It’s fiesta time, Phoenix!
Cinco de Mayo 2025 falls on a Monday, so the Valley’s biggest celebrations will light up the weekend before. The holiday commemorates Mexico’s surprising and historic victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. In the United States, people of all kinds celebrate "Cinco de Drink-O" (as it's jokingly referred to) by enjoying margaritas, tequila shots and fun times with friends. Cinco de Mayo weekend is set to be a busy one across metro Phoenix. With major events on the calendar, expect heavier traffic. Here’s what to watch for on May 3 and 4.
Cinco de Mayo bar-hopping
Revelers will be out across the Valley this Cinco de Mayo weekend, leading to increased foot traffic and road congestion. As a general rule, drive carefully, keep an eye out for pedestrians and allow for extra travel time. Many bars and restaurants in the Phoenix metro area will offer promotions or specialty drinks, and a city-spanning
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta bar crawl will kick off at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 3. Participants will drink their way through Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale and Chandler.
Phoenix festivals and fairs
A
Cinco de Mayo street fair is set for Sunday, May 4, in south Phoenix, running from 3 to 10 p.m. Expect road restrictions along South Central Avenue. Also returning that day is the
Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival, one of Arizona’s largest multicultural celebrations. It will take place near West Washington Street and First Avenue from noon to 10 p.m., with road closures and traffic restrictions expected in the area.
Cinco de Mayo Run: 'Against All Odds' in Phoenix
The Cinco de Mayo marathon will feature a 5K, 10K, half marathon and a one-mile "family fun run." Runners will take off starting at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 3. Look out for traffic near G.R. Herberger Park, located at 5802 E. Indian School Road.
Phoenix-area freeway closures
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, there will be closures and restrictions on parts of four Valley freeways.
Arizona Republic reporters Lauren De Young and Tiffany Acosta contributed to this article.
