4th Annual cinco de mayo Block Party back in Rockford with Tacos, Culture, and Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: F’n K Tacos | 616.884.0618 | fnktacos.com

F’n K Tacos, in partnership with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, hosts a free celebration of Mexican culture on Courtland Street, May 2, drawing thousands from across West Michigan

ROCKFORD, Mich. -- While many places mark Cinco de Mayo with taco and margarita specials and call it a day, Rockford is doing something a little different. Something rooted in culture, community, and connection (still with tacos and margaritas, of course).

F’n K Tacos, a locally owned taco shop run by husband-and-wife team Frank and Kaitlin Lamas, is hosting its 4th Annual Cinco de Mayo Block Party on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Courtland Street between Monroe and Main in downtown Rockford. The event is free, family-friendly, dog-welcoming, and bike-friendly, and it draws thousands of people from across West Michigan throughout the day.

Cinco de Mayo marks the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, when a vastly outnumbered Mexican army defeated the French. It’s not widely celebrated in Mexico but took on new meaning across the United States during the Chicano movement of the 1960s and 70s as a celebration of resilience. In this country, it’s often reduced to a drinking occasion or mistaken for Mexican Independence Day entirely.

For Frank and Kaitlin, it means something deeper. Frank is Mexican-American, with roots in Zacatecas, Mexico, and the culture they’re celebrating is partly their own. His father Jesus, a retired restaurateur who fed East Los Angeles for decades, travels from out of state each year to work the event. He spends most of the day behind the grill — in his element — before stepping outside to take in the scene on the block, beaming with pride. That’s what this block party is really about: the love, the family, the music, the flavor, the vibrancy.

What started in 2023 as a small community idea has grown into one of the most anticipated events of the spring in West Michigan. A new small business, a belief that Rockford deserved something special, support from the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and city officials, and collaboration with other local businesses — that’s how a block party becomes a tradition. Year four brings the biggest lineup yet.

New for 2026, there will be a Kid’s Activity Zone in the Modern Woodmen lawn with rotating entertainment throughout the day, so there’s always something new to discover. The Rogue River Artists Association will host an art show at the Rotary Pavilion the same day, with the event flow designed to connect both spaces and invite visitors to explore all of downtown Rockford.

The event is intentionally free to attend, with most activities at no cost, made possible by local sponsors so that anyone can bring their family and have an incredible day. Local businesses throughout Rockford are encouraged to get festive alongside the block party, making the entire town part of the celebration.

“This event is about so much more than tacos,” said Kaitlin King-Lamas, co-owner of F’n K Tacos. “I’m originally from West Michigan, but I’ve lived all over the country. Frank and I met in California, and I am so lucky to have married into a beautiful culture. I want people here to experience what I have: the warmth, the food, the music, the love.”

The block party has earned regional media attention each year. Past coverage includes mentions and appearances on 13 On Your Side, Wood TV8, and Fox17 Morning Mix, plus a live broadcast from 93.3 FM La Poderosa is returning for its second year.

Media are welcome to attend and cover the event. To connect with the owners or request additional information, contact F’n K Tacos at 616.884.0618 or visit fnktacos.com. Full event details and lineup announcements are available on the official Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BCSRAbYvz/

Event Details

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Location: Courtland Street between Monroe and Main, Rockford, MI 49341

Admission: Free and open to all ages

More Info: fnktacos.com | Facebook: /FnKTacos | Instagram: @fnktacos

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About F’n K Tacos

F’n K Tacos is a locally owned taco shop in downtown Rockford, Michigan, founded by husband-and-wife team Frank and Kaitlin Lamas. Built on a love of great food and community, F’n K Tacos has become a staple of Rockford’s dining scene and a driving force behind local events that bring people together.

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