Mole de Mayo Festival 2023

Get ready to visit over 20 popular festival food vendors, each bringing their own savory, sweet, or spicy version of mole. Who will be the 2023 People’s Choice and Best Mole winner?

Since 2009, Mole de Mayo Festival strives to deliver a culturally dynamic and gastronomic outdoor festival that propels a short and long-term range of economic and social benefits to Chicago’s historic Pilsen neighborhood. The three-day fest located on 18th St. (Blue Island Ave. and Ashland Ave.) includes an open-air mercado that will be bustling with local merchants, crafters, and artisans.

Experience the Culture

FOOD
Savor a variety of regional and specialty mole dishes from some of Pilsen’s popular eateries and the surrounding neighborhoods. Pick up a spicy michelada or a refreshing agua fresca to accompany your dish.

MUSIC
Relish the sound at one of the two main music stages located at the entrances. Experience a variety of music styles from top local, national and international live acts. Past genres have included cumbia, salsa, Latin soul/funk, reggae, son jarocho and others. Click here to view lineup.

ART (T-shirt)
Buy the official 2023 MDM T-Shirt at our ESDC booth while quantities and sizes last.

MARKET
Take home a one-of-kind, hand-crafted piece of art, jewelry, or apparel from the many artisans, crafters and merchant booths lined up throughout the festival. Variety of goods and wares for all ages and tastes at the open-air market/mercado.

CULTURAL PERFORMANCES
Set your eyes on colorful and traditional performances. Past entertainment have included Aztec-Mexica dance rituals, Chinelo costumed dancers, ballet folkorico, zapateado, modern dance ensembles, and other performing arts.

LUCHA LIBRE
The first to introduce Mexican style lucha libre wrestling at an outdoor festival, this dramatic spectator sport features high-flying aerial maneuvers and colorful masks. Come root for your favorite wrestler ringside. Still the must-see festival highlight. Saturday and Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.