Cinco de Mayo Omaha

Cinco de Mayo Omaha turns Historic South 24th Street into one long party for a weekend each May. The celebration has been part of South Omaha life for more than a century, and today it is one of the largest festivals in the region, with Visit Omaha estimating crowds of up to 200,000 people.

Friday night opens with a carnival, live music and the festival coronation. Saturday morning brings the parade, followed by a street fair with food stands, artisan vendors, games and several stages of music and dance. Sunday starts with a Mariachi Mass and ends with a closing concert.

The real draw is the food and the atmosphere: tacos, elotes, aguas frescas and pan dulce from the neighborhood's restaurants and bakeries, mariachi and folklorico dancers, and families who come back year after year. South 24th Street is also a great place to eat any time of year, so plan to return.

Highlights

• Saturday morning parade down South 24th Street
• Carnival, coronation and live music on Friday night
• Mariachi Mass and closing concert on Sunday
• Multiple stages of music and folklorico dance
• Free admission

Tips for going

• Parking is limited near South 24th, so arrive early or use rideshare.
• Bring cash for food stands and vendors.
• Leave dogs at home; crowds and noise are heavy.
• Stake out a curb spot early if the parade is your priority.
• Expect street closures on South 24th all weekend.