Texas is a crossroads where two cultures meet. Here, perhaps more than anywhere else in the country, Hispanic heritage runs deeps. Hispanic and Latino people make up almost half of the state’s population, lending cultural influences that have become uniquely Texan.
So when National Hispanic Heritage Month comes around—September 15 to October 15—we do it big. Below are a few local spots with celebrations planned to honor contributions by those who came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean and Central and South America, and have fun while learning more about the histories and cultures of these countries. Check our events calendar for more near you.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Join the Dallas Arboretum’s sixth annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Saturday and Sunday, September 9–10. The highlight of this year’s festival is the Quinceañera Fashion Show inside Rosine Hall on Saturday. Budding fashionistas will adore the pageantry of watching 15- and 16-year-olds swirl through the show in their beautiful, full-length Quinceañera gowns.
Afterwards, enjoy live music and cooking demonstrations in the Entryway Plaza, along the Paseo, and shop Hispanic vendors. And while there, don’t forget to visit the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, which is hosting its free Kelley Family Days. All activities are free with garden admission.
8525 Garland Road, Dallas
214/515-6615
dallasarboretum.org
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
A Quinceañera festival with a showcase of sparkling gowns, ballet folklórico and a parade of Latin American flags will be part of the monthlong Celebration of Latin American Culture & Heritage from September 8 through October 15. This garden-wide celebration will feature special exhibits, performances, events, and shopping opportunities.
Check online for a full schedule of activities, including free admission for the kickoff event on September 15, and Family Night on September 29 where you’ll see the Leonard Courtyard decorated as Frida Kahlo’s famous home.
3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard, Fort Worth
817/463-4160
fwbg.org/celebramos
Fort Worth Stockyards
Along the historic route of the cattle drives, colorful floats and horseback riders in traditional Hispanic clothing will take the place of longhorns for the Stockyards’ Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off Celebration & Parade. The parade takes place along Exchange Avenue starting at 11:30am on Sunday, September 17, followed by live music throughout the historic district from 10am–2pm.
Later that day, come experience the art of charreria (Mexican rodeo), Caballos bailadores (dressage or dancing horses) and folklórico. It’s all part of a two-hour equestrian show called Mexico en la Sangre (Mexico in Our Blood) inside the Cowtown Coliseum. Tickets are $20 for children; $30 for adults.
140 East Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth
817/625-1025
fortworthstockyards.com
817/625-9715
cowtowncoliseum.com
AT&T Performing Arts Center
Bring your dancing shoes and your appetite to the Latinidad festival, a free, family-friendly event on Saturday, September 23 in Annette Strauss Square. Explore authentic Latin American cuisine (birria tacos, anyone?) and enjoy live music, cultural arts and craft activities just for kids. Shop the Latinidad Mercado, a pop-up market curated by Hecho Con Amor Plus, and support local Latino-owned businesses.
Dallas
214/880-0202
attpac.org
Fiesta de Herencia
On Friday, September 15, join the City of Richland Hills’ Fiesta de Herencia with attractions including a mechanical bull, music from a live DJ and bands, food from Hispanic vendors, and more activities.
6750 Baker Blvd., Richland Hills
817/616-3738
thelinkrec.com
McKinney’s Old Settler’s Recreation Center
Bring the whole familia to this annual Mexican Independence Day Celebration in McKinney, where all the free fun is a nod to Mexico. Grab some grub from the food trucks, dance to live mariachi music and take in the colorful spectacle of Ballet Folklórico by Mexico 2000. The City of McKinney Parks & Recreation Department hosts this festival at this rec center on Saturday, September 16 from 3–9pm.
1201 East Louisiana Street, McKinney
972/547-7480
mckinneyparks.org
Mexican Independence Day Celebration Little Elm
On Saturday, September 16, head to Little Elm Park for Selena Forever tribute band, ballet folklórico, mariachi band, lotería, carnival rides. Plus, adults are welcome to join the Tacos & Tequilas Fun Walk.
701 West Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm
214/618-1401
littleelmspecialevents.com
Arlington Public Library
Mariachi music, folklórico dancers and cultural crafts are part of the Arlington library’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library (100 South Center Street) on Saturday, October 7. And when fall programming begins in September, Arlington’s East Library and Recreation Center (1817 New York Avenue) is expected to continue its Spanish story times, called Cuentos, on Thursday mornings at 10:30am.
Arlington
817/275-1351
arlingtonlibrary.org
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
Crafts and a bounce house for the kids, vendors to shop for Mom and Dad and free food and performances for all. There’s something for the whole fam at this Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday, October 7.
While you’re there, check out the student artwork that’s on display inside the center September 15–October 15. Maybe your child’s will be showcased too? Students of all ages from all across the Metroplex are invited to submit their Hispanic Heritage Month-inspired art by the September 13 deadline—and it’s free to participate.
2922 MLK Boulevard, Dallas
214/670-8418
dallasmlkcenter.com
Celebra Grapevine
On Saturday, October 7, at this fest at the Peace Plaza in Historic Downtown Grapevine, expect selfie stations, a flash mob and children’s activities on Peace Plaza. Those 21 and up can get tickets for the VIP wine pairing and Latin dance lessons
815 South Main Street, Grapevine
latinosingrapevine.org
Oak Cliff Cultural Center
Come see this colorful new exhibition by Romulo Martinez, a Venezuelan-born mixed media artist who now lives in the DFW area. His solo exhibition of paintings, drawings and small sculptures will be on view at this Dallas cultural center from September 9–October 7.
223 West Jefferson Boulevard, Dallas
214/670-3777
occc.dallasculture.org
Latino Cultural Center
Dallas’ Latino Cultural Center is still finalizing plans for their celebrations but say they plan to bring back the annual Hecho en Dallas, starting on September 15. This popular exhibition showcases the works of Dallas-area professional artists. Check online for more programming as it’s announced.
2600 Live Oak Street, Dallas
214/671-0045
lcc.dallasculture.org
Top image courtesy of Fort Worth Stockyards
