Hispanic Heritage Month in Houston

Hispanic Heritage Month

Houston is home to the nation’s fourth-largest Hispanic and Latino population. Over 25% of H-Town residents have heritage linked to Mexico, Central America, or South America.

From September 15 to October 15, Houston along with the rest of the country celebrates the achievements and contributions of the Hispanic community. Here we’ll help you explore Hispanic arts, cuisines and cultural institutions that make Houston so unique! Read on for ways to celebrate.

With Houston being the most diverse city in the country, you bet we have a culturally diverse culinary scene too. From tacos to empanadas to pupusas, you’ll definitely find them in Houston! Taste authentic Venezuelan arepas at Arepas By Perla in Memorial City Mall, savory Argentinian empanadas at 5411 Empanadas in Midtown, Peru’s popular lomo saltado at Inka Restaurant, and stuffed pupusas at La Pupusa Loka. To try incredible Mexican food, you can’t miss out on visiting Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe or any of Chef Hugo Ortega’s restaurants: Hugo’s, Xochi, Caracol and Urbe. There’s much to explore! Looking for more Houston Central, South American restaurants and Mexican restaurants? See our Hispanic Dining in Houston guide.

If you're coming to Houston during Hispanic Heritage Month this year, we recommend starting your celebration at downtown's Connally Plaza. There you can see the fantastic mural Mexican-American History and Culture in 20th Century Houston, with a spectacular backdrop of City Hall and the Downtown skyline. In the style of the great Mexican muralists, this vibrant collective work of art highlights the places, personalities, concepts and events that shaped the Mexican-American community and laid the foundation for the multicultural Houston we know today. The mural was commissioned by the Heritage Society by highly esteemed artists Jesse Sifuentes and Laura López Cano. It was inaugurated in September 2018 and since then it was visited by hundreds of thousands of people, becoming an iconic mural of the city (in the photo: a fragment of the mural).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Houston is home to many Hispanic artists that continue to contribute incredible art to our city. From murals to established collections, there’s plenty of artwork to see. Artists like Mario E. Figueroa, Jr. (Gonzo247) and David Maldonado (Capdavjon) have painted colorful murals throughout the city and have become some of the top sites to see for locals and visitors. You can find impressive Latin American art collections at the Museum of Fine Arts. The museum’s collection has upwards of 2,000 pieces by Latino artists! You can also find local art galleries featuring Hispanic artists like the Serrano Gallery in Arts District Houston. Check out our Q&A with some of Houston's Hispanic Artists.

Fiestas Patrias WonderWeek
September 12 -17, 2023

Kids have their own Fiestas Patrias at the Children's Museum of Houston for an entire week, with a program that includes special themed activities. You can make your own independence flag from papel picado, create baskets for Mexican sweets, make tricolor fans and much more.

Music, Dance & Theater

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You will not want to miss Dia de la Hispanidad: Ida y Vuelta on October 13, 2023 at Miller Outdoor TheatreEmbark on a captivating journey across time and diverse cultures through this magnificent, full-scale production that narrates the intricate tapestry of music history in the Americas, influenced by both indigenous traditions and European elements. Encompassing enchanting melodies and exquisite choreography, this three-act spectacle invites you to traverse back and forth across the continents of the Americas and Europe, delving into the fascinating interplay of musical influences that have shaped each culture.

American Mariachi at Alley Theater
September 22-October 22, 2023

Family, love and tradition are at the center of this moving work about the freedom to dream big. It's the 70s and girls can't be mariachis... or can they? Lucha and her brave cousin look for bandmates, avoid disapproving family members, and take the mother on her adventure. This work is infused with live mariachi music, vibrant and contagious, and reminds us how music and love can make the impossible come true. The itinerary varies depending on the date. See more details and buy your tickets HERE .

Trifilio Tango Show at MATCH
September 23, 2023

The Casa Argentina of Houston invites you to the Trifilio Tango Show, an unmissable event at MATCH (Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston) with the bandoneonist and composer Emmanuel Trifilio, the Argentine vocalist Mariana Quinteros and the musical group QuinTango.

The Salsa Festival 2023
September 24, 2023

On Sunday, September 24, come out and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at El Festival de la Salsa, which will be held from 1 to 10 pm at Discovery Green Park. Lots of live music, delicious foods from various Latin American countries, and dozens of arts and crafts vendors! Find your tickets HERE.

Soda Stero, Tribute Concert
September 27, 2023

On September 27, head to the Skylawn rooftop garden at POST to welcome renowned Soda Stereo Tribute Band, Sera Cero! The iconic music of Soda Stereo, the best-selling band in Argentine history, will transport you to the vibrant alternative rock scene of the 80s and 90s. Prepare for an unforgettable evening with the captivating performances of Séra Cero, along with the impressive backdrop with spectacular views of the Houston skyline.

Free Symphony Party Concert at Jones Hall
October 13, 2023

On October 13, the Houston Symphony's free annual Fiesta Symphony concert returns to Jones Hall with a vibrant, rhythmic program under the baton of guest conductor Donato Cabrera. Fiesta Sinfónica , an annual Houston tradition dating back to 1992, celebrates Houston's diversity and pays tribute to Hispanic Heritage Month. A colorful and multicultural program awaits you, including Conga del Fuego Nuevo by Arturo Márquez, MeChicano by Juan Pablo Contreras, Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin, music from West Side Story, and more. Although this concert is free, you must reserve tickets (maximum 9). You can do it HERE, or call the box office at 713.224.7575, 12 pm– 6 pm (Monday–Saturday).

