Table of contents<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whatever style of party you\u2019re 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve split our suggested ideas for Cinco de Mayo parties into three main categories\u2014for adults, for kids, and for the workplace\u2014to help you find exactly what you\u2019re looking for and cultivate the perfect vibe at your party. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the most part, Americans treat this as a drinking holiday (much like St. Patrick\u2019s Day), so we couldn\u2019t write a list of Cinco de Mayo party ideas without including drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the typical margarita will get the job done, it\u2019s always exciting to switch it up. Try out some of these unique margarita recipes<\/a> to truly impress your guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, if you aren\u2019t sure about mixing drinks, then try hiring a bartender for the occasion. They\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you book a bar<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make it happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideal spaces: <\/strong>private bars, restaurants, and rooftop terraces<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book a party-ready space, perhaps with a bartender<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Every party needs music, and on Cinco de Mayo, you\u2019ll want to get extra festive. That\u2019s why hiring talented live performers\u2014whether you choose traditional musicians like a mariachi band or switch it up with a more unexpected musical genre\u2014is one of the best ways to get everyone in the partying mood. You can find a band to hire on GigSalad<\/a> or The Bash<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re 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\u2019s a list of songs<\/a> you might want to add to your Cinco de Mayo playlist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make it happen:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideal spaces:<\/strong> music venues, event halls, bars with performance areas, and rooftop terraces with sound systems<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reserve a venue built for performance and celebration<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Maybe you want to throw the ultimate Cinco de Mayo party annually, or are tired of all the identical parties you\u2019ve been invited to over the years? If so, we admire your fortitude! Party planning isn\u2019t always easy, and with a holiday like Cinco de Mayo, it can get uninspired fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why introducing an unexpected annual theme can be a fantastic way to enliven your Cinco de Mayo party! You can go retro<\/a> and have a \u201c70s Cinco de Mayo\u201d event. Or how about having a \u201cMiami nights<\/a>\u201d theme with added Cuban inspiration? It can be a fun way to go big and thrill your guests\u2014they\u2019re sure to appreciate the cultural fusion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Make it happen<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideal spaces:<\/strong> themed (e.g., retro) event spaces, eclectic lofts, and art galleries<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book a space as bold as your Cinco de Mayo theme<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/em>, Roma<\/em>, and Y tu mam\u00e1 tambi\u00e9n<\/em>. Combine the movie screening with a guided mezcal tasting, including smoky varieties and a variety of tasting notes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Make it happen<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideal spaces:<\/strong> Outdoor garden, private rooftop, or boutique movie theater\/screening room<\/p>\n\n\n\n Secure a spot for your screening<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If kids are invited to your party, it\u2019s a good idea to have fun activities available to them. After all, most children don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u201cstations\u201d at tables with everything partygoers need to participate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One idea is to create your own papel picado (the traditional, colorful tissue paper flags). For this craft, you\u2019ll 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or make your own maracas<\/a>. The beautiful painted maracas are a trademark of Mexican music, so why not jam out with your own handmade ones?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking for more great Cinco de Mayo craft ideas that are perfect for kids? Check out this playlist of DIY crafts for the holiday<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make it happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideal spaces:<\/strong> art studios, classrooms, dance studios<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find a kid-approved space for hands-on celebration<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking of activities, what better way to burn off some of kids\u2019 abundant energy than by letting them smash a pi\u00f1ata? You can make this activity extra fun and engaging by allowing them to decorate their own mini pi\u00f1atas, then having them take turns in a \u201csmash zone\u201d area to break them open. Filling the pi\u00f1ata with Mexican candies will add some extra authenticity to the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make it happen:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideal spaces:<\/strong> outdoor play spaces, school gyms, spacious backyards, community centers<\/p>\n\n\n\n Search for spaces for a fun pi\u00f1ata party<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cookie decorating can be fun, but it\u2019s so pass\u00e9. These days, it\u2019s all about decorating churros\u2014or so we\u2019ve heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kids love making and eating their own creations, so this one\u2019s a no brainer, especially because churros are delicious and <\/em>authentic Mexican treats. Plus, a little competition can make things a lot more fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make it happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideal spaces:<\/strong> kid-friendly kitchens (or venues with kitchens), cafes with event space, indoor venues with tables<\/p>\n\n\n\n Discover kid-friendly spaces for making sweet