Denver knows how to party on Cinco de Mayo, the day that commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While many events celebrate Mexican culture and heritage at Mile High, there are a few concerts that put a different spin on the day. Here are a handful of Cinco de Mayo concerts and events to check out.
Cinco de Mayo Denver
Saturday, May 5, and Sunday, May 6, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.,
Free
Civic Center Park
The two-day celebration has three stages of live music and dance performances, including Fuerza de Tijuana, LaEra del Fenix, KintoSol, Roka Hueka, Mojado and more. See the full entertainment schedule here.
Cinco de Mayo at Aurora Fox
May 2, 10:30-11:15 a.m., 12 to 12:45 p.m.,
Free
The Colorado Folk Arts Council and Metropolitan State University of Denver present a Cinco de Mayo extravaganza that features Ballet Folklorico group Fiesta Colorado, under the direction of Jeanette Trujillo, Azteca dance group Huitzlipotchli, under the direction of Raul Chavez, and Colorado German dancers under the direction of Ron Gehauf.
Cinco de Mayo Weekend: 4 Days of Celebration
Mezcal
May 3 to 6
Mezcal will be offering up 1800 Tequila and Maestro Dobel specials all weekend and free tequila tastings on May 3, 8 to 10 p.m., May 4, 7 to 9 p.m. and May 5, 8 to 10 p.m. Enjoy live music from the local Latin reggae outfit Mono Verde Collective, at 10 p.m., on May 5.
Cinco de Mayo Carnival
Bethany Evangelical Free Church
Sunday, May 6, 2 p.m.
$10
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo carnival-style at Bethany Evangelical Free Church.
CONCERTS ON MAY 5
Cinco de Mayo with Soul Sacrifice: A Tribute to Santana
Nissi's, Lafayette
7:30 p.m.
$15
Los Mocochetes, with Pink Hawks, the Copper Children, Quilombo Sound System
Larimer Lounge
8 p.m.
$10 to $15
Punk-o de Mayo Punk Rock Festival, with fourteen bands including Deadly Ever After, Mean Machine, Stray the Course, Proto Whats and more
Toad Tavern
3 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$4-$5
Cinco del Diablo Tekillya, with Swami, Arise in Chaos, Satan's Host, Legion of Death, Carnivorous Greed
Herman's Hideaway
7 p.m.
$5 to $8
Cinco de Mayo on the Rooftop, with Funk Knuf
Element Bistro, Boulder
6 p.m.
Free
Cinco De Mayo with MartyParty
Agave, Avon
9 p.m.
$15 to $20