Mercado on Fifth Opening Day Celebration -- May 22.
Friday, May 22, 5 – 10 p.m.
Mercado on Fifth, 423 12th Street, Moline IL
Mercado on Fifth, the Quad Cities’ premier Latino cultural market and small-business incubator, will kick off its 10th Anniversary Season with a vibrant Opening Day Celebration on May 22, the scheduled events including live music, a marketplace, food and beverage vendors, and cultural activities throughout the evening.
Founded in 2016, Mercado on Fifth is a nonprofit organization dedicated to economic development, cultural preservation, and community connection through entrepreneurship and the arts. Over the past decade, Mercado has supported hundreds of small businesses, created pathways for Latino entrepreneurs, and built a vibrant cultural destination in the Quad Cities. Now entering its milestone 10th season, Mercado on Fifth continues to serve as a powerful platform for Latino entrepreneurs, artists, and community connection, bringing together thousands of residents and visitors each year through food, music, culture, and commerce.
Opening Day will feature a dynamic lineup of live entertainment, local vendors, and family-friendly activities, along with a special ceremony honoring the community members, partners, and supporters who have helped Mercado grow into a cornerstone of the Quad Cities. The evening begins with an Opening Ceremony at 5:15 p.m., which will feature welcome remarks and sponsor recognition; a cultural processional featuring performers, community groups, and award honorees; and a commemorative 10-year celebration moment.
Guests will enjoy an exciting lineup of regional musical talent throughout the evening, with performances by Tamborazo La Magdalena (5:30 p.m.), Los Sembradores del Norte (6:30 p.m.), Crooked Cactus (7:45 p.m.), and grand finale Grupo Innstinto (9:00 p.m.). Additional patio performances and cultural activations will take place throughout the night, creating a festival-style atmosphere.
Mercado on Fifth continues to uplift small businesses through its vendor marketplace, featuring dozens of local entrepreneurs offering authentic food, handcrafted goods, and unique cultural products. Highlighted food and beverage vendors for the 2026 season include: Abarrotes Carrillo LLC (tacos, huaraches, birria); Las Salsas Doña Mary (quesabirria, gorditas, huaraches); Mendoza Street Dogs (bacon-wrapped hot dogs, esquites); Oasis de Sabores (aguas frescas, elotes, specialty drinks); Luna Kitchen (Filipino-inspired fusion tacos and noodles); Miguel’s Street Tacos (tacos, tortas, enchiladas); Restaurante El Mariachi (enchiladas, nachos, tacos); Xochimilko (mini pancakes, churros, desserts); Sweet Shardae (snow cones, ice cream); and The Main Squeeze (fresh lemonade and limeade).
Retail and artisan vendors, meanwhile, include: Alex’s Toy Shop (toys and novelty items); Amore Creations (handcrafted goods)l Crispy Soul (vintage apparel and jewelry); Inner Light Essentials (locally made candles and soaps); Estudio Meli (custom portraits and keepsakes); FRiO Sauce (specialty sauces); Los Dos Grandes (Western wear and accessories); Second Rodeo (boutique apparel and jewelry); Rosarios QC (cultural goods and apparel); and World Relief QC (artisan goods from immigrant communities). This diverse mix reflects Mercado’s mission to incubate small businesses and celebrate cultural entrepreneurship.
Admission to the May 22 event is $5, with children under 13 and seniors over 65 admitted free. For more information on the Mercado on Fifth Opening Day Celebration and the entire season's activities, visit MercadoOnFifth.org.
