4 Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Austin

Guest article by Emily Burns

Every year since 1862, we celebrate Mexico’s unlikely victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in our own Texan way with outrageous festivals, copious amounts of alcohol and the best in Latin music. With over 34% of Austinites identifying as having Hispanic or Latino descent, there is plenty of culture to celebrate here!

There’s something for everyone to enjoy this year, with the following four Cinco de Mayo events to choose from.

#1 Taste of Mexico

Perhaps one of the most authentic Cinco de Mayo events this year is Taste of Mexico from the Mexic-Arte Museum. Over 30 of Austin’s tastiest Mexican restaurants will flaunt their best dishes. In addition to the mouthwatering menu of authentic Mexican cuisine, the event also features the Bazaar del Arte showcasing a variety of Mexican folk arts and crafts.

The Taste of Mexico culinary festival will be held at Brazos Hall on May 5, 2015 from 6-9 PM. Tickets are $65 for Museum Members or $75 for the general public.

Learn more about Taste of Mexico by reading our recent in-depth article.

204 E 4th St – Website

#2 Mohawk Presents: Cinco de Mayo Party

The Mohawk will host their 7th annual Cinco de Mayo party concert on May 5th to celebrate this cultural holiday with a Tex-Mex twist. Some of Austin’s favorite local acts will be in attendance and headliners include Three Bones, The Halfways and Kev Bev Collins & The Woodland Creatures.

The show starts at 9 PM and the entrance fee is only $5!

912 Red River St – Website

#3 Hays Fiesta

For Austin locals to the south, the Hays Fiesta is being held in Kyle on Saturday, May 2nd. This festival offers food, music, fashion, dance, art and more.

The Hays Fiesta prides itself on serving the Hispanic and Latino youth communities by preserving and celebrating their heritage. The proceeds from the event benefit Hays Fiesta, Hays Mariachi Scholarships and other community programs.

This year features musical artists like Angel Gonzalez, Mariano Perez, Devin Banda and The Mended. There will also be performances by Mariachi groups from the Hays County School District, Baile folklórico dancers and Tejano bands. Not to mention games and prizes, big bouncy houses for the kids, a train ride throughout the park and Optimus Prime from Transformers. Hays Fiesta is definitely an event for the entire family to enjoy.

Admission is free.

Kyle City Square, 101 S Burleson in Kyle, TX – Website

#4 La Condesa Downtown Block Party

Last but certainly not least is one of the largest Cinco de Mayo events in Austin’s history, the 7th Annual La Condesa Downtown Block Party presented by Univision. Taking place on 2nd Street between Guadalupe and San Antonio, this year’s festivities are sure to make some noise.

The block party will feature refreshing drinks by Cazadores Tequila, Dos Equis and Tecate, as well as authentic Mexican street foods by La Condesa. This festival boasts every Cinco de Mayo craving.

There will also be live performances by Austin locals like DJ Canoso, DJ uLOVEi, Mariachi Relampago, Celsius, Gina Chavez, Bidi Bidi Banda and Cilantro Boombox. The kiddos will be entertained with face painting, a photo booth and more!

Admission is completely free and the event kicks off around 5 PM.

2nd St between Guadalupe and San Antonio – Website

 

@theAustinot wants to know:

What are your Cinco de Mayo plans this year?

 

Emily Burns is a student at Texas State University graduating in May with a dual BA in Electronic Media and Spanish and a psych minor. She’s passionate about travel, music, media, linguistics and new experiences! Her favorite way to spend her weekends is seeing live music and taking her dog Willow to parks around Austin.