15 Creative Cinco de Mayo Party Ideas You’ve Never Tried
- Date: May 9, 2025
- Topic: Parties
- Contributors: Written by Nina Gunther-SegalEdited by Alexis ShirakiReviewed by Chanel Nicole
Source: Peerspace
In addition to Cinco de Mayo’s historic and cultural significance, this holiday can also be the ideal day to gather with loved ones and celebrate with tasty Mexican food and drinks.
If you’re looking for fun and festive Cinco de Mayo party ideas, but finding all the same generic suggestions in your searches—look no further! We’ve assembled a list of thirteen ideas for Cinco de Mayo parties that we’ll bet you’ve never considered before.
Host a fiesta and show your appreciation for Mexican culture with these creative and unique suggestions. And as you’re planning, be sure to search Peerspace for one-of-a-kind party venues that’ll take your celebration to the next level!
Table of contents:
- Cinco de Mayo party ideas for adults
- Cinco de Mayo party ideas for kids
- Cinco de Mayo party ideas for work
- Cinco de Mayo food & drink ideas
- Celebrating Cinco de Mayo respectfully
- Finding Cinco de Mayo party ideas that fit you
- How Peerspace makes your party better
Our favorite creative Cinco de Mayo party ideas
Whatever style of party you’re planning, Cinco de Mayo is an opportunity to connect with friends and loved ones, crafting vibrant and festive experiences that turn into unforgettable memories. But the ideas you incorporate into your gathering will vary significantly based on the context of your party.
We’ve split our suggested ideas for Cinco de Mayo parties into three main categories—for adults, for kids, and for the workplace—to help you find exactly what you’re looking for and cultivate the perfect vibe at your party.
Cinco de Mayo party ideas for adults
Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse to bring together your best buds for an amazing celebration. Here are some of our favorite Cinco de Mayo ideas for adults to make your gathering that much more exciting and memorable.
1. Try new, festive mixed drinks to get guests in the mood to fiesta
For the most part, Americans treat this as a drinking holiday (much like St. Patrick’s Day), so we couldn’t write a list of Cinco de Mayo party ideas without including drinks.
While the typical margarita will get the job done, it’s always exciting to switch it up. Try out some of these unique margarita recipes to truly impress your guests.
Also, if you aren’t sure about mixing drinks, then try hiring a bartender for the occasion. They’ll bring their knowledge of mixed drinks to have a tequila-based extravaganza. Request mezcal, a type of tequila, to get a tasty, smoky drink that will definitely wow any party-goer.
If you book a bar through Peerspace for your party setting, then you can work with the host and arrange to have their bartending staff on hand to whip up tasty professional drinks for you and your guests.
Make it happen:
Ideal spaces: private bars, restaurants, and rooftop terraces
Book a party-ready space, perhaps with a bartender
2. Hire live music to cultivate the perfect Cinco de Mayo atmosphere
Every party needs music, and on Cinco de Mayo, you’ll want to get extra festive. That’s why hiring talented live performers—whether you choose traditional musicians like a mariachi band or switch it up with a more unexpected musical genre—is one of the best ways to get everyone in the partying mood. You can find a band to hire on GigSalad or The Bash.
If you’re not sure you can afford to hire live performers or are running out of time to get them booked, a great playlist is the next best thing. To get you started, here’s a list of songs you might want to add to your Cinco de Mayo playlist.
Especially if you will be having live performers, be sure to use Peerspace to book a performance venue with amazing acoustics and a sound system so that everyone gets a chance to enjoy the music!
Make it happen:
- How much does it cost to rent a concert venue?
- Like Airbnb for artists, but with creative spaces by the hour
Ideal spaces: music venues, event halls, bars with performance areas, and rooftop terraces with sound systems
Reserve a venue built for performance and celebration
3. Add a secondary theme for a Cinco de Mayo mashup fiesta
Maybe you want to throw the ultimate Cinco de Mayo party annually, or are tired of all the identical parties you’ve been invited to over the years? If so, we admire your fortitude! Party planning isn’t always easy, and with a holiday like Cinco de Mayo, it can get uninspired fast.
That’s why introducing an unexpected annual theme can be a fantastic way to enliven your Cinco de Mayo party! You can go retro and have a “70s Cinco de Mayo” event. Or how about having a “Miami nights” theme with added Cuban inspiration? It can be a fun way to go big and thrill your guests—they’re sure to appreciate the cultural fusion.
