Growing up in Texas, I am ashamed to say that I most often associated the holiday of Cinco de Mayo with eating Tex Mex, drinking margaritas and watching colorful parades. In actuality, Cinco de Mayo, not to be confused with Mexican Independence Day, is a celebration that observes Mexico’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Cinco de Mayo is not widely celebrated in Mexico, but in the United States, it is a day to celebrate Mexican pride, culture and values. Houston is loaded with activities in and around the city throughout the May 5th weekend. So if you’re looking for a quick guide to Cinco de Mayo activities, I’ve included some that should get you in the mood to fiesta (read: PARTY!)…
Family-Friendly & On-the-Move Activities
Over the course of the Cinco de Mayo weekend, there are plenty of festivities to get the family away from the television, and out into the world of cultural experience. Most of the activities below are free, but be sure to click the links to register so that you are assured a prime spot at these events!
Thursday, May 2
Children’s Museum Houston is hosting a Cinco de Mayo FREE family night celebration! From 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm, celebrate our neighbor’s historic battle of Puebla with free performances, workshops, and more.
Friday, May 3
Cinco de Mayo at Miller is a Houston tradition! Tickets go live on May 2, so be sure to bookmark this link! As always, live entertainment is free at Miller Outdoor Theatre.
Saturday, May 4
- Who doesn’t love a parade? The LULAC Cinco de Mayo parade is back in downtown Houston! Festivities begin at 10:00 am.
- Admission is free to the East End Street Fest hosted by East End Houston Cultural District and the East End Improvement Corporation. Join over thirty food and art vendors on Navigation Esplanade for tons of fun from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Sunday, May 5
- It’s a fiesta at the Kemah Boardwalk! Bring the family from 2:00 pm- 10:00 pm for a fun day full of live entertainment, including a live performance by Ballet Folklorico Mexico, kids crafts and activities, and a Mexicana Fiesta dance performance.
- Calling all furry best friends! Bring along your four-legged pal to Houston Bark Park Daycare’s Cinco de Barko Celebration. This pawsome event will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and reservations are required. You had me at tequila and cute dogs.
- Trader’s Village flea market will host its annual Cinco de Mayo celebration from 12:00 pm- 5:00pm with games, activities, and a live concert. Although it’s a free event, it’s $5 to park.
Margarita & Queso Night Out
Craving some queso or a margarita on the rocks? We’ve gotcha covered. Houston has some of the best Mexican food in the United States, so while this list could easily be a mile long, we’ve decided to compile some personal favorites from the writers on our team for a fun, festive Friday night.
- If you’ve never heard of Esteban’s in League City, then Friday is the night to go. They make their chips fresh, in a magical machine, and sprinkle them with salted love. Their queso is amazing and their margaritas are strong.
- Gloria’s has new locations in Baybrook and Katy, and these extensions are every bit as delicious as their downtown counterpart. They have seating inside and outside, and plenty of specialty margaritas to pair with their amazing take on Latin cuisine. The midtown Gloria’s turns into a dance club with live music every Saturday night until 2am, so grab a babysitter, step up those salsa moves, and dance the night away!
- Escalante’s is a delicious treat for Cinco de Mayo, and other Houston Moms mamas agree. Locations can be found in Houston, Sugar Land, Meyerland, and The Woodlands.
- Lupe Tortilla is a well-known restaurant in the Houston area, and it’s not just because they have an amazing selection of margaritas. Both their queso and their fajitas are fantastic!
- Alicia’s Mexican Grille is loved for their queso, margaritas, and excellent customer service. It’s so good, all of the locations (Houston, Cypress, Katy, Spring) need to be listed, just to cover all bases.
- Another well-loved Houston establishment is Chuy’s. When at Chuy’s, order the Jalapeño Ranch sauce, and revel in its creamy deliciousness on a salty chip. (Fun fact: The sauce was created as a salad dressing, but its popularity turned it into an amazing dip!)
- If you’re on the southwest side of Houston, López is an amazing place to pop in for a bite of Tex Mex. Their Southwest Wilcrest location offers curbside to-go… including drinks! Highly recommend their chicken flautas and habanero margaritas… absolutely delicious!
- For folks that live in West Houston, give Pablo’s Mexican Kitchen a try! You can dine in or party at home with their gallon margaritas and fajita packs!
- And finally, who can forget Jimmy Changas? This place not only has amazing queso and strong margaritas, but they make a dish called a Dirty Tostada, and it’s basically like heaven on a plate. BBQ pork? Yes. Avocado? Yes. Layered with queso? Shovel it in. Add a festive atmosphere, and this place is Cinco de Mayo fun!
There are so many great things to do around the Houston area for Cinco de Mayo, and Houston always lives up to its excellent ability to host a great event. Whatever you choose to do, whether it’s filled with activities, music, or a date night with margaritas, enjoy the celebration, enjoy the festivities, and enjoy the history of Mexican-American influence in our great state of Texas.
