Updated on April 25, 2025

San Francisco Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo in San Francisco is filled with parties, pub crawls and all kinds of events. From the brightly painted murals of the Mission District to the bars on Polk Street, every corner seems to crank up the fun and invite you in for a good time.

Whether you’re looking to join a sprawling pub crawl, sample regional Mexican dishes at a food festival or dance to salsa beats at a nightclub, you’ll find no shortage of ways to celebrate. This guide rounds up the best events and things to do like block parties, family-friendly fairs, late-night DJ sets and everything in between so you can map out the perfect Cinco de Mayo adventure in the City by the Bay.

Things to do for Cinco De Mayo

Cinco De Mayo History

Cinco de Mayo, celebrated on May 5, marks Mexico’s 1862 victory over France in the Battle of Puebla. This historic event, though not Mexico’s Independence Day, has grown into a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture in the U.S. and beyond.

The Battle of Puebla

In 1861, Mexico faced invasion from France under Napoleon III, who aimed to establish colonial rule. On May 5, 1862, General Ignacio Zaragoza’s 2,000-strong Mexican army, defeated nearly 6,000 French troops in Puebla. This unlikely triumph became a symbol of Mexican resilience & unity.

Cinco de Mayo in Mexico

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is a regional holiday. It is mostly celebrated in Puebla where parades, reenactments & ceremonies honor Zaragoza. Elsewhere, it’s less celebrated, outshined by Independence Day (September 16).

Rise in the United States

Mexican-American communities in the 1860s, especially in California, embraced Cinco de Mayo to support Mexico’s fight & assert cultural pride. The Chicano Movement of the 1960s amplified the holiday, with festivals showcasing Mexican heritage. By the 1980s, beer and tequila brands commercialized it, turning it into a mainstream fiesta with tacos, margaritas, and pub crawls. In San Francisco, events like the SanFranCinco Pub Crawl draw huge crowds. While some criticize this commercialization, others see it as a way to share Mexican traditions widely.

Today, Cinco de Mayo unites Mexicans, Mexican-Americans & Americans. Mexicans honor Puebla’s legacy, Mexican-Americans celebrate their heritage and Americans join the party, from Mission District taquerias to bars all over the city.

Popular Mexican Foods

Mexican cuisine is a full of flavors, blending ingredients like corn, beans & chiles with Spanish influences. Here are some traditional dishes perfect for Cinco de Mayo (or any day, really):

Tacos: Corn or flour tortillas with fillings like al pastor (spiced pork), carne asada (grilled beef) or carnitas (braised pork) then topped with onion, cheese, cilantro (unless you hate cilantro, of course) and salsa.

Tamales: Steamed corn dough (masa) filled with meats, cheese or chiles and wrapped in corn husks.

Enchiladas: Rolled tortillas stuffed with chicken, beef or cheese, smothered in red or green chile sauce and baked.

Mole: A complex sauce (often from Puebla) made with chiles, spices, chocolate and awhole bunch of other ingredients. It is usually served over chicken or turkey.

Chiles en Nogada: Poblano chiles stuffed with meat and fruit, topped with creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds, reflecting Mexico’s flag colors.

Elote: Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime.

These dishes showcase Mexico’s culinary taste. Pair with horchata (sweet rice drink), an ice cold Corona Beer or a margarita for the full experience.

Find out More about Traditional Mexican Foods

Mexican Drinks

Traditional Mexican drinks offer a great variety of tastes. From fresh agua fresca to the infamous margarita, there are a lot of popular beverages to choose from. Here’s a quick dive into some of our favorites:

Margarita: A cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur (like Cointreau). It can be served on the rocks or frozen, often with a salt-rimmed glass.

Michelada: A beer-based drink mixed with lime juice, tomato juice, hot sauce, and spices.

Horchata: A sweet, creamy drink made from rice, cinnamon & sometimes almonds, served cold as a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

Agua Fresca: Light, fruit-based drinks like jamaica (hibiscus), tamarind or watermelon, blended with water and a touch of sugar.

Tequila: Mexico’s iconic agave spirit can be sipped, added to cocktails or in shots. Premium varieties like blanco, reposado or añejo showcase complex flavors.

