From Fiestas to Art Crawls, These Events Promise an Enriching Experience

Southern California is a melting pot of cultures, and Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to dive headfirst into its vibrant Latinx scene! From sizzling tacos and mariachi bands to world-class art and history, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to experience the passion, energy and flavor of this incredible community—for an entire month! From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, you can immerse yourself in the music, art, food and more aspects of Hispanic culture all throughout Southern California. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a curious visitor, you won’t want to miss the epic festivities and cultural experiences that await!

 

San Diego

Hispanic Heritage Weekend 2024 at Petco Park

When: Sept. 20-22

Celebrate Hispanic heritage with the Padres at Petco Park. From Sept 20-22, San Diego’s beloved baseball team joins the San Diego Hispanic community to celebrate all things Latin for the entire weekend leading up to the last home game of the MLB regular season. Grab a theme game package and get a limited-edition Padres item and a ticket to the White Sox vs. Padres game of your choice. There’s a Fiesta In The Park on Friday night with postgame fireworks and pregame music with the house band on Saturday. Take a sneak peek of what to expect by looking back on last year’s first night!

Location: East Village

 

Barrio Art Crawl

When: Sept. 14 and Oct. 12

Every second Saturday of the month, Barrio Logan highlights Chicano art and culture with a self-guided art walk called the Barrio Art Crawl. This district is known for both its art and its celebration of diversity, which makes it a perfect place to visit during Hispanic Heritage Month. Peruse handmade crafts, unique artwork and stylish fashion designs while you sway your hips to live cumbia. You’ll likely work up an appetite and the cuisine options won’t disappoint. From birria and brews to chilaquiles and horchata, the food and beverages here are endless. 

Location: Barrio Logan

 

Latinx New Play Festival at La Jolla Playhouse

When: Oct. 4-6

Originally launched in 2016 by San Diego Repertory Theatre, the Latinx New Play Festival returns to La Jolla Playhouse for this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month. Four Latinx scripts will be selected to be rehearsed and developed at the playhouse before hitting the stage at the festival. Expect in-person readings of new works, panel discussions and more. While tickets to the festival are free, they do sell out! Sign up for the newsletter to keep up with this year’s programming.

Location: La Jolla

 

Los Angeles

Los Angeles Libros Festival

When: Sept. 28

If you’re after a bilingual experience that celebrates Latin culture, don’t miss the sixth annual Los Angeles Libros Festival. Taking place at the Central Library on Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this festival features Spanish and bilingual storytelling with musical performances and award-winning author signings as well. Free and open to the public, it’s a perfect family outing to celebrate the spirit of the month. We love a library that knows social media, and the LA Public Library does not disappoint!

Location: DTLA

 

Programming at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes

When: See calendar for upcoming events

Spending time at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes during Hispanic Heritage Month is a no-brainer, and this year’s programming is on point. Celebrate Mexican Independence Day one day early by joining the Fiestas Patrias Family Day on Sept. 15 starting at noon. Then, keep up with the calendar for cultural programming all month long—from Latin cinema and book talks to cooking classes and wine tastings. Learn more about the history of this cultural hub and why it holds such a special place in the LA community here.

Location: El Pueblo

 

Explore Historic Olvera Street

When: See listings for upcoming events

If you want to feel like you’re in Mexico for a day, head to Olvera Street for a Latin experience at any time. This historic pedestrian street is not only situated in the oldest plaza in California but is also home to some of the oldest buildings in LA. Here you’ll find a Mexican market with many street food options and year-round events that honor Latin culture. On or around Mexican Independence Day, you can expect the streets to light up in celebration of Fiestas Patrias. Information for that specific festival is here. The Olvera Street Merchants Association plays a vital role in the preservation and promotion of this beloved LA destination.

Location: El Pueblo

 

Museum of Latin American Art

When: See calendar for upcoming events

You don’t need any reason to visit the Museum of Latin American Art other than a desire to witness a mesmerizing collection of modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino art. Founded in 1996 in Long Beach, MOLAA is the only museum in the United States that is dedicated to Hispanic art. Stroll through the sculpture garden, which features 15 abstract and figurative sculptures from one artist per LATAM country, before checking out the rotating exhibitions. You’ll also want to visit the permanent collection: a tribute to Carlos Cruz-Diez with geometric abstraction art from his life’s work on display.

