Music, carnival rides, dancing, food from around the world, and one of the nation’s oldest Cinco de Mayo parades are all part of this beloved Stockton tradition.
Stockton is getting ready to turn up the music, fire up the carnival, and welcome one of the biggest community celebrations of the year.
The 2026 El Concilio California Cinco de Mayo Multicultural Festival is returning to the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds for three full days of culture, entertainment, family fun, and community pride on Friday, May 1, Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3.
For 31 years, this annual festival has been known as the Central Valley’s official kickoff to summer, and it is easy to see why. The event brings together the sights, sounds, and flavors of a true community celebration, with nonstop live entertainment, a bustling Mercado, carnival rides, Ballet Folklórico, free kids activities, and more than 150 booths offering shopping, resources, and fun for all ages.
And then there is the food.
Festivalgoers can look forward to more than 20 vendors serving flavors from around the world, giving Stockton families plenty of reasons to come hungry and stay awhile. Whether visitors are showing up for the music, the dancing, the carnival, or the food, the weekend promises something exciting around every corner.
Held at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way in Stockton, the free event is expected to draw 60,000 attendees, making it one of the biggest multicultural celebrations in the region. More than just a festival, it is a chance for the community to come together and celebrate the rich cultural diversity that makes Stockton so special.
The festivities kick off Friday at 12 p.m. with carnival rides, food vendors, a health fair, kids activities, a car show, and two stages of entertainment. Admission is free all three days, and parking is $10 for all day.
One of the weekend’s most anticipated highlights will be the Cinco de Mayo Parade on Sunday, May 3. Described as one of the oldest parades in the nation, it will begin in Downtown Stockton at Weber Institute and travel along Weber Street to El Dorado Street, around MLK Plaza, and down Center Street. Parade winners will then be announced at 4 p.m. on the Main Stage at the fairgrounds.
Families and groups can also take advantage of special pre-sale deals designed to make the weekend even more affordable. The Family 4-Pack offers a big discount and includes four one-day unlimited carnival ride passes, four meal vouchers valid at participating festival food vendors, and one free one-day parking pass. Group packages are also available for larger parties.
For Stockton, this is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a high-energy, hometown celebration that brings generations together through music, dance, tradition, and community spirit.
From the parade route downtown to the bright lights of the fairgrounds, El Concilio’s Cinco de Mayo Festival is shaping up to be one of the most exciting weekends of the season.