Mezcal: A smoky agave spirit, often sipped slowly to savor its earthy, artisanal notes, sometimes served with orange slices and sal de gusano (worm salt).

Paloma: A refreshing mix of tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice. It is usually served over ice with a pinch of salt.

More Traditional Mexican Drinks

Cinco De Mayo Activities

Cinco de Mayo is a chance to soak up Mexican culture through everyday activities across the city. You can celebrate with these non-event activities that highlight the Bay Area’s rich Mexican heritage, delicious cuisine, and artistic spirit. Here’s a guide to low-key, self-guided ways to enjoy the holiday.

Explore the Mission District’s Murals

Wander the Mission District to admire its iconic street murals, many of which celebrate Mexican and Chicano culture. These murals, created by local artists, are a living tribute to the neighborhood’s heritage, perfect for a reflective Cinco de Mayo stroll.

Focus on Balmy Alley (between 24th and 25th St.) and Clarion Alley (between Mission and Valencia St.). Look for works depicting Mexican revolutionaries, Day of the Dead imagery, and vibrant folklórico dancers.

Stop by Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center (2981 24th St.) for a self-guided map or historical context. Bring a camera for Instagram-worthy shots.

Cost: Free.

Feast at Authentic Taquerias

Indulge in San Francisco’s Mexican cuisine at local taquerias. Tacos, tamales, and pozole are the heart of Cinco de Mayo, and the Mission’s taquerias deliver authentic flavors that rival Mexico itself. Pair your meal with a michelada or agua fresca and go early to avoid lunch and dinner rushes.

Try Taqueria Cancún (2288 Mission St.) for their legendary al pastor tacos, La Taqueria (2889 Mission St.) for carne asada burritos, or El Farolito (2779 Mission St.) for a late-night quesadilla suiza. For something upscale, visit Nopalito (306 Broderick St.) for organic Oaxacan mole.

Cost: $5–$20 per person.

Sip Tequila or Mezcal at a Local Bar

Sample tequila or mezcal at bars known for their Mexican-inspired cocktails. Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse to explore Mexico’s iconic spirits in a cozy, festive setting.

Head to Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant (5929 Geary Blvd.) for a tequila tasting. They boast one of the largest selections you can find. Alternatively, Comal (2020 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley) offers mezcal flights and margaritas with house-made syrups. In the Sunset, Sunset Cantina (3414 Judah St.) serves margaritas with 9 different flavors.

Cost: $10–$20 per drink or $30+ for tastings.

Visit a Mexican Cultural Landmark

Pay a visit to a cultural site celebrating Mexican heritage. These spaces offer a deeper understanding of the holiday’s historical and cultural significance, from pre-Columbian artifacts to modern Chicano activism.

The Mexican Museum (649 Mission St) is unfortunately closed until the end of 2025. However, you can head to Galería de la Raza (2779 24th St.) in the Mission for contemporary Chicano and Latinx art displays.

Cook a Traditional Mexican Meal

Whip up a Cinco de Mayo feast at home using authentic recipes. Cooking is a hands-on way to connect with Mexican culture and sharing a meal with friends or family makes it special. The basics like tacos and enchiladas are fairly easy, but if you are feeling like a challenge, you can try to make Mole Poblano. It has a lot of ingredients and takes a lot of time, but it could be a fun cooking challenge. Pair with a homemade horchata or jamaica (hibiscus tea) and invite friends for a potluck-style fiesta.

Cost: $20–$50 for ingredients.

Shop at a Mexican Mercado

If you are planning on cooking some traditional Mexican dishes, browse a Mexican grocery store or market for ingredients, crafts or festive decorations. Look for Mexican candies like tamarindo or dulce de leche for a sweet treat. Cash is handy for smaller shops.

Where: Visit Casa Lucas (2934 24th St.) or La Palma Mexicatessen (2884 24th St.) in the Mission for fresh tortillas, mole sauces, and piñatas. For unique gifts, try Mixcoatl Handicrafts & Jewelry (3201 24th St) for Mexican clothes and jewelry.

