Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations Across the United States

October 4, 2023

From art exhibitions and dance classes, to celebrations of food and music, September 15 - October 15 marks Hispanic Heritage Month, a national observance recognizing the history and culture of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The observance has been celebrated since 1968, starting with Hispanic Heritage Week and later expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. The time period holds special significance, as September 15 is the anniversary of independence from Spain for the Latin America countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. September 16 is the anniversary of independence for Mexico, with September 18 for Chile.

With celebrations continuing all month long across the United States, here are our recommended Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in several markets our team members call home.

Austin

Through January 7, 2024, visit the 40 Years of Día de los Muertos exhibit at the Mexic-Arte Museum located at 419 Congress Avenue in Austin. Since its beginnings in 1984, the museum has presented traditional and contemporary Mexican and Latin American art and culture, with unique celebrations of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, through exhibitions, performances, street festivals, videos, murals and more. Through this special exhibit, now you can look back on the museum’s decades of Día de los Muertos history, including ofrendas and works by the famed José Guadalupe Posada and others.

Charleston

On October 8, celebrate the annual Latin American Festival at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park. Enjoy an afternoon of non-stop music, dance performances and a salsa contest, and authentic Latin American and Caribbean foods, from empanadas to arroz con pollo. Stop by the craft vendors for folkloric artwork and crafts, and visit the games and educational area designed for kids.

Dallas

On Saturday, October 7, head to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Dallas for the Hispanic Heritage Festival. It’s a free, family-friendly community event featuring live entertainment, local vendors and activities for kids. You won’t want to miss special guests Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, a cultural and educational foundation that promotes active engagement in the arts and boasts a group of over 40 dancers. While you’re at the Hispanic Heritage Festival, check out the student art display featuring selected works by students across the DFW metroplex.

Through the end of January 2024, visit the Dallas Museum of Art for the "Abraham Ángel: Between Wonder and Seduction” exhibit showcasing the legendary Mexican artist’s surviving works, marking the first major survey of his work in over 35 years. Despite a brief three-year career, punctuated by his tragic death, Abraham Ángel captured the culture of Mexico in the early 20th century through his unique artistic style. Visit the museum on Sunday, October 8 for the Free Community Day filled with art, lectures, and art-making activities, with free admission for the whole family.

Miami

In Miami, visit The Havana Collection in the heart of Calle Ocho on Friday, October 13 for the fourth annual Celebrating Milestones event. Dance, socialize and celebrate community milestones made possible by local artists and business owners. Proceeds from this 21+ event will benefit the Hispanic Cultural Arts Center.

Ready to dance all weekend long? Head to the InterContinental Miami’s Second Annual Salsa Festival on October 13-15 for an unforgettable weekend of non-stop salsa dancing and entertainment. Enjoy dance workshops, pool parties and an exclusive concert headlined by Los Adolescentes Band. Visit InterContinental Miami to learn more about the luxury accommodations and exclusive access to Miami’s hottest three-day salsa party!

Pittsburgh

On Saturday, October 14, visit the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History for the Hispanic Heritage Celebration featuring food, music, art and history! Learn more about Latin American art and natural history with a scavenger hunt and spotlight stops featuring gems and minerals, dinosaurs, jaguars, and birds from Latin America. Take a break in the Sculpture Court to enjoy dance and musical performances from the Geña y Peña Trio, dance away to DJ sets by SazonPGH, and enjoy authentic Colombian cuisine from Colombino food truck. 

Raleigh

Join the Durham community for Día de la Comunidad (Community Day) at the W.D. Hill Recreation Center on Saturday, October 7. Hosted by the City of Durham and Durham Parks & Recreation, this free event features dance performances and a Zumba demonstration, live music, delicious food, and plenty of artmaking and other family-friendly activities!

On Sunday, October 8, head to the Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the 48th annual Selma Railroad Days Festival. Closing out the three-day Selma Railroad Days Festival, the Sunday lineup features a street carnival, food truck rodeo, street vendors and entertainment for the entire family, plus a special Hispanic Heritage Celebration with live music all Sunday afternoon featuring performances by Latin dance band Orquesta K'Che.

Tampa

If you know Tampa, you know the Historic Ybor City is the place to go for Latin American and Cuban history and culture. As a closing ceremony to Hispanic Heritage Month, head to Centennial Park in Historic Ybor City for the 5th Annual Ford Taste of Latino festival on Sunday, October 15. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy an afternoon of food, live music and dance performances. Get moving with free salsa lessons, watch the Top Latino Chef Contest to see who is making the best dishes in Tampa Bay, and meet community leaders with awards and recognition of the 2023 Florida Latino & Latina Lideres.

We hope you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us across the United States! Our Bolt PR team is proud to elevate awareness for the organizations and events that bring communities together to inspire, educate, honor and celebrate diversity and inclusion. If you’d like to partner with us in celebrating and promoting the authentic, bold and diverse, let’s connect.

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