Location: Long Beach

 

Orange County

Fiesta Latina en Irvine

When: Sept. 22

The city of Irvine invites you to celebrate the Hispanic community at its third annual Fiesta Latina en Irvine. This event honors individuals from Latin America who have influenced the United States in a positive way. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, the fiesta takes place at Great Park and is free for all ages. Bring your family and friends and a hearty appetite. There will be food vendors throughout the park, as well as live music, language exchange, literature and art.

Location: Irvine

 

Fiestas Patrias

When: Sept. 14-15

Santa Ana will take to the streets to celebrate their Hispanic communities—with food vendors, live music, carnival rides and cultural exhibits. On Sept. 14 from noon. to 11 p.m. and Sept. 15 from noon to 10 p.m., this fiesta celebrates the independence of various Latin American countries by honoring notable individuals who reside in their community. This event is family friendly and open to everyone. Don’t miss the noon parade and evening El Grito ceremony on Sunday!

Location: Santa Ana

 

Concha Fest at Heritage House Museum 

When: Oct. 6

Imagine waking up to a steaming pot of spiced coffee with a plate piled high with fresh sweet bread. A concha is a distinctive pan dulce with a fluffy interior and a sugary shell-like top—perfect alongside a hot drink. In Mexico, this is a common start to each morning, and the Heritage House Museum of Orange County has created a festival in its honor. The inaugural Concha Fest highlights this beloved pastry alongside music, art and fun. On Oct. 6 from noon to 5 p.m., bring your family to Gente Marketplace in Santa Ana, and let conchas be your guide! Secure your free general admission entry or purchase VIP tickets here. 

Location: Santa Ana

 

Explore Mercado González

When: Sun-Thu, 6 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri-Sat, 6 a.m.-11 p.m.

Every day is a good day to support Latinx-owned businesses, and a visit to Mercado González in Costa Mesa is an ideal place to do so. Immerse yourself in Mexican culture with authentic flavors, artisanal crafts and cultural events at this vibrant and bustling marketplace. Mercado González is where you’ll get your daily fix of quesabirria, tacos, tamales, paletas and more. You may even spot your favorite luchador roaming the market, because every month is Hispanic Heritage Month here! 

Location: Costa Mesa

 

Palm Springs

Peso Pluma at Acrisure Arena

When: Sept. 6

What better way to show cultural appreciation than to dance the night away with a Mexican superstar? On Friday, Sept 6 at 8 p.m., internationally acclaimed Peso Pluma takes the stage at Palm Desert’s all-new Acrisure Arena. He’ll be bringing a new show in tandem with his current release, “Éxodo,” and promises a deeper, fuller sound. Kick off a Palm Desert weekend with this charismatic performance—a purely joyous way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Get tickets here, including upgraded access to The Compound, the newest VIP space at the arena.

Location: Palm Desert 

 

NVISION Latino Film & Music Festival 

When: Oct. 10-12

If Latin cinema is your thing, then you’ll want to plan a full weekend in Palm Springs for the 10th anniversary of NVISION Latino Film & Music Festival. A partnership between Palm Springs Art Museum and The Official Latino Film Festival, NVISION aims to spotlight the power of Latino culture through film and music. This festival takes place at multiple venues across Palm Springs, including the Annenberg Theater and Regal Cinemas for film screenings and panel discussions, as well as the Meyerman Garden for cocktail receptions. Don’t miss the nightlife programming at Reforma! 

Location: Palm Springs

 

Jueves de Drift Palm Springs

When: Every Thursday

When Cabo is on your mind, yet you find yourself in the desert, head to Drift Palm Springs on Thursday nights for the ultimate Latin-inspired pool party. Consider it Baja’s backyard, with DJs, tacos a la plancha and night swims. These happening parties go from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and continue at the Palm Springs Art Museum for the after-party. Entry is free, but you’ll want to reserve your spot before you go.

Location: Palm Springs

 

Cafe La Jefa

When: Sun-Thurs, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Fri-Sat, 7 a.m.- 8 p.m.

You’ll no doubt need some caffeine to keep you going during your visit to Palm Springs, and here’s another opportunity to support Latinx-owned businesses. The latest coffee shop to open in the area, Cafe La Jefa offers specialty coffee, tea and brunch with a Latin touch. The cafe is situated in a beautiful outdoor space within the newly renovated Flannery Exchange building. Owner Erika Flannery shares her story in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with local news channel KESQ, so see why brunch here is a must on your desert to-do.

Location: Palm Springs