Long Live Latin America
October 13, 2023

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the Houston Latin American Philharmonic, under the baton of Glenn Garrido, awaits you at its grand annual Viva Latin America concert . Guest artists include Guillermo Dávila and Jorge "Coque" Muniz. Find your tickets HERE.

MORE MUSIC
If you like going to concerts, get ready for a mosaic of visiting Latino and Hispanic artists during Hispanic Heritage Month: Christian Nodal at the Toyota Center on September 21, Edén Muñoz (Free Tips 2023) on September 23 on 713 Music Hall, Alejandro Fernández , on October 6 at the Toyota Center, Maluma on October 1 at the Smart Financial Center, Alejandro Sanz on October 8 (Live Tour) at the Smart Financial Center, and in the same place El Alfa , on October 12.

Cultural Destinations

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The Greater East End is a culturally diverse neighborhood known for its thriving arts scene with indie galleries, large-scale murals, and more. Visit the Multicultural Education and Counseling Through the Arts (MECA) for support services, community building and theater shows. Along Navigation Boulevard, you can dine and support Mexican eateries like El Tiempo.

Near Upper Kirby, the Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston hosts a variety of events like classes, art exhibits and culinary pop-ups throughout the year to promote Hispanic culture.

In Houston’s Galleria area, you’ll find Casa Argentina de Houston (CAH) which offers and supports countless music concerts, cinemas, theaters, tango concerts, historical celebrations of Argentine culture around the city of Houston.

México enel Corazón
September 8, 2023

Join the big party at Discovery Green Park in downtown Houston on September 8, from 7 to 10 p.m. Enjoy the colors, art and music of Mexico with mariachis and the folkloric ballet México en el Corazón. This show of traditional Mexican culture features more than 65 artists on a tour organized by the North American Institute for Mexican Advancement (NAIMA) and supported by Univision. The new Consul General of Mexico in Houston, María Elena Orantes López, will lead the re-enactment of El Grito, which commemorates Mexican Independence Day. During the event, local Top Chef finalist Evelyn García will “take control” from Lake House to serve a unique special menu commemorating the evening. The menu will include Torta de Carnitas, Elote, Tostada with Braised Breast and Rice Pudding. García's dishes are a fusion of cultures with inspiration from Asia and Latin America.

 

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Party on the Plaza in Celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 16, 2023 | 6-9 p.m.

The Plaza at Avenida Houston will come alive Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 6-9 p.m. with Latin and Mexican Regional Music in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Presented by Houston First Corporation (HFC), Party on the Plaza is free and open to the public as part of the organization’s recognition and appreciation of the contributions of Latinos and Hispanic Americans.

This year’s featured artist is SHEKERE Band, directed by singer and musician Agustin Nava who combines his Venezuelan roots with his American influence. Nava trained as a young child on the Cuatro Venezolano (a traditional Venezuelan guitar), playing his version of Spanish pop rock. From Latin to funk to disco, this entertaining group does it all and is ready to please the audience with their creative vocal and musical talents!

Grupo Vadenagi, will kick off the evening with performances of Mexican Norteño music, a traditional music genre of the Northern Mexico region with roots in a mixture of Mexican, Spanish and Germanic styles.

In addition to live music, Avenida de las Americas street will be closed to traffic as Houston First Corporation partners with Discovery Green to bring Flea by Night, an open-air market featuring local artisans and small businesses selling a variety of goods. Visitors will be able to discover new handmade, recycled, repurposed, local goods as well as enjoy free live music at Party on the Plaza.

Fiesta in the Square - Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month — Redemption Square
September 16, 2023 | 3-8 p.m.

Make sure to mark your calendars and be part of Fiesta in the Square on September 16th. This event is a dedicated celebration of the richness of Hispanic Heritage Month and will take place at Redemption Square. Expect live music filling the air with vibrant rhythms, a delightful variety of food vendors, and a captivating vendor's market showcasing the essence of Hispanic culture.

From 3 to 8 p.m., the square will come alive as a vibrant hub of activity. You won't want to miss out on this remarkable fiesta!

Hispanic Heritage Month with the Astros
September 22-23, 2023

Come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Minute Maid Park the weekend of September 22-24, when the Astros take on the Kansas City Royals. There will be super fun activities, including pregame Happy Hour, fireworks, a huge street festival, surprise giveaways and a special ceremony to celebrate the Astros' Latino and Hispanic players. If you want to get their bobbleheads, there is a special $30 package. See program details HERE .

Clásico Regio
October 14, 2023

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Clásico Regio in Houston! Shell Energy Stadium, home of Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Dash, will host the most exciting Mexican soccer match between Club de Fútbol Monterrey and Club Tigres for the Clásico Regio, on Saturday, October 14. Rayados and Tigres have agreed that the Clásico Regio will be played annually in the United States to bring the passion and pride of Nuevo León to all its fans. Find your tickets HERE.

Sazon Latin Food Festival - Houston
October 15, 2023 | 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The highly anticipated Sazon Latin Food Festival is making its grand return, promising a fantastic time for all. This admission-free event boasts an impressive lineup of over 20 diverse Latin food vendors, allowing you to savor the most exquisite flavors from the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. In addition to the culinary delights, you can groove to great music and sip on refreshing drinks, so be sure to bring your friends and family along for a day filled with enjoyment.

Arrive with an appetite because the culinary offerings are simply irresistible. With such a remarkable array of food options, there's something to tantalize every palate. And, of course, don't neglect to leave a little room for indulgent desserts! Act quickly, as tickets are in limited supply.

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