For four weeks in the Fall, the region is pulling out all the stops to celebrate national Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15.  Organizations, business, and community groups are hosting both virtual and in-person events ranging from kid-friendly learning opportunities to dance performances to tasting menus. 

MUSIC, ART, & SPORTS

ART SHOWCASE: In late September, celebrate local creatives at a DMV Latin Artist/Vendor showcase. The event is being hosted by The Elevated Experience and Que Rico Group — and is being held on the Eaton DC Rooftop. Apart from the artists, partygoers can expect music, performances, and food. (Eaton DC; 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; FREE)

DANCE: In early October, head to the outdoor concert, Tango at the Georgetown Neighborhood Library to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Concert-goers can expect virtuoso tango musician Emmanuel Trifilio and pianist Estrella Huang. Please note that masks are required and seats are available on a first-come first-served basis. (Georgetown Neighborhood Library; 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; FREE)

SON JAROCHO: At the end of September, the son jarocho (a style of folk music from Veracruz) group Cambalache will be hosting an online performance in partnership with the Library of Congress. The participatory performance will stream on Facebook and YouTube — but if you can’t make the premier don’t worry. Concert-goers can watch the full tape afterwards, too. (September 29, 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.; FREE)

D.C. UNITED: On the evening of September 15, D.C. United is hosting a “Noche Latina” theme during their match against Chicago Fire FC at Audi Field. The match day activities will include live Latin music at Heineken Hall, a friendly pre-game match, and half-time trivia. (Audi Field; 6:00 p.m. celebrations, 7:30 p.m. game; $25+)

SELF-GUIDED TOUR: Learn and celebrate on your own time. This month, take DC Latino Street Murals: A Virtual Tour — and learn about the open and public art that exists across the District all year. The event is part of the Smithsonian’s Latino Center’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. (Various Location; FREE)

FOODIES

TASTING MENU: Later this month, Blend 111 is hosting five local chefs to prepare a five-course tasting dinner in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event will offer both indoor and outdoor seating, and proceeds will go to the Ayuda organization, which “[advocates] for low-income immigrants through direct legal, social, and language services, training, and outreach in Washington, D.C.” (Blend 111; September 29, 5:00 p.m.; $185 per person with optional drink pairing). 

ICE CREAM: Starting on September 17, Ice Cream Jubilee is hosting a themed tasting flight experience with flavors including Strawberry Tres Leches, Mexican Hot Chocolate, Mango Habanero, and Toasted Horchata. Pre-ordered flights will benefit La Clinica del Pueblo. (Locations Vary; September 17 – October 3; $16 per flight)

EL TAMARINDO: At the end of this month, join the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Virginia for a celebration at El Tamarindo on Florida Avenue. The celebration will feature a dancers from across the Hispanic diaspora and “delicious pupusas,” along with the opportunity to “mingle with Latinx leaders and enjoy the celebration that highlights our community.” (El Tamarindo; September 30, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; $25) 

HISPANIC HERITAGE AWARDS: In October, the DC-based Hispanic Heritage Foundation is hosting the 34th Hispanic Heritage Awards. The event will honor Salma Hayek with the Hispanic Heritage Arts Award. The event will also feature musical performances and a“West Side Story at 60” retrospective. Resident can view the whole show on PBS Stations. (October 8, 9:00 p.m.; FREE)

MADE FOR KIDS

LOOK BOOKS: Throughout the month, the D.C. Public Library is sharing a wealth of resources to celebrate Hispanic heritage and learn more about the impact and influence of Hispanic people across history. Events will include a Story Walk in Mt. Pleasant, a virtual Mr. Lilo Bilingual Music Performance, and a screening of Pixar’s Coco. (Multiple Locations; FREE) 

PORTRAIT GALLERY: On October 6 and 13, tune in to a virtual event hosted by the Portrait Gallery — and organized especially for children ages 3 to 6 years old. During each event, educators with the Portrait Gallery will discuss a Hispanic American “that incorporates close looking at portraiture, movement and art-making.” (October 6 at 11:00 a.m. and October 13 at 11:30 a.m.; FREE)

OUTDOOR FEST: On September 25, head to Prince George’s County to celebrate the local Parks & Recreation department’s Hispanic Festival / Festival de la Hispanidad. The family-friendly event will take place at Bladensburg Community Center — and will include everything from music to food to outdoor games. Please note that masks are highly encouraged and, in the event of rain, the event will be canceled. (Bladensburg Community Center; September 25, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. FREE)

YOUNG ADULT & CHILDREN’S BOOKS: On October 11, join the virtual “Celebration of Children’s and YA Latin American and Latinx Literature.” The event will feature authors and illustrators whose work focuses on stories and voices from across Latin America. The event is hosted by Hispanic Reading Room at the Library of Congress and Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (CLASP). (October 11, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; FREE)

PAJAMA JAM: The National Archives is hosting a virtual pajama party for the whole family. The event will center around the children’s book Sylvia & Aki, and include a conversation with the title-character and civil rights activist Sylvia Mendez and author Winifred Conkling. Please note that the event is best for children 8-12 years old. (8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; FREE)