Mercado on Fifth chose the Cinco de Mayo Mexican holiday today to share Friday, May 23, as the 2025 opening day of the popular weekly outdoor market at Moline’s Fifth Avenue gateway to the historic Floreciente Neighborhood.
The leaders of the family-friendly Friday night market also shared in a news release dated Monday, May 5, its crowded Season 9 lineup. This year features retail vendors, food trucks, regional musical acts, dance performances, Mexican wrestling, a Taste of Mercado sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America, Mexican Independence Day celebrations, children’s activities and more.
Patrons are invited to kick off the long Memorial Day weekend on May 23 at Mercado. Then they can join the fun every Friday at the open-air market which will run for 19 consecutive Fridays from 5-10 p.m. through Friday, Sept. 26.
The market continues to be “the go-to destination for authentic Latin cuisine, with favorites such as tacos, burritos, tamales, pupusas, empanadas and guisados, alongside other diverse flavors from across the Americas,” the release said. Also available are sweet treats such as mangonadas, churro cheesecake, and fresh fruit cups.
“For those looking to shop, the market features a variety of handcrafted goods, fashion accessories, and items imported from Latin America,” the release added. That “eclectic mix of treasures” includes handmade jewelry and Lucha Libre masks, artisanal home decor and custom tumblers.
Find a full rundown of vendors here.
Live entertainment back
The market is also a hub for live entertainment. This year’s dynamic lineup of Latin music includes banda, rock en español, salsa, and tributes to iconic artists. Traditional dance performances from Quad Cities Ballet Folklorico and Danza de Santa Maria will return. So will Lucha Libre wrestling by SCW Pro Wrestling. Also on tap is a boxing exhibition and a classic car show hosted by Latin Persuasion.
The Rinconcito de Arte, or “art corner,” also is returning for a second year. For 2025, visitors can expect to see multi-media art pieces from local Latine artists. It includes paper mache artist Victor Granados. At each display, QR codes will be available so patrons can learn more about the artist and view more of their work. All pieces will be available for purchase directly from the artists.
Mercado on Fifth also extended its gratitude to 2025 season sponsors who include Modern Woodmen of America, Hiland Toyota, The Justin Cook Team at State Farm, Ascentra Credit Union, MidAmerican Energy Foundation, Riverside Family Dental, Group O, Lindquist Ford, Bally’s Casino Rock Island, and Old National Bank.
For additional sponsorship opportunities, contact Executive Director Frances Williams at [email protected].
About Mercado on Fifth
Mercado on Fifth fosters economic opportunity and cultural preservation by supporting Hispanic entrepreneurs, artists, and small business owners in the Quad Cities. Through its weekly markets, seasonal celebrations, and year-round business development programs, Mercado empowers minority entrepreneurs with access to capital, bilingual business training, and technical assistance.
The organization also seeks to strengthen community identity by hosting traditional music, dance, and artisan vendors, ensuring Hispanic heritage remains visible and celebrated. Since its founding, Mercado has helped launch and support more than 65 businesses while providing paid opportunities for cultural practitioners.
To learn the full musical lineup, visit www.MercadoOnFifth.org or follow Mercado on Fifth on Facebook.
Join Mercado on Fifth and experience the Latin heart and soul of the Quad Cities this summer!
