Two big Cinco de Mayo Festivals, one featuring a parade, set for San Jose
San Jose is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with two major cultural festivals, both of which happen to be in their third year of operations.
One takes place in East San Jose, while the other happens in downtown. Both are set for May 3.
Here’s a look at the two big events:
San Jose Cinco de Mayo Cultural Parade & Festival
The third annual San Jose Cinco de Mayo Cultural Parade & Festival is happening on May 3 at Emma Prusch Park and surrounding areas.
Start the day with a parade in the morning, beginning at the intersection of Alum Rock Avenue and King Road. The parade is scheduled to commence at 10 a.m. and run until noon. The parade will run along King Road right up to the Interstate 680 underpass.
Following the parade, the third annual San Jose Cinco de Mayo Cultural Festival runs noon to 5 p.m. at the lovely Emma Prusch Farm Park, which is located at King and Story roads intersection.
The celebration at Emma Prusch Farm Park will feature live performances, traditional dances, lowriders and more. For more information, visit sanjose.org or https://www.instagram.com/p/DTgaUzzElRX/.
Downtown Cinco De Mayo Festival
The third annual Downtown Cinco De Mayo Festival runs 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Plaza de Cesar Chavez in San Jose.
The event promises live music, folklorico dancers, plenty of food vendors and more.
There will be, however, no downtown Cinco de Mayo parade held this year.
“Unfortunately our parade will not be scheduled this year after a hard decision to continue with the large venue’s demand for resources at the festival grounds,” according to the festival’s website. “Don’t worry, you can still enjoy the celebration at the festival for an unforgettable experience!”
For more information, visit sjcincodemayo.com.
Road Closures
Expect road closures and traffic delays in the areas surrounding both of these Cinco de Mayo event and in other parts of San Jose, beginning on May 2 and running through May 3.
According to information from the San Jose Police Department, road closures include:
West Santa Clara Street between Stockton and Delmas avenues, both directions, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 2.
Barack Obama Boulevard between Sharks Way and San Fernando Avenue, in both directions, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 2.
First Street between East San Salvador and East Reed streets, in both directions, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., May 3.
South King Road between McKee Road and Interstate 680, in both directions, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 3.
South King Road between Interstate 680 and Story Road, in both directions, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Possible traffic diversions
Potential traffic diversions from May 2-5 include:
East Santa Clara Street from Highway 87 to Highway 101
South Market Street from East Santa Clara Street to Plaza de Cesar Chavez
South 4th Street from East Santa Clara Street to Interstate 280
Alum Rock Avenue from Highway 101 to Interstate 680
King Road from Alum Rock Avenue to Tully Road
Story Road from King Road to East Capitol Expressway
South Jackson Avenue from Interstate 680 to Story Road
Ocala Avenue from King Road to East Capitol Expressway
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This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 3:43 PM.