Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s historically significant victory over France in the Battle of Puebla (southeast of Mexico City) on May 5, 1862. Today, north of the border in the U.S., the date has blossomed into a massive holiday for celebrating Mexican heritage and, yes, often with a heavy dose of consumerism.
But in the spirit of more intentionally sharing in Mexican culture, we sought out a few local events that are both kid-friendly and feature traditional performances like folklórico dances and mariachi music. Read below for some of the top Cinco de Mayo festivals and parades for families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Admission to all are free unless otherwise noted.
Dallas Cinco de Mayo Parade & Fiesta
Where: Oak Cliff, West Jefferson Boulevard, Dallas
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025; 8am–noon
What to know: This 33rd annual parade kicks off with a confetti blast at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center. Snag a spot along the parade route to watch the mile-long procession of floats, folklórico dancers, Mojiganga puppets and lots of floats and low-rider cars. Speaking of which, keep your eye out for a particularly special car: a red 1969 Chevrolet Impala that was featured in the 1997 biopic Selena. Learn more here
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Frisco
Where: Kaleidoscope Park, Frisco
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025; 7–9pm
When to know: Come let the kids craft some colorful tissue paper flowers, play games on the lawn and grab some dinner from on-site food trucks at this new park’s first-ever Cinco de Mayo celebration. Blankets and chairs are welcome, so you can settle in for the live concert by Selena cover band Tejano Queen Forever. VIP seating available for Frisco ISD teachers. Learn more here.
Cinco de Mayo Celina
Where: Downtown Historic Square, Celina
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025; 2–10pm
What to know: Nonprofit El Puente de Celina, which raises funds for the local high school, hosts its own Cinco de Mayo fest with a parade around the square. Come see a full lineup of entertainers, which this year feature not only Aztec, Mayan, and ballet folklórico dancers but also luchador wrestlers. Learn more here
Mesquite’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Where: Downtown Mesquite at Front Street Station, 100 West Front Street
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025; noon–5pm
What to know: Ready to bust open some candy-filled piñatas? Take a whack during piñata breaks at 12:25pm and 2:30pm. Its kids activity area will have free crafts, inflatables, and a chalk and bubble play station to keep the kids entertained, as well as a balloon twister and face painter. (The more kids’ activities, the better!)
You can also expect a performance lineup of live music and folklórico dancers at 1 and 3pm, respectively, plus a Hispanic culture fashion show at 3:40pm, and—in celebration of those who’ve built up their spice tolerance—a jalapeño eating contest at 4:15pm. Learn more here
Cinco de Mayo at La Gran Plaza
Where: La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth, 4200 South Freeway, Fort Worth
When: Sunday, May 4, 2025; 1–6pm, mall open until 8pm
What to know: This shopping center celebrates the holiday with folklórico dance performances and live music of all genres. Stop by and take a picture with themed backdrops and while you’re there, don’t miss the animatronic dinosaurs at Dino Plaza. Learn more here
Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Sundance Square
Where: Sundance Square Plaza, Downtown Fort Worth
When: Monday, May 5, 2025; 5–9pm
What to know: On the holiday itself, you’ll find a party at the plaza, featuring live mariachi performances by local schools from Fort Worth ISD, followed by Fort Worth-local band Mariachi Real de Alvarez. for more coverage, visit sundancesquare.com or follow them on Instagram @sundancesquare.
For more kid-friendly events near you, visit our calendar.
Top image of Dallas Cinco de Mayo and Fiestas courtesy Oak Cliff Coalition for the Arts
