U.S. cities across the country this weekend will help commemorate the 213th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain with everything from festivals to symposiums. In Austin, celebrations can be found throughout the city. Here are five ways to celebrate Dieciséis de Septiembre in the Texas capital.
Viva México
On Sept. 16, head to the annual Viva México festival by the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. Check out the music, vendors, food trucks, community resource fair, and family-friendly art activities from 5-9 p.m. at the free event hosted at the Oswaldo A.B. Cantu Pan American Recreation Center and neighborhood park. Live music performances include mariachi pop artist Lesly Reynaga, local singer and former Tejano Idol runner up Katelyn Perez and Mariachi Corazón de Texas. Plus, dance performances by Ballet Folklórico de Austin and Danza Azteca Guadalupana.
Join masters of ceremonies from Univision and a special Grito de Independencá at 6:30 p.m. delivered by Mexican Consul General Pablo Marentes.
Take the free shuttles making trips from the Rudy Mendez Recreation Center to the Viva México festival from 4-10 p.m.
Fiesta Austin
Food, familia, heritage, live music and more are all a part of Fiesta Austin’s 16 de Septiembre celebration, which also includes a washer tournament and a kids zone of activities. Festivities at Fiesta Gardens run from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Performers include Rumores, DJ Tejano Man, Erick y Su Grupo Massore and more. Advance tickets cost $5 and $7 at the gate. If you feel like continuing the celebration, hop on a free shuttle that’ll take you from Fiesta Gardens to the Viva México festival.
Register online by Sept. 14 for a CapMetro bus pass and ride to Fiesta Austin for free.
Mexican Independence Day at Hotel Vegas and Volstead
From paletas to piñatas, Hotel Vegas and the Volstead bring a free fiesta from noon-2 a.m. featuring DJs including Orion Garcia, DJ KickIt, Ulovei and more. Free tacos with the purchase of featured drink and cumbia night inside Hotel Vegas.
Hillside Fiesta and Lotería
Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and head to the Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez Recreation Center at 6 p.m. on Sept. 14 for a fiesta and lotería celebration in honor of 16 de Septiembre. Enjoy the live entertainment, table games, piñatas and free gel manicures by Dee’s Divine Nails ATX. Don’t forget your cash for a lotería card!
Montopolis’ 16 de Septiembre
Save the date for the Montopolis Recreation and Community Center’s celebration on Sept. 16 from noon to 2 p.m. Bask in the sound of live performances, play fun games or create your own craft piece.
