Cinco de Mayo is an exciting American holiday celebrating Mexican culture. This day typically includes authentic Mexican clothing, music, food and drinks! We can’t think of a better lineup for the celebration.

If you haven’t taken part in the Northern Colorado Cinco de Mayo Festival or CSU’s Cinco Cinco 5K, this is your year! And if you are looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant to spend this holiday at, we’ve got a few ideas. Make the most of the fun events and delicious offerings the community has in store this Cinco de Mayo!

 

Northern Colorado Cinco de Mayo Festival | May 7–8

On the weekend following Cinco de Mayo, the party continues at the Northern Colorado Cinco de Mayo Festival in Old Town Square. Did you know this festival has a history spanning over 20 years? This two-day festival features free live entertainment on the main stage, a beer garden, and a ton of vendors to visit — offering food, arts and crafts, information, and various merchandise.

Check out the long lineup of musicians, bands and performers taking the stage throughout the day on both Saturday and Sunday.

Northern Colorado Cinco de Mayo Festival

The beer garden is a brand-new feature of this year’s festival, where those over 21 can purchase drinks from a variety of vendors. The beer garden is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

This is a traditional event celebrating and honoring the cultural diversity among our communities. Bring your family to this festive weekend packed with activity and fun!

 

The 23rd Annual Cinco Cinco 5K | May 7

Enjoy the beauty of Fort Collins by foot at the 23rd annual Cinco Cinco 5K Run/Walk and Children’s Fun Run at Colorado State University. This event is presented by Bachus & Schanker Cares Foundation, and raises scholarship funds for deserving students at CSU as part of the Gil Gutierrez Memorial Scholarship fund.

The course starts and ends on the beautiful CSU Oval, and allows you to enjoy the campus and surrounding areas on this spring morning.

Entry includes a t-shirt and costs $25 for individuals, $22 for students and teams of three or more, and $19 for CSU students living on campus and participants ages 65 and up. The Kids’ Fun Run is for children 8 and under, and is completely free!

Register in advance or for $30 the day of, starting at 7 a.m.

 

Mexican Restaurants in Fort Collins:

 

Blue Agave

While Blue Agave offers a wide variety of cuisine that features burgers, steaks and pasta, they have a number of Mexican dishes and drinks that would be perfect for celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Their menu includes primarily contemporary Southwestern cuisine with items made from scratch, and many gluten-free options. Don’t miss Blue Agave’s large margarita selection, house-infused tequilas, and homemade sangria! Enjoy views of the historic art museum in Old Town Fort Collins at their outdoor seating filled with cozy fire pits.

Blue Agave Sacramento

Illegal Pete’s

Illegal Pete’s brand new location in Fort Collins is a lively and festive place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo — especially since their menu includes so many authentic dishes, including burritos, tacos, taquitos, quesadillas, nachos, and plenty of salsa to drizzle on top your dish.

Inca Mexican Restaurant

Inca Mexican Restaurant began with two brothers from a small village in Mexico who had a dream of bringing Mexican and Incan culture to the states. With three locations in Washington state and one in Fort Collins, this authentic restaurant offers unique tastes, impeccable service and a beautiful atmosphere. Enjoy the original recipes and signature Inca Mexican Restaurant creations, such as the Inca Margarita! This is a wonderful place to be immersed in Mexican culture this Cinco de Mayo.

Inca Mexican Restaurant Fort Collins

La Luz Mexican Grill

La Luz Mexican Grill puts a modern twist on age-old Mexican dishes. You’ll find everything from fish tacos to gourmet burritos on their menu — all of which includes made-from-scratch ingredients and only the freshest natural meats, seafood and vegetables. Experience the intense flavor and overall pleasant experience at La Luz this Cinco de Mayo!

Matador Mexican Grill

Since Fort Collins loved Matador Mexican Grill so much, they opened up a second location in Loveland. At both independently owned restaurants you’ll find only the finest and freshest ingredients, the longest happy hour in Northern Colorado (featuring $1.63 bottled beer all day, every day), and an extensive menu packed with flavor. Choose from their selection of mission style burritos, tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, nachos, wraps, bowls, soups, and salads this Cinco de Mayo!

Matador Mexican Grill Fort Collins

Pueblo Viejo

Pueblo Viejo hosts a wonderful family atmosphere filled with bright and cheery colors and festive Mexican decor throughout the interior. Choose from their 12 margarita options at their full-service bar, and enjoy complimentary chips and homemade salsa at your table. Don’t miss Pueblo Viejo’s enormous burritos covered in delicious red chili sauce or their soft or crispy chili rellenos!

Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant began right here in Fort Collins in 1986 and has since expanded to include seven locations throughout Colorado. Make a toast with their legendary Rio Marg, and dig into a classic dish, such as their Chile Rellenos — delicious in-house roasted green chiles stuffed with cheese and sauteed vegetables, and lightly fried. But you won’t be disappointed with whatever you order off their menu this Cinco de Mayo!

Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

 

Cheers, Fort Collins!

Have a fun and safe Cinco de Mayo downtown, at a Mexican restaurant, or with your at-home margarita!