Here’s a guide to celebrating Hispanic Heritage month (September 15 through October 15) around DC. Check out a cultural festival, a film fest, live music, and other vibrant events.
Latinas in Aviation Global Festival
Acknowledge Latinas in aviation with flight demos, bilingual story time, art, author meet-and-greets, kid-friendly entertainment, and a live concert with Sol Y Rumba Band and Sol Y Mariachi (free).
AFI Latin American Film Festival
Explore Latin American movies with a pass to this multi-week film fest. AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center is screening award-winning and new movies like restaurant-kitchen drama La Cocina and Spanish rock film The Blue Star; hosting filmmaker talks; and throwing embassy parties ($15 for general admission, $200 for festival pass).
Mi Pequeño El Salvador Festival
The Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs is throwing a Salvadoran jamboree in recognition of the DC’s largest diaspora. Neighbors can groove to live music and watch cultural performances at Lamont Plaza (free).
Festival del Rio Anacostia
Learn how to fish at Anacostia’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. The waterfront gathering offers boat rides along the Anacostia River, hands-on activities for all ages, fishing demos, food, and crafts (free).
An Evening Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Celia Cruz
This night of music at Smithsonian National Museum of American History spotlights the late salsa queen Celia Cruz. Attendees can view a panel discussion with Cruz’s family, take a dance class, tour the museum’s exhibits, and end the evening with live rhythms from Lulada Club (free, but registration encouraged).
Fotos y Recuerdos Festival
Guests of all ages can enjoy story time, museum tours, and dance workshops at this National Portrait Gallery festival. Kiddos can view portraits of Latinx trailblazers, and learn about cultural pioneers from the Lil’ Libros book series The Life of/La vida (free).
Fiesta DC
Fiesta DC launched in the ’70s in Mount Pleasant to express the richness of Latino culture. Now, the tradition fills the streets of downtown DC every year with ancestral fashions, Latin music, folk dance, and a lively parade on Constitution Avenue (free).
Ballet Hispánico
Dance company Ballet Hispánico is teaching a social dance workshop at Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax. You’ll learn moves from salsa, merengue, cha cha, and more. The following day, the ballet troupe will perform at George Mason University (free, but registration required for workshop, $33+ for October 5 performance).
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebración
Close out Hispanic Heritage Month at this Prince George’s Publik Playhouse event, which features an exhibit showcasing the work of Puerto Rican artist Silvia Martínez, plus children activities, refreshments, dancing, and live music (free).
Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
