How to Commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 Across the Nation

Every third Friday of the month, starting at noon, Viernes Culturales transforms Calle Ocho, in the historic neighborhood of Little Havana in Miami, into a free, pedestrian-friendly festival featuring food and music. Visitors can enjoy free guided walking tours by local historian Paul George on festival days starting at 7 p.m., now through December. Admission: Free

Join AARP California for a free virtual cooking demonstration on Sept. 18 from 4 to 5 p.m. Chef and historian Maite Gomez-Rejón will highlight staples and predominantly plant-based culinary traditions native to the Americas and guide participants in preparing a seasonal salad. Registration is required; AARP membership is not required. Registration: Free

Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival in Des Moines highlights the traditions and diversity of Latino communities through live music, dance performances, cultural exhibits and cuisine.

Courtesy Iowa Latino Heritage Festival

Festivals and Social Events

Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival is a two-day event in Des Moines that highlights the traditions and diversity of Latino communities through live music, dance performances, cultural exhibits and cuisine. The family-friendly event represents more than 20 countries and will be held at Western Gateway Park on Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival’s purpose is to “showcase and to have pride in our tradition so that our folks can get together and celebrate the cultures,” says Joe Gonzalez, executive director of Latino Resources Inc., the nonprofit that oversees the festival. “What better way to learn and to be around each other than through food, music and dance?” Admission: $5 for adults; free for children under 12

The 13th Annual Mexican Baseball Fiesta returns to Phoenix from Sept. 26 to Sept. 28 at the American Family Fields of Phoenix. Fans can watch six games throughout the weekend (starting at 5:05 p.m. on Sept. 26 and 27 and 3:05 p.m. on Sept. 28) featuring Jaguares de Nayarit and other professional teams from the Liga ARCO Mexicana del Pacífico, as well as enjoy postgame entertainment and activities. Admission: $20 for general admission; $10 for adults 65-plus

In Houston, join AARP Texas to create a Día de los Muertos ofrenda at Finca Tres Robles on Oct. 15 from 7 to 8 p.m. Participants can contribute by bringing photos of loved ones who have died, and a remembrance item to add to the communal ofrenda, or altar. Registration is required; AARP membership is not required.

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s Baja Splash Cultural Festival celebrates Latin American heritage through dance and music performances and bilingual educational programming.

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Join the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, for its 24th annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival on Sept. 20 and 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. This festival, included with regular admission, celebrates Latin American heritage through dance and music performances, bilingual educational programming, games with prizes, and the annual Heritage Award presentation. Admission: $44.95 for adults; $41.95 for adults 62-plus​

Revolución Tour, a festival celebrating Latino heritage and culture, is heading to San Antonio (Sept. 27) and Los Angeles (Oct. 5). The full days of activities include salsa dancing, a quinceañera fashion show and stand-up comedy. The San Antonio event, sponsored by Martinez & Associates and with proceeds going to San Antonio Coalition for Veterans & Families, will partner with immigration law firm Galan Law and be held at the Espee from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Los Angeles event, presented by Todo Wafi and with proceeds going to Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, will take place in Exposition Park from noon to 8:30 p.m. “A lot of us are trying to celebrate during a time where there’s a lot of people in pain,” says Rafael Fernandez, creator of RevTour. “This event was specifically designed to bring all those different, diverse parts of our culture together.” Admission for San Antonio: $34. Admission for Los Angeles: $15; free for children 10 and younger.

Museums and Exhibits

The Hispanic Society Museum & Library in New York City hosts the film series Cine al Fresco every Thursday of September in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. On Sept. 25, the society will present an outdoor screening of the 1992 Mexican film El Mariachi with English subtitles. The program begins at 6 p.m. with a performance by Academia de Mariachi, followed by the film at 7 p.m. RSVP required. Admission: Free

The National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., will host the Fotos y Recuerdos Festival in the Kogod Courtyard on Sept. 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free event welcomes visitors of all ages to participate in art making, dancing, museum tours, story times and book signings featuring children’s publisher Lil’ Libros. Admission: Free

The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore will present a performance from Soroche, a genre-bending band based in Baltimore, on Sept. 18. While at the free performance from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., you can also check out the museum’s “Latin American Art/Arte Latinoamericano” exhibit, which features more than 200 works from the Caribbean and South, Central and North America. Admission: Free​