Frida Fiesta Takes Over the Gaslamp for Cinco de Mayo Weekend

Cinco de Mayo in San Diego always brings the energy, and this year the Gaslamp is turning things up with Frida Fiesta @ Cinco De Mayo SD – a Frida Kahlo–themed art, nightlife, and dining celebration woven into a three-day downtown experience.

With our city’s deep cultural ties to Mexico and Baja California, this weekend consistently stands out as one of spring’s most anticipated celebrations. And when you combine tacos, tequila, music, and a walkable Gaslamp backdrop, it feels like the perfect excuse to gather the crew and head downtown.

Cinco de Mayo SD

A Multi-Venue Fiesta in the Heart of the Gaslamp

Frida Fiesta is designed as a hop-at-your-own-pace experience across more than 20 participating bars, restaurants, rooftops, and lounges throughout the historic district.

Expect curated tacos and Mexican-influenced menus from local chefs, specialty tequila tastings and crafted cocktails, and Latin DJs spinning reggaeton and salsa along 5th Avenue. The entire neighborhood becomes part of the celebration, blending art, nightlife, and dining into one cohesive weekend.

Participating venues include local favorites like American Junkie, Sevilla Nightclub, Good Night John Boy, Parq Nightclub, Karina’s Cantina, Andaz Rooftop, Vin de Syrah, Union Kitchen & Tap, Whiskey Girl, Wine Girl, Double Deuce, Bang on 5th, and many more. Each stop brings its own vibe, from rooftop pool scenes to underground lounges.

Tacos, Tequila, and Welcome Shots

Passes start at $29 and include a mapped-out experience with suggested routes so we can explore with intention – or just go wherever the music pulls us.

Highlights include:

  • 20 participating venues
  • 10+ welcome shots at select locations
  • 50+ deals on dining and drinks
  • Special hotel partner rates for a play-and-stay weekend
  • $12 parking with a free overnight option
  • A curated, visitor-friendly experience that makes planning easy

Several venues will offer hosted welcome shots with no purchase necessary during designated time windows, while others offer welcome shots with a purchase. It’s a flexible format that lets us build our own version of the night.

Pass pick-up takes place at American Junkie SD, making it an easy starting point before heading out into the neighborhood.

See you there!

We’ll be grabbing our passes, mapping out our must-stop spots, and letting the music guide the rest of the night along 5th Avenue.

📆 May 1, 2, & 5, 2026, 6 PM – 2 AM
📍 Kickoff location: 628 Fifth Ave, San Diego
🎟️ Early Bird pricing available here
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!

Share This Event
Event Details
  • Start Date
    May 1, 2026 6:00 pm
  • End Date
    May 5, 2026 2:00 am
  • Status
    All done
  • Address
    American Junkie | 628 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA
  • Tickets
Event Map
The Latest
Natsu Nights summer night market series at Japanese Friendship Garden
The Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum in Balboa Park is hosting Natsu Nights, a summer night market series that transforms the garden into something a...
Arshansky artwork displayed throughout Andaz San Diego Gallery in partnership with Sparks Gallery
Andaz San Diego and Sparks Gallery are opening up the Andaz Gallery space for an intimate evening of art, conversation, and community. An Evening with...
Chef Meredith Manée with 25 years of fine dining experience at The Heritage Steakhouse
East County is getting a white tablecloth steakhouse this August. The Heritage Steakhouse is opening on the sixth floor of the Legacy Building at Lantern...
DJ Quik
DJ Quik brings his live musicianship to The Observatory North Park. Discover his journey in hip-hop and G-funk music.
Kool & The Gang
Experience Kool & the Gang at the Rady Shell for an unforgettable night of music and fun with the Sugarhill Gang.
Cecil Beaton's Fashionable World exhibition
San Diego is the only West Coast stop for one of the most compelling photography exhibitions of the year. Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World opens at...
Event Details
  • Start Date
    May 1, 2026 6:00 pm
  • End Date
    May 5, 2026 2:00 am
  • Status
    All done
  • Address
    American Junkie | 628 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA
  • Tickets
Upcoming Events
Bird's Eye View of Mission Bayfest
October 16, 2026
3:00 pm
  • Mariners Point
Mission Bayfest is heading back to the waterfront this fall, bringing three days of reggae, rock, and SoCal vibes to Mariner’s Point Park along the...
La Mesa Oktoberfest
October 2, 2026
4:00 pm
  • La Mesa Village
Join the fun at La Mesa Oktoberfest! Enjoy live entertainment, games, and great food in San Diego's biggest German celebration.
Tori Amos San Diego
August 26, 2026
7:30 pm
  • San Diego Civic Theatre
There are artists who put on a show, and then there’s Tori Amos – a force of nature who turns every performance into something genuinely...
RESET Beach Wellness Event
August 2, 2026
8:00 am
  • Mission Beach Park
SSBD and Almost Nakey are joining forces for RESET, a brand-new beachside event happening at Fit Social Club. It’s a full day of movement, recovery,...
Taste of Eastlake
July 24, 2026
6:00 pm
If you’re looking for a summer night out that means something, this one’s worth circling. The EastLake Educational Foundation is hosting its annual Taste of...
Event Search: