Sixth annual Cinco de Mayo festival returns to Monte Vista
Posted 4/30/26
Residents of the San Luis Valley are invited to grab their sombreros and maracas for the 2026 Cinco de Mayo festival, returning to Monte Vista on Saturday, May 2. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and features a classic car show, food trucks, local vendors, and live music from Colorado and New Mexico artists.
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Sixth annual Cinco de Mayo festival returns to Monte Vista
Posted
STAFF REPORT
MONTE VISTA, Colo. — Residents of the San Luis Valley are invited to grab their sombreros and maracas for the 2026 Cinco de Mayo festival, returning to Monte Vista on Saturday, May 2.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and features a classic car show, food trucks, local vendors, and live music from Colorado and New Mexico artists.
Co-host Terry Carroll said last year’s festival drew at least 3,500 people. This year, Carroll and co-host Jacqueline Mascarenas hope to see even larger crowds following a significant change to the festival's footprint.
"Well, we decided to do it again," Carroll said. "This year we changed the whole layout of the event. The car show will be held on Adams Street between Second and Third streets. The stage will be on the west side of Second, and the food trucks will be on the east side."
Carroll noted the new layout keeps the festivities centralized on the first and second blocks of Adams Street, allowing attendees to enjoy the music and food without leaving the car show area.
Mascarenas said the 2026 lineup adds elements that were missing last year due to a short planning window.
"Last year we really wanted to have mariachis, but we took it on so fast — about six weeks before the event — we just didn’t have the time," Mascarenas said. "This year we will have mariachis and much more. We also want to showcase our local talent, including the Monte Vista mini cheerleaders, G Styles, and Kevin Hernandez."
While vendor spaces are nearly full, food truck slots are already sold out. Confirmed vendors include Tacos Martinez, Suavecito Grill, and Sho N Nuff BBQ. Colorado Farm Brewery and 1874 Distillery will also participate. The deadline for remaining vendor applications is April 28.
The festival coincides with a concert by the Kumbia Kings later that night at Ski Hi Complex. Carroll said she hopes the community supports both events and noted that she and Mascarenas will be giving away two tickets to the Kumbia Kings show during the festival.
The organizers expressed gratitude for sponsors, including the LOR Foundation, CHFA, Optimystics Citizens Action Network, SLV REC and Ciello, Spencer Architecture, Tacos Martinez, RG Bank, MV Co-op, and High Peak Events.
"They are what makes this event happen, and we appreciate them so much," Carroll said.
Mascarenas has expanded marketing efforts into New Mexico, hoping to draw out-of-state tourists and car show participants to the valley.
