy of Chef Steven Morlino from May 2 to May 5. On the menu, find classic chips and salsa, ceviche tostadas, and tacos such as pollo adobo, barbacoa, fish, and al pastor await hungry guests until midnight. Save room for the Cinco de Mayo burger, loaded with Chihuahua cheese, pico de gallo, and specialty cocktails ranging from Palomas to in-house Ranch Water.

Attend the Downtown Crossing Cinco de May Celebration

Downtown Crossing in Boston Massachusetts

Join in an annual tradition that captures the essence of Cinco de Mayo. Presented by the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District and in conjunction with the Consulate General of Mexico, an afternoon of Topo Chico and regional delights awaits. Take time to peruse the artisan crafts fair and enjoy a lively bilingual performance from guitarist Zaira Meneses and singer, composer, and producer Daniela Gómez.

This event is free in Downtown Crossing from 12:30–3 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024.

Brush Up on Dancing Skills with a Salsa Class

Couple at a salsa class

All roads lead to dancing during Cinco de Mayo. Nothing gets the blood flowing like a rousing dance routine, and Boston’s studios are equipped with regular classes to answer the call.


Dance studios like Havana Club host Bachata Sundays with a welcoming local crowd that caters to beginners. Mambo City is a lively spot with a DJ at the Filarmonica Santo Antonio Cultural Center — that puts on a Sunday salsa social, perfect for the Cinco de Mayo movement.

Catch Mike V and AyEoo Romero at Mémoire

Encore Boston Harbor Memoire

Start—or end—the night at Mémoire Nightclub before Cinco de Mayo. The weekend brings DJ Mikey V to the Encore Boston Harbor main stage. Saturday welcomes DJ AyEoo Romero to the party. He pulls from huge Latin artists like Bad Bunny for his remixes, making him the ideal pregame to Sunday’s fun. Get ready to dance as both artists hit the decks at Mémoire on Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4, 2024. Tickets and bottle packages are available online.

Enjoy an Evening of Double Choir Performances

First Church in Cambridge

Relax into the harmony of a masterpiece. Frank Martin’s ensemble was a hidden treasure for decades before its 1963 premiere. Enthralled guests will enjoy his signature “Mass for Double Choir,” with Bach scores and the works of Raffaella Aleotti preceding the main performance. This collection is a Cinco de Mayo treat with Andrés Ballesteros's “Ave Maria” debut, a melancholic Latin and Spanish hybrid that will likely delight the senses.
The Music for Double Choir show starts at 8 p.m. on May 4 at the First Church in Cambridge.

Get Creative at a Candle-Making Class

Candle making class

Create memories with mementos as a unique twist on a Cinco de Mayo outing. One Boston shop hosts a candle-making craft class with Margarita Rosa as its muse. Perfect for a relaxed Sunday afternoon, this event combines the ideal Cinco de Mayo outing with the potential for an early Mother’s Day gift.


The Margarita Rosa candle-making class will kick off at Sonsie on Newbury Street, in the Back Bay, on May 5 from 6–8 p.m. Materials will be provided.

Run a 5k

People running a 5k race

A brisk 5K before a day of indulgences always gets the mind right. Cities and neighborhoods across Massachusetts are hosting niche races for charity benefits, awareness, and other events.


Some runs in Boston proper and surrounding areas include Ange’s Run through Jamaica Plain, the Cinco de Mayo Kiwanis 5K in Wareham, MA, the weekly Danvers 5K Fun Run, and many others. Those exploring Boston through a 5K on their terms can join an online group for accountability and donations to a worthy cause. One Boston-based run benefits the Global Lyme Alliance, which researches and fights Lyme disease.