Make it happen:
Ideal spaces: themed (e.g., retro) event spaces, eclectic lofts, and art galleries
Book a space as bold as your Cinco de Mayo theme
4. Elevate your event with a night of Mexican cinema and mezcal
For a more elegant vibe, consider hosting a stylish cultural gathering in the form of a Mexican cinema viewing and mezcal tasting, especially if you and your friends happen to be big film buffs. Set up a projector in a backyard or loft, or rent out a movie theater for your screening. Show classic or contemporary Mexican films like Macario, Roma, and Y tu mamá también. Combine the movie screening with a guided mezcal tasting, including smoky varieties and a variety of tasting notes.
Make it happen:
Ideal spaces: Outdoor garden, private rooftop, or boutique movie theater/screening room
Secure a spot for your screening
Cinco de Mayo party ideas for kids
If kids are invited to your party, it’s a good idea to have fun activities available to them. After all, most children don’t find eating, drinking, and chatting all that enjoyable. Keep them entertained with plenty of engaging activities where they can make Cinco de Mayo-inspired decorations and more.
5. Help kids get creative making their own Cinco de Mayo crafts
Crafting activities are some of the best ways to keep kids entertained at parties. There are tons of ways to make this happen, but one of our favorites is by creating dedicated crafting “stations” at tables with everything partygoers need to participate.
One idea is to create your own papel picado (the traditional, colorful tissue paper flags). For this craft, you’ll need tissue paper, scissors, tape, and string if you would like to hang the flags. For a full tutorial and a link to a template, check out this video.
Or make your own maracas. The beautiful painted maracas are a trademark of Mexican music, so why not jam out with your own handmade ones?
Looking for more great Cinco de Mayo craft ideas that are perfect for kids? Check out this playlist of DIY crafts for the holiday.
Make it happen:
Ideal spaces: art studios, classrooms, dance studios
Find a kid-approved space for hands-on celebration
6. Create a DIY piñata-making and smash zone
Speaking of activities, what better way to burn off some of kids’ abundant energy than by letting them smash a piñata? You can make this activity extra fun and engaging by allowing them to decorate their own mini piñatas, then having them take turns in a “smash zone” area to break them open. Filling the piñata with Mexican candies will add some extra authenticity to the experience.
Make it happen:
Ideal spaces: outdoor play spaces, school gyms, spacious backyards, community centers
Search for spaces for a fun piñata party
7. Incorporate a churro-decorating contest
Cookie decorating can be fun, but it’s so passé. These days, it’s all about decorating churros—or so we’ve heard.
Kids love making and eating their own creations, so this one’s a no brainer, especially because churros are delicious and authentic Mexican treats. Plus, a little competition can make things a lot more fun.
Provide the kids with churros as well as a topping bar with add-ons like sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, caramel, and crushed candy. Let them decorate their churros and then vote on the most creative, beautiful, and unique results.
Make it happen:
Ideal spaces: kid-friendly kitchens (or venues with kitchens), cafes with event space, indoor venues with tables
Discover kid-friendly spaces for making sweet memories
8. Plan a Mexican folk dance party
Instead of playing music alone, hire a dance instructor to teach the kids in attendance some basic steps of traditional Mexican dance, like the Jarabe Tapatío (the Hat Dance). You could even end the party with a small performance where the kids show off their new moves—consider offering them colorful costumes to dress up in.
Make it happen:
- Dance party ideas
- How and where to rent a dance studio for a day
- How much does it cost to rent a ballroom?
Ideal spaces: dance studios, event halls or ballrooms, large outdoor spaces
Book a space for your dance celebration
Cinco de Mayo party ideas for work
The kinds of party ideas for Cinco de Mayo that’ll work in a professional context are a bit different than those suited to personal parties. Here are a few of our absolute favorites.
9. Organize a Lotería (Mexican bingo) tournament
Since in the United States, Cinco de Mayo is all about celebrating Mexican culture while having a great time, you can bring this to the office by planning a Lotería tournament for Cinco de Mayo. This is a traditional Mexican game that’s similar to bingo, but uses colorful images rather than numbers.
It’s easy to plan and set up, and it’s a great way to encourage friendly competition among coworkers. To make it even more fun, consider offering prizes for the winners, like custom-printed shirts in honor of Cinco de Mayo.
Make it happen:
Ideal spaces: Private event rooms, community centers, outdoor patios with tents
Reserve your space for lotería fun
10. Plan a Mexican cooking demonstration and tasting
How about a live cooking demonstration where a professional chef shows your coworkers how to make a popular Mexican dish, like guacamole or tacos? Everyone gets to watch the process, ask questions, and then—the best part by far—sample the delicious and fresh result! It’s an interactive activity that brings coworkers together, allows them to learn something new, and provides an opportunity to enjoy tasty food.
