Celebrate Cinco de Mayo – Or ‘Not’ – In Little Rock

Cinco de Mayo is marked yearly on May 5, and Little Rock is a great place to spend the day or long weekend.

Our first suggestion for a Cinco de Mayo celebration in Little Rock might surprise you with its name. Yes, we’re going to suggest an event called, “Not Cinco de Mayo,” held from 5-9 p.m., Saturday, May 4 at Plaza Frida.

Plaza Frida, which broke ground in Southwest Little Rock in 2020, is a mixed-use development which features locally owned establishments and outdoor space. Its goal? For Hispanic culture – showcased through small, local businesses – to shine.

Currently more than a dozen establishments operate out of Plaza Frida, including a salon and ice cream shop. More, including a tavern, are expected to open shortly. These businesses are small, locally owned, and continue to grow. Click here for a list of establishments at Plaza Frida.

“Not Cinco de Mayo” is in its third year and will features over 20 food providers, local performers, art, and shopping opportunities. In 2022, its first year, “Not Cinco de Mayo” saw about 500-600 people. In 2023, that number grew to around 2,500. In 2024, organizers hope that figure could double to 5,000.

“Not Cinco de Mayo” is open to everyone – admission is free – and organizers want to see more English-speaking people who may not be familiar with Southwest Little Rock or Plaza Frida attend.

The event will feature all the things most people like to see in a big party: music, dancing, food, drinks, vendors (last year there were over 40 vendors, in addition to on-site shops), soccer tournament – even an inflatable mechanical bull. It’s a family-friendly event that will have an educational aspect.

If you’re unable to make it to “Not Cinco de Mayo” on May 4, don’t worry. Plaza Frida is hosting another elaborate event with “Fiesta de Independencia Hispana” from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, September 14.

As for Cinco de Mayo itself, May 5, Little Rock has a variety of restaurants and bars which can help you celebrate the day. Click here for a list of Hispanic-owned restaurants in Little Rock.

Can’t decide where to go? Don’t worry, find some inspiration in downtown Little Rock’s River Market District. There’s a variety of restaurants and bars to get a meal, a margarita or both. Combine a fantastic meal with an enjoyable time exploring what downtown has to offer.

Didn’t get the party out of your system in one day? The following weekend (for those 21 and up), the Little Rock Zoo is offering an event called “Cinco de Rhino.”

“Cinco de Rhino” is taking place from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 9, and is hosted by Generation Zoo and Arkansas Zoological Foundation at the Little Rock Zoo’s Café Africa.

“Cinco de Rhino” will feature live music, an exclusive tequila tasting, and food catered by Cantina Laredo. All proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the International Rhino Foundation for the conservation of rhinos in the wild. Tickets are $60 for zoo members and $75 for nonmembers.