Hispanic Heritage Month has kicked off to honor and highlight the diverse Latino communities throughout the United States and here in the D.C. region. The month-long festivities from September 15 to October 15 coincide with the independence days for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, and Belize. Here’s how you can celebrate locally:

FESTIVALS

Fiesta DC: Get into the spirit with the District’s largest celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month. This year marks the 51st fiesta and will feature a parade in downtown D.C. along with food vendors, beauty pageants, youth dance contests, and live performances from musicians such as A.B. Quintanilla, brother to the queen of Tejano music herself, Selena. (Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 6th streets NW, Sept. 23-24, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; FREE)

Folklorico Dances in Fairfax: This family-friendly celebration will feature performances from local folklorico groups, musicians, and dance lessons. Along with food trucks and an artisan market, there will also be face painting, games, and crafts for kids. (The PARC at Fairfax; Sept. 23, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.; FREE)

Celebration in Sterling: You can celebrate the diversity of Latino culture in Sterling with a variety of food vendors and children’s activities, including a moon bounce. There will also be giveaways and live music for attendees. (Sterling Community Center; Sept. 23, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.; FREE)

Free Tacos in Brentwood: The city of Mount Rainier and the town of Brentwood are coming together for a Latino heritage celebration with traditional dances, live music, and tons of family-friendly activities. The first 200 attendees can enjoy free tacos. (Bunker Hill Fire Station; Sept. 29, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; FREE)

Peruvian and Bolivian Music in Manassas: Get ready for food and fun at the annual Manassas Latino Festival. Featured performances will include music and dances from many Latin American countries.(Harris Pavilion; Sept. 30, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; FREE)

Arts Festival at Glen Echo: Spend the day at the Glen Echo Arts Festival for Latino Heritage celebration with art and dance classes, yoga, and musical theater performance. There will also be food and drinks from Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream and the Roaming Coyote. (Glen Echo Park; Oct. 1, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.; FREE)

Festival Latinoamericano in Arlington: Enjoy an afternoon of dance, live music, and entertainment for guests of all ages at the Festival Latinoamericano. This festival will feature local good vendors and artisans for shoppers. (Arlington Mill Community Center; Oct. 15, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.; FREE)

FOOD & OTHER ACTIVITIES

Pupusas y Ron: Stop by El Tamarindo for a taste of rum and pupusa-making classes from restaurant owner Ana Reyes and Cynthia Gonzalez, founder of Salvies Who Lunch. (El Tamarindo, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.;$55)

Latin American Film Festival: Celebrate the 34th year of one of the largest showcases of Latin American cinema. Programming will feature international film favorites along with local box office hits and the works of emerging filmmakers. (AFI Silver, Sept. 21-Oct. 11; $15 for general admission, $200 for the festival pass)

Horchata-Inspired Beer: Atlas Brew Works is celebrating its 10 year anniversary this month. It’s also releasing a new horchata-inspired golden ale for Hispanic Heritage Month. The new beverage is the latest creation from brewer Javier Rosa II and is now available at the Ivy City Brewery & Tap Room. (Atlas Brew Works Ivy City; Sept. 30, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.;$20)

Book Launch: Learn about Venezuela’s culinary scene as La Cosecha hosts a launch event with author Irena Stein on her new book about that nation’s “daily bread”: the arepa. (La Cosecha; Oct. 1, 12 p.m.-2 p.m.; FREE)

Cooking Demonstrations: Get a taste of the Latino food scene with this event, also at La Cosecha. This collaboration between the food hall and National Museum of the American Latino is to launch the museum’s new programming, Nuestra Cocina. Join local chefs for an evening of food, drink, dance, and cooking demonstrations. Registration for cooking demonstrations will be provided on-site and is limited to 50 attendees. (La Cosecha, Oct. 6, 7 p.m.-11 p.m.; FREE)

Comedy Show and After Party: Have a laugh at the “I Survived La Chancla” comedy show featuring an all-Latinx lineup of comics that have performed at venues ranging from DC Improv to the Broadway Comedy Club. (Simple Bar and Grill; Oct. 7, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.;$15)

Celebrate Queerceañera: The Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs and the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs are celebrating the Latinx LGBTQIA+ community with an evening of festivities at El Rey. There will drag performances, music, and more activities. (El Rey, Oct. 10, 7 p.m.; FREE)