Nine of Denver's Best Cinco de Mayo Concerts

Cinco de Mayo is this week, and Denver knows how to party with a variety of events celebrating Mexican culture and heritage.

By Emily Healy

May 1, 2017

Mexican folk dancers at Tacolandia. Danielle Lirette

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Cinco de Mayo is this week, and Denver knows how to party with a variety of events celebrating Mexican culture and heritage. Not to be mistaken with Mexican Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo is the commemoration of the Mexican army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Here is our list of celebrations highlighting Denver's vibrant Latin music scene.
Mono Verde Collective
Friday, May 5, 10 p.m.
Mezcal-Colfax
3230 East Colfax Avenue
Latin reggae locals Mono Verde Collective will be playing Mezcal-Colfax for its Cinco de Mayo party. The Collective takes the stage Friday night at 10 p.m.; the party and food and drink specials run all weekend long,
Los Lunaticos
Friday, May 5, 8 p.m.
Denver Open Media
700 Kalamath Street
Latin Life Denver is collaborating with Denver Open Media for Los Lunaticos, who will be playing the Open Music Sessions. Local comedian Jose Macall opens the show. Food and drink are available, and the event is free and just a block from the Santa Fe First Friday art walk.
Freddy Rodriguez Sr. and Freddy Rodriguez Jr.
Friday, May 5, 7 p.m.
Dazzle Jazz
930 Lincoln Street
Legendary jazz local Freddy Rodriguez Sr. will take the stage at Dazzle Jazz. Freddy's son will join him on piano and vocals. The show starts at 7 p.m., and tickets are $10-$15.
La Era del Fenix and Cikatriz & Siveria
Friday, May 5, 8 p.m.
The Toad Tavern
5302 South Federal Boulevard, Littleton
Local Latin bands La Era del Fenix and Cikatriz & Siveria are playing for "Cinco de Drinko" at the Toad Tavern in Littleton. The show begins at 8 p.m., and tickets start at $6.

Read on for more of the best Cinco de Mayo concerts in Denver.
The Denver Brass presents Hot! Hot! Hot!
Friday, May 5, 7:30 p.m.
Lone Tree Arts Center
10075 Commons Street, Lone Tree
The Denver Brass will partner with the Fiesta Colorado Dance Company for a Cinco de Mayo celebration in South Denver. The performance will highlight dance and music styles from across the Latin world. The performance is at 7:30 p.m., and ticket prices start at $17.

Los Mocochetes
Friday, May 5, 9 p.m.
Larimer Lounge
2721 Larimer Street
Chicano rockers Los Mocochetes and local bands including the folk act Las 3, garage-rockers Vic N' the Narwhals and Rodrigo y Gabriela cover band Derek y Daniél will play the Larimer Lounge on Friday night. The show starts at 9 p.m.; tickets are $8-$12.
Las Cafeteras
Friday, May 5, 7:30 p.m.
Lakewood Cultural Center
470 South Allison Parkway, Lakewood
Las Cafeteras will bring their Latin/Afro-Caribbean sound to the Lakewood Cultural Center. Tickets start at $20, and the performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

click to enlarge

The main stage at Cinco de Mayo, in 2015.

Scott Lentz

Cinco de Mayo Denver
May 6-7
Civic Center Park
Cinco de Mayo Denver is celebrating thirty years this year. The largest celebration in the state takes over Civic Center Park with food, drink, music and dance. Local Mexican folk-dancing troupes and modern Latin bands will perform on multiple stages from 10 a.m. through 8 p.m. both days. The parade travels though downtown starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday. The event is free and for the entire family. The full entertainment lineup is here.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration Weekend
Mile High Flea Market
May 5-7
7007 East 88th Avenue, Henderson
Denver's biggest flea market will be serving street tacos and ice-cold beer all weekend long. Artists include DJ Raul, Grupo Mezcla and the Elegante Show by Pedro Duenez. The event is free for children twelve and under; adult admission is $2 on Friday and $3 on the weekend.

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