5 Ways to Kick Off Hispanic Heritage Month in Austin 2025

National Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, honoring the historias, culturas y contributions of our comunidad. It’s a time when many Latin American países including México, Guatemala, Brazil and more mark their independence with música, food, and traditions, making it the perfect time to come together and celebrate nuestra comunidad. 

These celebrations are more than just events—they’re spaces to celebrate our raíces, uplift nuestra gente, and share our culturas. However you celebrate, Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month is a reminder of the strength and orgullo that keeps our gente together.

From Independence Day festivities to cultural showcases, aquí are five ways to kick off Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month in Austin:

Sept. 15:  Celebrate Mexico’s independence at Republic Square Park (422 Guadalupe St.) from 6 to 9 p.m. for Fiesta de la Independencía de México. This free event commemorates the 215th aniversario of Mexico’s lucha for freedom, featuring a reenactment of the historic cry by Cónsul General Humberto Hernández Haddad. Enjoy performances, a Mexican artisan mercado, community resource fair, y más for the whole familia!

Sept. 15:  Bring your family and friends to Día de la Independencía Guatemala for an evening full of tradition, cultura, marimba music, and Guatemalan pride at Marimbas Guatemalan Bakery & Restaurant (11220 N. Lamar Blvd., B-275)  at 6 p.m. Enjoy a dance and traditional costume contest, a piñata, the national anthem and Independence Cry, y authentic Guatemalan comida!

Sept. 19-20:  Centroamericanto Fest returns for its 17th año with two days of film, music, and cultural celebration at the Asian American Resource Center (8401 Cameron Road).

The festival begins Sept. 19 with a Central American film night featuring the Salvadoran film “Nunca Es Tarde” and a Q&A with producer-actress Cristina Melendez and members of the cast. Additional screenings include the Costa Rican documentary “Buscando el Swing” and Salvadoran shorts “Todas,” “Fleeting,” and “El de la Mochila,” featuring Oscar-winning Salvadoran producer-actor attendee André Guttfreund.

On Sept. 20, the music festival kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with a vendor fair showcasing artisans and traditional comida, followed by performances from Luis Pastor of Nicaragua, Max Frigüey of El Salvador, Luis Leiva of Guatemala’s Marimba Quetzalteca, Danza Amor por Panamá, Costa Rican dance by Carolina Roth, and hosts Mauricio Callejas Trio.

Music Fest tickets cost $27.06, Film Fest tickets cost $13.54.

Sept. 26: Experience Bossa Nova Brazilian Night at Sahara Lounge (1413 Webberville Road) featuring local musician Paula Maya at 7 p.m. Get a taste of Brazilian culture at this monthly event while experiencing the música of Brazil firsthand. 

Sept. 27-28: Dive into Perú Unveiled for a Peruvian cultural showcase at the Austin Central Library (710 W. Cesar Chavez St.) on Sat., Sept. 27, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sun., Sept. 28, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Hosted by Austin-Lima Sister Cities, this event features traditions, stories, flavors, and performances highlighting the richness of Peruvian cultura.