Cost: $5–$50 depending on purchases.

Take a Scenic Walk with a Mexican Twist

Stroll through San Francisco’s neighborhoods while seeking out Mexican-inspired sights. Walking lets you soak up the city’s vibe at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop for snacks or photos.

Start at 24th Street in the Mission, dubbed the “Latino Cultural District,” to spot taquerias, panaderías & murals. Continue to Dolores Park for a view of the city skyline. End at one of the amazing taquerias for a margarita or meal.

Cost: Free (plus food/drinks)

Tips for a Great Cinco de Mayo

Transportation: Use BART (24th St. Mission station) or Muni for the Mission. Parking can be difficult so it is not recommended. Rideshares work well for cross-city trips.

Weather: May 5, 2025, should see highs around 65°F, but SF’s fog can make evenings chilly so bring a jacket.

Cultural Respect: Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexican heritage, not just a drinking holiday. Engage with local businesses and cultural sites to honor the day’s significance.

Budget: Many activities are free or low-cost, but bring cash for small vendors and tips.

About San Francisco Cinco De Mayo

Cinco is celebrated annually on May 5th, and it commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While it is not a national holiday in Mexico, it has become a significant cultural celebration in the United States. It is a day to honor Mexican culture, history & heritage. It’s also a time for festivities, parades, pub crawls, parties and cultural events. San Francisco is an excellent place to celebrate this exciting holiday, and there are plenty of reasons why people love to celebrate the holiday.

People celebrate Cinco de Mayo in various ways. Some choose to have a party or attend a community event, while others enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine, music, and dancing. The holiday is also an opportunity to learn more about Mexican history and culture. Cinco de Mayo is a great holiday because it is a chance to celebrate the rich heritage of Mexico and its people. It’s an occasion to enjoy delicious food and drink, listen to lively music, and dance with friends and family. The holiday provides an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together and share in the celebration.

If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, you’re in luck because there are plenty of ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. San Francisco is home to a large Mexican-American community. It is a great place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo because there are many events and activities to enjoy. You can expect to find parades, street fairs, and cultural events that showcase the Mexican culture in the area.

If you’re looking for the best places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the San Francisco Bay Area, consider attending the annual San Francisco Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl. This event features drink specials at some of the city’s best bars, and it’s a fun way to celebrate with friends and meet new people.

Other things to do for Cinco de Mayo in San Francisco include visiting the Mission District, which is home to many of the city’s Mexican-American residents. You can explore the area’s murals, shops & restaurants. Other popular events include the Carnaval San Francisco festival and the Cinco de Mayo Festival in San Jose.

Cinco de Mayo is a fantastic holiday that celebrates Mexican culture, history & and heritage. In the San Francisco Bay Area, there are many ways to celebrate, including attending events, exploring the city’s Mexican-American community, and enjoying traditional cuisine and drink. So put on your dancing shoes, grab some friends, and let the fiesta begin!

Here are ten great reasons to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in San Francisco:

• San Francisco has a vibrant Mexican-American community, and Cinco de Mayo is an opportunity to celebrate their culture, history, and heritage.
• The weather in San Francisco is typically mild and pleasant in May, making it an ideal time to enjoy outdoor festivities.
• The city offers a wide variety of events and activities to mark the occasion, including parades, street fairs, and cultural events.
• San Francisco is known for its excellent food scene, and there are plenty of restaurants and food trucks that serve delicious Mexican cuisine.
• Cinco de Mayo is a chance to learn more about Mexican history and culture, and there are many museums and cultural centers in the city that offer educational programs and exhibits.
• The San Francisco Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl is a fun way to celebrate the holiday and meet new people.
• The Mission District is a colorful and vibrant neighborhood that celebrates Mexican culture year-round, and it’s a great place to explore on Cinco de Mayo.
• The Carnaval San Francisco festival is a massive event that takes place in late May, and it’s a great way to experience the city’s diverse cultural heritage.
• San Francisco’s parks and beaches are a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful spring weather on Cinco de Mayo.
• Cinco de Mayo is a fun and festive holiday, and it’s a great excuse to gather with friends and family to enjoy good food, music, and company.