Make it happen:
Ideal spaces: Cooking schools, event venue kitchens, restaurants and cafés
Book a space for an authentic culinary experience
11. Compete in a Mexican culture trivia competition
Speaking of fun and engaging educational activities—a trivia contest that asks questions about Mexican history, culture, and traditions is another excellent option in this vein. Divide employees into teams and offer appealing prizes for the winning team. This is a great way to foster team building while celebrating Cinco de Mayo.
Make it happen:
Ideal spaces: Meeting rooms, restaurants/breweries/cafés, coworking spaces with lounges
Discover spaces for a festive trivia game
Cinco de Mayo food & drink ideas
12. Create a taco bar that celebrates Mexico’s regional variety
Taco bars are a popular feature at many Cinco de Mayo celebrations, but you can elevate yours by incorporating a variety of regional Mexican tacos:
- Cochinita pibil from the Yucatán
- Carne asada from northern Mexico
- Pescado (fish) tacos from Baja, California
Be sure to provide a variety of salsas and other toppings so guests can customize their plates as desired!
Make it happen:
Ideal spaces: Kitchens, backyard spaces, event venues with food prep areas
Find a venue for the ultimate taco bar setup
13. Provide a DIY agua fresca bar
Set up a station with large glass dispensers of traditional Mexican aguas frescas, including hibiscus, tamarind, and watermelon. Include fresh fruit garnishes so guests can mix and match while staying refreshed throughout the party.
Make it happen:
Ideal spaces: Garden venues, outdoor patios, casual indoor party spaces
Book a location for your DIY agua fresca bar
Cultural sensitivity: how to celebrate Cinco de Mayo respectfully
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in a respectful manner means engaging meaningfully with Mexican culture. It’s a matter of cultural appreciation, rather than appropriation.
Tina Alvir-Romero explains this distinction clearly in her article on celebrating—not appropriating—Cinco de Mayo: “Misconceptions and lack of awareness around Cinco de Mayo can lead to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes, tropes, and cultural appropriation. While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy some great Tex-Mex or Mexican food and mariachi music on this day, please refrain from donning fake mustaches, oversized sombreros, using sombreros as a cup bowl, and wearing ponchos.”
Krys’tal Griffin provides advice on how to approach the holiday in a more respectful and appreciative manner: “If you would like to honor Cinco de Mayo differently this year . . . consider learning more about traditional Mexican cuisine and trying some out for yourself, supporting local Mexican-owned businesses or attending local cultural events.”
Maurice Magaña, an associate professor in the Mexican American studies department at the University of Arizona, provided advice on this topic as well. He noted that “people can volunteer for immigrant rights organizations, call senators and show solidarity. They can get involved in the initiatives in town doing something to protect Mexican Americans and immigrants. Magaña even said that people can go to Mexico [and spend their money] if they really want to celebrate.”
How to find Cinco de Mayo party ideas that you enjoy
Need more inspiration? Here’s some general advice for planning the Cinco de Mayo celebration of your dreams:
- Think about what you and your guests already enjoy, then add a thematic twist for Cinco de Mayo.
- For instance, start with a familiar party format that you and your loved ones enjoy (like a potluck, a game night, or a movie screening).
- Layer in authentic Mexican food, music, and decorations to keep it on theme.
Prioritize incorporating activities and elements that feel comfortable and fun for your particular group, letting cultural appreciation—not the pressure to achieve perfection—guide your celebration planning.
How Peerspace can help bring your party to life
Choosing the right venue can make your Cinco de Mayo celebration a smash success—and Peerspace makes finding it easier than ever.
Whether you’re planning a family-friendly craft party, an adults-only mezcal tasting, or a festive office gathering for Cinco de Mayo, Peerspace supports every step of the venue rental process. Our platform makes it easy to:
- Browse curated party spaces
- Compare amenities
- Check availability
- Book instantly (in many cases)
Peerspace’s seamless interface and transparent pricing mean you can focus on creating a vibrant, authentic celebration, rather than stressing over budgeting and logistics.
Quick answer:
Party venues on Peerspace typically cost $80 — $250 per hour.
Make your Cinco de Mayo celebration uniquely yours
Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse to gather, celebrate, and try something a little different. Whatever your event planning vision, the right space can make or break your celebration—and Peerspace makes it easy to book unique venues that match your party style.
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