6 Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in St. Louis This Weekend

Cinco de Mayo celebrations continue to increase in St. Louis, which is a good thing. Nobody in St. Louis really needs an excuse to party, and elote makes any party better. Screw Donald Trump's imaginary wall, and viva Mexico! Viva la Raza!

Cherokee Street and Maryland Heights kick things off Saturday; the others are on Sunday. Why not hit more than one?

1. Maryland Heights' 2nd Annual Parade and Party
The St. Louis County suburb kicks off its 2nd Annual Cinco de Mayo parade and celebration at Aquaport (2344 McKelvey Rd, Maryland Heights) at 10 a.m. The parade route will venture down Ameling Road to McKelvey Road to Dorsett Road and end at Casa Juarez Mexican Town (12710 Dorsett Rd, Maryland Heights), with a petting zoo, balloon artist and more from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be drink specials, jalapeño eating contests and more! A DJ spins from noon to 4 p.m. with a Latin Band from 4 to 8 p.m. Sat., May 4, 10 a.m. 8 p.m. 12710 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights.

2. Cinco de Mayo: A Cherokee Street Festival
Cinco de Mayo: A Cherokee Street Festival is one of the largest and best outdoor parties in the city. Come out and celebrate Mexican culture, art and food from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 4, along Cherokee Street between Nebraska and Jefferson avenues. El Campeon, El Chico Bakery, El Torito, La Vallesana and Juanita's Mexican Food will help feed your face while you enjoy the live entertainment of Alma de Mexico Dance Troop, Carlos Suarez and Mariachi Nuevo Azteca. (Is anything better than a really great mariachi band?) The always popular People's Joy Parade of floats, bicycles, art projects and costumed marchers kicks off at 1:11 p.m. at Minnesota Avenue and Cherokee. Admission is once again free, but bring cash so you can support local businesses. Sat., May 4, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., free admission. Cherokee Street and Nebraska Avenue. www.cincodemayostl.com.


3. Cinco de Mayo en la Calle Gravois
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on Gravois Avenue with Mariscos El Gato and its neighbors. This block party will have Mexican street food, kids' activities, performances by Kids Mex Grupo de Baile Folklorico and live music by El Mayito Alvarado, Los Pescadores, Amanecer, Guego Michoacano and Grupe El Heredero de Tierra Caliente. Admission is free. Sun., May 5, noon to 10 p.m., free admission. Mariscos El Gato, 4561 Gravois Avenue. For more information call 314-993-0757.

4. Westport's Fiesta in the Plaza Cinco de Mayo Festival
Gather the amigos on Sunday, May 5, for a Cinco de Mayo Festival in Westport Plaza’s Outdoor Village at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. With live music from the Lone Rangers, drink specials, party games, and breakfast all day, the event features the ultimate selection of margaritas and beer-ritas from Fuzzy's, with more than 30 flavors and combinations. Free giveaways from Patrón; free admission. Sun., May 5, 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Westport Plaza, I-270 & Page Ave, Maryland Heights. 314-576-7100.


5. Hacienda's Cinco de Mayo Party
It's Cinco Sunday Funday at the Hacienda, with live performances by DJ D.Edwin Productions, Mariachi Mendez and McLovin from 3 to 11 p.m. Food will be served all day, and additional parking is available at Hudson Elementary ($10), with a free shuttle to and from the restaurant. Sun., May 5, 11 a.m., free admission. Hacienda Mexican Restaurant, 9748 Manchester Road. 314-962-7100.

6. Tenacious Eats Cinco de Mayo Party
Tenacious Eats is throwing a Cinco de Mayo party at Mad Art Gallery. Your $20 ticket includes a street taco bar (smoked pork, chicken, smoked jack fruit and roasted tomato salsa), Mexican street corn, cilantro, black beans, queso fresco, tequila tastings and churros with chocolate sauce from the STL Hot 'n' Spicy Churro Girls. Live music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; DJ Jose will spin Latin beats from 1 to 4 p.m. Margarita pitchers are available for an additional $23. Sun., May 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., $20, www.tenaciouseats.com. Mad Art Gallery, 2727 S. 12th Street. 314-771-8230.

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