#GoMetro to 5 FREE events to celebrate Cinco de Mayo  

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner! While it’s a regional holiday in Mexico, mainly celebrated in Puebla, it’s taken on a bigger life in the U.S. as a tribute to Mexican culture, heritage, and community pride.  This holiday commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla, when the Mexican army, defending its territory, managed to defeat the much larger and better equipped French army.  

To mark the occasion, check out these five FREE events (plus a bonus one!) that are perfect for the whole family — and easily accessible via Metro trains and buses.    

1) Fiesta Broadway    

This iconic celebration began in Los Angeles in 1990, and today it’s known as the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the US. Every year, Fiesta Broadway transforms four blocks in Downtown L.A. into a lively festival filled with music, food, and culture. This Sunday, the star of the show will be singer Natalia Jiménez, joined by Conjunto Azabache, Carmen Jara, Conjunto Nueva Ola, and Mariachi Grullense. Enjoy delicious street food, a kid zone, and even a thrilling ‘lucha libre’ (wrestling show). Do not miss this classic L.A. tradition!  

• When: Sunday, April 27
• Where: Broadway between 1^st and 4^th Streets in DTLA   
• Time: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.   
• Go Metro: Take the Metro A/E Lines to Historic Broadway Station. You can also the Metro B/D Lines to Civic Center / Grand Park Station.   
• For more information visit: fiesta-broadway.com  

2) LA Plaza de la Cultura y Artes    

Celebrate Mexican culture at LA Plaza with traditional music and dance, including two distinctive styles, son jarocho and son mexicano. There will also be a special theatrical presentation honoring Cinco de Mayo, live music, food, and hands-on workshops (think papel picado and painting), and seed-planting of pápalo, a flavorful herb commonly used in Mexican cooking, including cemitas poblanas.   

• When: Sunday, April 27
• Where: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes – 501 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012    
• Time: Starts at 12:00 pm and continues all day   
• Go Metro: Take the Metro A/B/D Lines to Union Station. You can also take the J Line to Aliso St and Los Angeles St (Patsaouras Busway Station.)   
• For more information visit: Cinco de Mayo Family Day | Free – LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes  

3) Olvera Street   

La Placita Olvera will be buzzing with energy! Enjoy a mix of traditional music and performances, including folk dances, marimbas and mariachi. Browse local food and craft stalls and bring the little ones for family-friendly entertainment.    

• When: Sunday, May 4
• Where: 845 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 
• Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  
• Metro: Take the Metro A/B/D Lines to Union Station. You can also take the J Line to Patsaouras Busway Station.   
• For more information visit: Cinco De Mayo Fiesta     

4) Santa Monica   

The Third Street Promenade will come alive with mariachi music and ballet folklorico performances that’ll light up your evening. Grab a bite at one of the many outdoor restaurants and explore a special Latinx pop-up market happening just for the occasion.   

• When: Sunday, May 4
• Where: 1200 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401   
• Time: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.   
• Go Metro: Take the Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica.   
• For more information visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-cinco-de-mayo-on-the-promenade  

  5) Monterey Park    

Make it a fun afternoon with live music by Antonio Navarro’s mariachi and the Cold Duck Band. Enjoy delicious food, dancing, and a chance to win big in their raffle – prizes include car washes, piñatas, and even free dinners at local restaurants.    

• When: Thursday, May 8 
• Where: At Barnes Park – 350 S Mc Pherrin Ave. Monterey Park, CA 91754
• Time: 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.   
• Go Metro: Take the Metro Line 70 to Garvey / Ynez.     
• For more information visit: montereypark.ca.gov/682/Cinco-de-Mayo    

BONUS – Grand Central Market  

On the last Sunday of every month, Grand Central Market features mariachi at the market! This month don’t miss Mariachi Magnolia, a women-led modern group that blends traditional mariachi with boleros, cumbias, sones, rancheras – and even rock en español.  

• When: Sunday, April 27 and the last Sunday of every month.
• Where: Grand Central Market – 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
• Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.   
• Go Metro: Take the Metro B/D Line to Pershing Square OR the A/E Line to   
  Historic Broadway Station  
• For more information visit: https://grandcentralmarket.com/gcm-event/800-2/