Cinco de Mayo Bash And Kentucky Derby Party Returns To Eastern Iowa

We hope your liver and the rest of your body have recovered from an awesome time at the 2025 St. Patrick's Day Bash. If not, it's going to need to rally at another fun day of celebration, booze, food, and fun in Eastern Iowa.

Once again, the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds is inviting you, your friends, and your family to join them for one exciting day in honor of Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby. That's right, two events going on at the same time. It's going to be exciting!

There will be live music, delicious food, margaritas, horses, big hats, and more will be going on all in one place, the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds. Bust out your sombrero or your picture hat because it's going to be a Saturday you might not remember.

Cinco de Mayo Bash Returns To MVF

The Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds announced that they will be hosting their 3rd annual Cinco de Mayo Bash on Saturday, May 3rd.

Fair officials say there will be a ton of live music, fun, and so much more. There is also going to be plenty of food with delicious Mexican dishes, especially tacos.

Gates open up at noon with live music in the afternoon by the Crooked Cactus Band, and evening music by Compaz Del Rancho and Nuevo Estilo. Plus, enjoy the return of Ballet Forklorico and the Jalapeño eating contest all hosted DJ Guerrero. The Kids' Zone will be back and open from 12 pm-7 pm.

NEW THIS YEAR: The 1st Annual Taco' Bout Fun Run at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds!

This family-friendly, non-timed run will take you on a fun-filled route around the fairgrounds, featuring exciting activity spots along the way! Plus, the fairgrounds will have a complementary beverage station for adults and kids to keep the energy high as part of the run included, all included with your race registration fee.

• $25 per adult
• $15 per kid
• Race begins at 7 pm sharp

No need to pay to get in because admission is free. Come hungry because there will be fair food trucks, Mexie's Taco Truck, Arely's Tacos, and more.

If you're feeling like getting a little more dressed up with big hats and watching horses, the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds has another event going on at the same time.

Kentucky Derby Party Is Back At MVF

That's right! For you horse racing fans or those who make it a tradition to party in celebration of the Kentucky Derby, the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds has something for you too.

Gates also open up at 12 p.m. for the Kentucky Derby Bash in the Iowa Building on Saturday, May 3rd. There will be a large LED TV making every seat a great one.

If you want to try a Kentucky Derby drink, the full bar will have Mint Juleps and every other Derby drink you could think of. Plus, it wouldn't be a Derby party without horses. That's right, a real horse will be on site for photo opportunities. There will be the best hat and best-dressed contest, food, fun, and so much more.

Admission is free, but VIP tables are available. Contact the fairgrounds at 563-326-5338 to get yours today.