As Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off on Sept. 15, the D.C. region is set to celebrate the Latino community with community festivals, performances, cooking demonstrations and other fun and educational activities.
The event runs through Oct. 15, though soon it may be possible to celebrate year-round once the plans for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino come to fruition in the Arts and Industries Building.
For now, those who would like to honor Hispanic Heritage Month can head to the following events, listed in chronological order.
Festivals, performances and community celebrations
Sept. 16 to Oct. 7: AFI Latin American Film Festival (Silver Spring, Maryland)
Now in its 37th year, the AFI Latin American Film Festival is one of North America’s largest and longest-running showcases of Latin American cinema. With $15 general admission, unless otherwise noted, this festival offers the chance to see films like “Bitter Christmas” by Pedro Almodóvar, which played Cannes, Toronto and New York festivals this year.
Sept. 17 to Oct. 15: Studio Sessions (Arlington, Virginia)
The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is presenting a series of hands-on artmaking sessions along with Latin music, food and drinks. The five events featured in the “Studio Sessions: Colores y Cultura” series include activities like creating flowers made from corn husks, air dry clay sculptures and collage houses inspired by homes in Buenos Aires.
Sept. 19: Hispanic Heritage Month Unity Festival (Wheaton, Maryland)
Come together for an afternoon of culture and community at Wheaton, Maryland’s Hispanic Heritage Month Unity Festival. Enjoy live music, food and family-friendly activities such as piñata making and face painting.
Sept. 25: Hispanic Heritage Festival (Gaithersburg, Maryland)
The Benjamin Gaither Center has a variety of events planned during Hispanic Heritage Month, including this free festival. Expect some bites, a salsa lesson and colorful attire worn by the Club de la Amistad.
Sept. 26: Manassas Latino Festival (Manassas, Virginia)
With free admission, the Manassas Latino Festival is an ideal way to celebrate the cultural heritage and contributions of the Latin American community. Expect live music, dance performances, diverse foods and other fun, family-friendly activities.
Sept. 26 to 27: Fiesta D.C. (D.C.)
The annual Fiesta D.C. festival is returning to Pennsylvania Avenue NW for an all-ages celebration of Latino culture. The event features authentic and diverse Latin cuisine, live music and dance performances, plus a marketplace with artisans. On the second day of the festival, guests can also expect a parade along 15th Street NW.
Oct. 3: Festival Latinoamericano (Arlington, Virginia)
The Festival Latinoamericano has a lot to look forward to: live entertainment, authentic food, area artisans, cultural exhibits, family-friendly activities and community organizations. This free event is hosted at the Arlington Mill Community Center.
Oct. 8 to Nov. 8: ‘Frida … A Self Portrait’ (D.C.)
Witness a theatrical production of one of the most famous artists, Frida Kahlo, at The Klein Theatre of the Shakespeare Theatre Company. “Frida … A Self Portrait” is an exploration of the extraordinary life of Kahlo as portrayed by Brazilian writer and performer Vanessa Severo.
Oct. 10: Alexandria Library Hispanic Heritage Fiesta (Alexandria, Virginia)
The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library is hosting an early afternoon celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, with live music provided by The Mystic Warriors, a group dedicated to the preservation of Andean folk music. No registration is required for this free event.
Educational activities, workshops and other miscellaneous events
Sept. 13: Cooking demonstration (Riverdale Park, Maryland)
Enjoy hands-on learning at this event, hosted by the Riversdale Kitchen Guild at the Riversdale Historic Site & Museum. The guild is hosting open-hearth cooking demonstrations featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables, while using 19th-century techniques in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Tickets are free.
Sept. 15: Altar de Muertos Lecture (Gaithersburg, Maryland)
The Benjamin Gaither Center is hosting a lecture by Yerania Benicio, the artistic director of the Colores Folkdance Academy. The lecture dives into the history, significance and symbolism of the Altar de Muertos. The event is free to attend.
Sept. 15: Washington Nationals giveaway (D.C.)
Baseball lovers can head to Nats Park in Navy Yard to score a festive hat in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The colorful cap is reserved for “special ticket buyers.”
Sept. 17: Dancing on the Square (Fairfax, Virginia)
Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month by learning Latin dance styles in Fairfax, Virginia’s Old Town Square. This free dance workshop is open to all ages and skill levels with no registration required.
Sept. 18: ‘Bailamos!’ (College Park, Maryland)
The Duvall Field in College Park, Maryland, is set to transform into a space for community celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Enjoy live music and dancing, authentic cuisine as well as inflatables and crafts for kids. Admission is free.
Sept. 18: ‘¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa’ (D.C.)
The National Museum of the American Latino is hosting a guided tour of the Smithsonian’s bilingual, multimedia exhibition, “¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa,” tracing salsa’s journey from its Afro-Cuban roots to its rise as a defining sound in American music. The 45-minute tour includes interactive experiences. While free, advanced registration is recommended as capacity is limited.
Sept. 25: Burlesque Underground (D.C.)
International burlesque star and producer Aquarius Moon is hosting a lineup of Latin showgirls at Dupont Underground to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The event is solely for those ages 18 and up with tickets starting at $20 per person.
Through Sept. 27: ‘Garbo: The Actor Who Saved the World’ (D.C.)
For its 51st season of the GALA Hispanic Theatre, the venue is hosting the world premiere of Venezuelan playwright Gustavo Ott’s play about Juan Pujol García, the Spanish double agent whose elaborate deception helped mislead Nazi Germany during World War II.
Oct. 3: Quinceañera Expo (Gaithersburg, Maryland)
For those looking to celebrate a 15th birthday, or quinceañera, in the best way, attendees of the Quinceañera Expo at the Casey Community Center can meet local vendors who specialize in the traditional and momentous celebration.
Oct. 5 to 11: Virginia Hispanic Chamber’s Restaurante Week
All across the state of Virginia, diners can expect a variety of Latin restaurants participating in the Virginia Hispanic Chamber’s Restaurante Week. This event features deals and other specials at each restaurant throughout the week. Find a list of Northern Virginia restaurants participating on the official website.
Oct. 9: Celebration Dance (Alexandria, Virginia)
For all ages, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center with a community dance. Refreshments will also be offered. The fee is $5 per person.
Oct. 11: ‘Quinceañera Traditions & Coming of Age in America’ (D.C.)
The National Museum of the American Latino is hosting a festival dedicated to celebrating the tradition of Quinceañeras, while featuring the museum’s new book, “My Sister’s Quinceañera,” developed in partnership with Crown Random House. The event is free, though registration is recommended.
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