The Texas Book Festival encourages you to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15! The following events and activities, located in Austin and across Texas, provide many ways to engage in this national holiday. Celebrate the culture, contributions, and history of the Latinx community throughout the month, and share any other opportunities with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Austin and Surrounding Areas
Austin
1. Latin Dance Lessons: September 20, September 27, October 4, October 11
Take free classes in Latin dances including Tango, Samba, and Bachata at the Moody Amphitheater on Tuesday nights.
2. Rudy Ruiz: Valley of Shadows: September 21
Explore Festival author Rudy Ruiz’s new book, Valley of Shadows, at this free author discussion at BookPeople.
3. 15th Annual Viva México Celebration: September 17
The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center is hosting its annual Viva México event, including live music and dance, panel discussions, art activities for children, and a mercado. This is the 15th celebration of the Austin tradition, meaning Viva México is celebrating its quinceañera!
4. Hispanic Heritage Celebration: October 8
The Austin Public Library presents a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, showcasing performing arts, food, and literature.
5. LATINE CREATORS: Teen Graphic Novel & Manga Book Club: October 8
The Austin Public Library presents its monthly discussion for teenage readers, spotlighting graphic novels by Latine/x creators.
San Marcos
1. Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Walk: September 17
This San Marcos exhibition walk will display the flags of Latin American countries celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month. Live music, food, and local vendors will be located at the Hays Courthouse at the end of the exhibition.
Georgetown
1. Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month Panel: October 13
Southwestern University presents a panel discussion of Latinx and Hispanic cultures with faculty and staff members.
Dallas
1. Big Dreams Gala: September 15
Celebrate the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month at this ticketed gala complete with food, cocktails, dancing, and live music.
2. Hispanic Heritage Month Festival: October 1
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center presents this event hosting vendors, live entertainment, student art showcases, and activities for children.
Fort Worth
1. Open Studios: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: September 18
Visit the Kimbell Art Museum for a discussion of clay sculpting, personal stories, and ancient history with guest artist Karla García.
San Antonio
1. Tejanos at the Alamo: September 17
Visit the Alamo for a discussion commemorating the cultural organizations and Tejano figures who have impacted the Alamo and the larger San Antonio community.
2. Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration: October 8
Join the International School of San Antonio for this ticketed event hosting children’s story times, arts, crafts, and cooking activities relating to Hispanic culture.
3. Pioneer of Mexican-American Civil Rights: Alonso S. Perales Book Talk: October 12
Join award-winning professor and TBF author Dr. Cynthia E. Orozco at Trinity University (Northrup Hall 218) at 4 PM for a presentation of her book about Alonso S. Perales, the Mexican-American civil rights leader who co-founded the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).
4. Pioneer of Mexican-American Civil Rights: Alonso S. Perales Book Talk: October 14
Join award-winning professor and TBF author Dr. Cynthia E. Orozco at University of the Incarnate Word for a presentation of her book followed by a panel discussion about how we carry Mexican-American civil rights into the future.
5. Pioneer of Mexican-American Civil Rights: Alonso S. Perales Book Talk: October 15
Join award-winning professor and TBF author Dr. Cynthia E. Orozco at Mission Library for a presentation of her book about Alonso S. Perales, the Mexican-American civil rights leader who co-founded the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).
6. Pioneer of Mexican-American Civil Rights: Alonso S. Perales Book Talk: October 15
Join award-winning professor and TBF author Dr. Cynthia E. Orozco at Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center for a presentation of her book about Alonso S. Perales, the Mexican-American civil rights leader who co-founded the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).
DeSoto
1. Latino Heritage Festival: September 17
Enjoy live music, great food, assorted vendors, and family fun with this free outdoor event at the DeSoto Town Center.
Waco
1. HLN Kicks Off Hispanic Heritage Month Honoring Mariachi Azteca: September 10
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month early with the Hispanic Leaders’ Network at this family event in the Mayborn Museum. Admission is free, but remember to register online beforehand.
Corpus Christi
1. Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Concert: October 15
Reflect on Hispanic musical heritage through this ticketed concert with the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra featuring music from Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, and Argentina.
Galveston
1. Squeeze Box Market Day: September 24
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with this all-day event featuring local vendors and live accordion music with assorted artists.
Houston
1. Grito Fest: September 30 and October 1
Enjoy musical entertainment, mariachis, children’s activities, contests, food and craft vendors, and more at this two-day annual festival.
2. Fiesta @ HCPL: October 8
Join the Harris County Public Library for a free festival including live music, dance, food, crafts, activities, and more! Children’s authors will host storytimes and gift free books while supplies last.
3. Celebrate Houston’s Community Cultural Capital Hispanic Heritage Month: October 3
Enjoy snacks, book signings, live music, and the celebration of Latinx Houstonians who have had a national impact. Admission is free, but ticket reservations are required.
El Paso
1. Agent of Change: Adela Sloss-Vento, Mexican American Civil Rights Activist and Texas Feminist Book Talk: October 4
Join award-winning professor and TBF author Dr. Cynthia E. Orozco at UT El Paso for a presentation of her book about Adela Sloss-Vento, the Mexican-American civil rights leader and essayist.