Cinco de Mayo, contrary to popular belief, is not Mexico’s Independence Day, but rather the celebration of the victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla. Here are some of the celebrations around town this weekend.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
The sound of mariachi, colorful Mexican folk dancers and the rumble of lowriders will reverberate throughout Old Town San Diego this weekend for the annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta.
The event features live music and entertainment, food and drinks specials, Lucha Libre wrestling matches, a low rider rally and activities for children, including stagecoach rides and face painting. There is a live entertainment with more than 40 Latin bands and dance groups performing.
While you’re there, check out the Fiesta de Reyes Cinco de Mayo Folklorico Festival where dance troupes from Mexico and throughout the Western United States compete in traditional Mexican dances.
The free Cinco de Mayo Fiesta goes from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Asian Cultural Festival
May is also Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Come celebrate the many different Asian cultures in San Diego with the ninth annual Asian Cultural Festival.
Attendees can expect plenty of vendors, food booths, arts and crafts, a fashion show and a Ramen eating contest.
The event, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Mira Mesa Senior Center, will feature live entertainment across two stages including martial arts demos, cooking demos and a Cultural Row exhibition. Admission is free.
San Diego’s Food & Wine Festival
The annual Food & Wine Festival, hosted by the Junior League of San Diego, is the ultimate foodie experience.
The event coincides with the Kentucky Derby, so attendees and enjoy food from some of San Diego’s best restaurants and sip wine from some of the best vineyards in the state while cheering on their favorite horse.
There is also a silent auction featuring items such as Vacation stays in Antigua, St Lucia, and the Grenadines, and roundtrip flights on Alaska Airlines.
The event goes from noon to 5 p.m. at La Jolla Cove. Tickets range from $85 to $150 for a duo ticket.
Rhythm & Brews Music and Craft Beer Festival
Jams from local musicians, plus beer from San Diego’s renowned breweries is sure to make for an unforgettable day. After all, it’s not a San Diego weekend without a beer festival of some sort.
L.A. Edwards and Trouble in the Wind headlines the festival where attendees can sample more than 100 beers from San Diego and other craft beer regions.
The Rhythm & Brews Music and Craft Beer Festival goes from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday in Vista. Tickets are $45 general admission and $65 VIP, which gets you early admission into the festival.
Carlsbad Village Faire
It’s time again for the Carlsbad Village Faire.
Billed as the largest single-day street fair in the nation, the event features more than 850 vendors, live music, an international food court, children’s activities, and the Rotary Club of Carlsbad’s beer and wine garden.
Vendors will sell everything fathomable, including clothes, accessories, plants, household products, art, antiques and home decor. The international food court features more than 50 booths serving everything from Thai to Hawaiian cuisine.
The children’s area will entertain youngsters with games, a super slide, a bounce house, a rock climbing wall, face painting and arts and crafts.
The event runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday on Grand Avenue from Carlsbad Boulevard to Jefferson Street. Admission is free.
