Starting in September and running through October 15, New York City celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the vibrant traditions, rich histories, and immense contributions of Hispanic and Latin American communities. This month-long celebration is woven into the very fabric of NYC, with a diverse array of events across all five boroughs.
Hispanic Heritage Month Events in NYC
From art exhibitions and parades to culinary festivals and live music, here is your definitive guide to experiencing the best of Hispanic Heritage Month in the city.
Festivals & Parades
Latin Food Fest
Get an early start on the festivities this weekend at the Latin Food Fest, taking place September 13–14 at Industry City in Brooklyn. This massive festival is a high-voltage collision of food, music, and art. With over 70 vendors representing flavors from across the Latin world, it’s a culinary passport through the diaspora. The fest features live performances from artists like Los Rakas and Mariachi Real de Mexico, plus a new cultural symbol: “Raíces Radiantes.” The event also includes an Empanada Eating Championship and live chef demos.
Mexican Day Parade
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a vibrant parade on Sunday, September 14. This parade is known for its traditional music, lively mariachi bands, and folkloric dance performances. It’s a powerful display of cultural pride and a joyous community event.
Panamanian Parade
On Saturday, October 11, attend the Panamanian Parade in Brooklyn, the largest celebration of Panamanian individuals and culture outside of Panama itself. The parade begins at Franklin Avenue and Bergen Street and culminates in a vibrant street festival with food, music, and dancing.
Queens Hispanic Day Parade
On Saturday, September 21, Queens hosts its own celebration with the Queens Hispanic Day Parade, showcasing the diverse cultures of Latin American countries through colorful floats and performances.
El Carnaval de la Cultura Latina
On Sunday, September 21, head to Queens for El Carnaval de la Cultura Latina. This annual street festival on Junction Boulevard in Corona showcases Latin American culture through music, dance, food, and community festivities.
Arte Agave NYC
On Thursday, September 11, and Friday, September 12, enjoy a night of tequila, mezcal, food, and music at Arte Agave NYC at The Bowery Hotel. This event celebrates the art of agave spirits with tastings and a lively atmosphere.
Tompkinsville Afro-Caribbean Latinx Food & Spice Market
The new Afro-Caribbean Latinx Food & Spice Market will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday, September 15, at Tompkinsville Park in Staten Island. The market will be open every Sunday through October 27, offering fresh, culturally relevant foods and live art and music.
Arts & Culture
El Museo del Barrio
As the city’s premier museum dedicated to Latin American and Caribbean art, El Museo del Barrio is a must-visit. During Hispanic Heritage Month, explore the exhibition Coco Fusco: Tomorrow, I Will Become an Island, a survey of the influential Cuban-American artist’s work. The museum also debuted its new acquisition exhibition, Jangueando, on August 28.
The Latin GRAMMYs®: 25 Years of Musical Excellence
The Paley Museum presents this in-depth exhibit in partnership with The Latin Recording Academy®. Through November 3, visitors can experience the excitement of the Latin GRAMMY Awards via an array of memorable outfits and instruments from winning artists like Shakira, Ricky Martin, and Carlos Santana. You can also walk the red carpet and take a photo at the museum.
The Nuyorican Poets Café
A cornerstone of the Nuyorican art movement, this café hosts poetry readings, music, and visual arts events that celebrate Puerto Rican and Latinx culture. Look for special poetry slams and musical performances throughout the month.
Hispanic Society Museum & Library
Located in Washington Heights, this institution is a premier destination for Spanish and Latin American art and artifacts. The museum is currently hosting the exhibition A Collection Without Borders, a survey of its vast holdings. You can also explore the ongoing exhibition The Women of the Hispanic Society, which highlights the contributions of female artists and patrons.
Theater & Performing Arts
Hispanic and Latin American voices are taking center stage on Broadway and beyond. A new musical, Mexodus, which blends reggaetón and gospel to tell a powerful story of freedom, premieres off-Broadway on September 18. Teatro SEA, based in the Lower East Side, offers bilingual theater productions and workshops for children. INTAR Theatre, one of the oldest Hispanic theater companies in the United States, will present works that reflect the cultural heritage of the Hispanic community.
Live Music & Dance
Salsa Under the Stars
Enjoy free salsa dancing sessions at the World Trade Center’s Oculus Plaza on Thursday, September 18, and Thursday, October 2. The event includes a free salsa lesson from renowned dancer Talia Castro-Pozo and open dancing under the night sky.
Salsa & Merengue Dance Class
On Friday, September 19, head to the Pelham Fritz Recreation Center in Manhattan for a free dance class. Learn salsa and merengue from instructor Ruth Hernandez. The Bronx Library Center will also host salsa classes on September 23, 30, and October 5.
The Harlem Chamber Players
On Thursday, October 16, the Harlem Chamber Players will host a free concert at the Hispanic Society Museum & Library. The program will feature works by celebrated composers from across the Hispanic world, including William Grant Still, Tania León, Gabriela Lena Frank, and Astor Piazzolla.
Fiesta on the Hudson
On Thursday, September 26, dance the night away at Wave Hill with Fiesta on the Hudson. This free event features a dance lesson from Talia Castro-Pozo and live music on the Great Lawn overlooking the Hudson River.
Community & Wellness
NYC Parks Celebrations
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month across NYC Parks this October with a series of engaging, educational, and hands-on events. Start in Brooklyn on October 4 at Maria Hernandez Park, learning about Hernandez’s impact on the Bushwick community while participating in a park clean-up. In Queens, October 11 brings a guided exploration of the borough’s cultural diversity at Travers Park with the Urban Park Rangers. Head to the Bronx on October 12 to discover Orchard Beach’s connection to Hispanic culture. Finally, wrap up the month on October 25 with a bilingual medicinal plant hike in Queens’ Forest Park, where you can enjoy a hands-on nature experience in both English and Spanish.
NYRR Open Run
On select dates, September 18 through October 21, join the NYRR Open Run at Conference House Park in Staten Island for a free 5K community run celebrating Hispanic and Latinx culture. Participants are encouraged to wear their home country’s colors as a show of pride.
Baseball Special Events
The New York Yankees are hosting a Hispanic Heritage Cap Night on Thursday, September 25, against the Chicago White Sox. With a special event ticket, you can receive a Yankees hat with the flag of your choice from a wide range of Hispanic and Latin American countries. The New York Mets will also have a Hispanic Heritage Night on Tuesday, September 16, against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field, with a specialty hat available with a special ticket offer.
Library & Community Programs
The New York Public Library is hosting a variety of free events, including Teen Trivia, Book Tasting, and a podcast discussion group in Spanish. The Langston Hughes Library in Queens will host a kick-off event on Saturday, September 13, featuring music, dance, and community engagement. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan will host its own LatinX Heritage Week from October 3 – 10, featuring crafts, stories, and family activities.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in NYC is a citywide cultural movement. From grand parades and energetic dance parties to thought-provoking art and authentic cuisine, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in the rich and diverse cultures of Hispanic and Latin American communities. Come be a part of this vibrant celebration that showcases the heart and soul of New York City.