memories<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 Tapat\u00edo (the Hat Dance). You could even end the party with a small performance where the kids show off their new moves\u2014consider offering them colorful costumes to dress up in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make it happen<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideal spaces:<\/strong> dance studios, event halls or ballrooms, large outdoor spaces<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book a space for your dance celebration<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The kinds of party ideas for Cinco de Mayo that\u2019ll work in a professional context are a bit different than those suited to personal parties. Here are a few of our absolute favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 Loter\u00eda tournament for Cinco de Mayo. This is a traditional Mexican game that\u2019s similar to bingo, but uses colorful images rather than numbers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s easy to plan and set up, and it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make it happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideal spaces:<\/strong> Private event rooms, community centers, outdoor patios with tents<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reserve your space for loter\u00eda fun<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2014the best part by far\u2014sample the delicious and fresh result! It\u2019s an interactive activity that brings coworkers together, allows them to learn something new, and provides an opportunity to enjoy tasty food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make it happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideal spaces:<\/strong> Cooking schools, event venue kitchens, restaurants and caf\u00e9s<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book a space for an authentic culinary experience<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking of fun and engaging educational activities\u2014a 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make it happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideal spaces:<\/strong> Meeting rooms, restaurants\/breweries\/caf\u00e9s, coworking spaces with lounges<\/p>\n\n\n\n Discover spaces for a festive trivia game<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be sure to provide a variety of salsas and other toppings so guests can customize their plates as desired!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make it happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideal spaces:<\/strong> Kitchens, backyard spaces, event venues with food prep areas<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find a venue for the ultimate taco bar setup<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make it happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideal spaces:<\/strong> Garden venues, outdoor patios, casual indoor party spaces<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book a location for your DIY agua fresca bar<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in a respectful manner means engaging meaningfully with Mexican culture. It\u2019s a matter of cultural appreciation<\/em>, rather than appropriation<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tina Alvir-Romero<\/a> explains this distinction clearly in her article on celebrating\u2014not appropriating\u2014Cinco de Mayo: \u201cMisconceptions and lack of awareness around Cinco de Mayo can lead to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes, tropes, and cultural appropriation. While it\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Our favorite creative Cinco de Mayo party ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cinco de Mayo party ideas for adults<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"friends](\"https:\/\/www.peerspace.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/adults-eating-mexican-food-1024x624.jpg\")
<\/picture>1. Try new, festive mixed drinks to get guests in the mood to fiesta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Hire live music to cultivate the perfect Cinco de Mayo atmosphere<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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3. Add a secondary theme for a Cinco de Mayo mashup fiesta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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4. Elevate your event with a night of Mexican cinema and mezcal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cinco de Mayo party ideas for kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.peerspace.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/mom-dad-child-cinco-de-mayo-1024x627.jpg\")
<\/picture>5. Help kids get creative making their own Cinco de Mayo crafts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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6. Create a DIY pi\u00f1ata-making and smash zone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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7. Incorporate a churro-decorating contest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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8. Plan a Mexican folk dance party<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cinco de Mayo party ideas for work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"friends](\"https:\/\/www.peerspace.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/friends-laughing-mexican-food-1024x628.jpg\")
<\/picture>9. Organize a Loter\u00eda (Mexican bingo) tournament<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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10. Plan a Mexican cooking demonstration and tasting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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11. Compete in a Mexican culture trivia competition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cinco de Mayo food & drink ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.peerspace.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/margarita-nachos-table-spread-1024x629.jpg\")
<\/picture>12. Create a taco bar that celebrates Mexico\u2019s regional variety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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13. Provide a DIY agua fresca bar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cultural sensitivity: how to celebrate Cinco de Mayo respectfully<\/h2>\n\n\n\n