Where to celebrate Selena’s birthday in Austin
Each April, cities across the country honor the legacy of the Queen of Tejano with various tributes and events. Selena Quintanilla-Pérez would have turned 51 this year.
It’s been 27 years since we lost Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, but we’re still dreaming of her, especially during her birthday month.
The Queen of Tejano would have turned 51 this April. Texas music was forever changed when the Tejano music star was shot in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1995. At the time, Gov. George W. Bush proclaimed “Selena Day” in Texas on April 16.
In the decades since her tragic death, Selena has become a pop culture icon and has been honored with numerous posthumous awards and recognitions, from a Madame Tussauds wax figure to a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star. In 2016, Selena was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame and last year she received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys.
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the “Selena” movie, which was recently added to the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry. And, in a recent interview with Latin Groove News, Selena’s father Abraham Quintanilla said fans should expect a new album release later this month.
In the meantime, Selena Day celebrations and tributes are happening across the country. Here’s where you can celebrate in Austin:
April 7-16: Catch the 1997 film “Selena” on the big screen throughout area cinemas including AMC Barton Creek Square 14, Cinemark Austin Southpark Meadows, EVO Entertainment Belterra, Regal Gateway & IMAX and various Alamo Drafthouse locations. Find the theaters and showtimes near you here.
April 12: Head to Tuezgayz at Barbarella dance club where DJ and club co-owner Jon-Erik Garcia aka the Glitoris will present the popular annual Selena Night tribute. Doors open at 10 p.m.
April 15: Make your own piece of Selena-inspired art at Painting With a Twist. The Burnet Road location will host a painting class from 7:30-9:30 p.m., where Selena fans can create a canvas of the Tejano legend. Class costs $39. Details here.
April 15: Head to Hotel Vegas for a Selena birthday celebration. Early birds get cumbia lessons. Rising sister trio The Tiarras plus Selena cover band Las Chicas En 512 will keep you doing the washing machine all night. Doors open at 8:30 p.m.
Know of other Selena birthday tributes? Let us know at news@austinvida.com.
Author
Related Articles
Rims & Reflections: A Lowrider Short Film
Originating after World War II, lowriding began as a creative outlet for returning Mexican American veterans and evolved during the Chicano civil rights era. Austin Vida is proud to debut its first short film diving into lowrider history and culture in our comunidad.
Where to Celebrate Latine Heritage Month 2026 in Austin
From film festivals to photo exhibits, there are plenty of cultural art events in Austin to celebrate National Latine Heritage Month.
Austin Honors “La Bamba” Icon Lou Diamond Phillips
Actor Lou Diamond Phillips received his own official day in Austin after screening his latest summer film at the Cine Las Americas International Film Festival.