Where to Celebrate Selena’s Birthday in Austin 2024

Selena Quintanilla-Pérez would have turned 53 in 2024. As Selena fans worldwide celebrate the anniversary of her birthday on April 16, Austin hosts various celebrations throughout April.

Joshua J. Cotten/Unsplash

It’s all about the Queen of Tejano music throughout April. With Selena Quintanilla-Pérez’s birthday anniversary on April 16, plus a milestone for one of her classic albums, there’s much to celebrate. Selena’s “Amor Prohibido” album recently turned 30 and continues to transcend time. Her legacy also continues to grow despite her death nearly three decades ago.

Across the country, Selena fans everywhere will honor her life’s achievements with everything from film screenings to trivia nights. In Austin, there’s many opportunities for fans to celebrate her life as well. Here are some options:

April 13 & 14: Wake up and enjoy Selena Brunch at the Alamo Drafthouse with the screening of the 1997 film “Selena” on April 13. Screenings at Slaughter Lane and Mueller begin at 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at Lakeline. Tickets cost $9.75. On April 14, head to South Lamar at 11:20 a.m. for final showtime.

April 14: Celebrate Frida Friday ATX’s 7th Bidi Bidi birthday party at The Brewtorium on April 14. The party features DJ’s, performances, vendors, and a Selena cover band. The free celebration begins at noon.

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April 14: Want to showcase your art skills in remembrance of Selena? Enjoy a Selena paint class on April 14 at Taquero Mucho’s downtown location. The class begins at 2 p.m and tickets cost $45

April 16: Test your Selena knowledge at a night of free Selena Trivia on April 16 at 7 p.m. at Lulu’s on Menchaca Road. 

April 16: The French Legation Historic Site hosts a noon webinar on Selena’s legacy and the cultural impacts of the 1997 “Selena” film. The online discussion features the film’s producer Moctesuma Esparza and representatives from Cine Las Americas and Texas Film Commision. Click to RSVP.

April 19: Interested in watching archival material of the Queen of Tejano music? On April 19, the Benson Latin American Collection Reading Room offers a one-of-a-kind archival viewing of Selena’s life. Materials include performances and photographs of the Tejano star. The free viewing starts at 1 p.m. 

April 19: Catch the “Selena” film free at the French Legation State Historic Site at 8 p.m.  Arrive early at 6 p.m. to enjoy archival footage of Selena’s concerts.

Know of other Selena birthday tributes? Let us know at news@austinvida.com.

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Author

Andrés serves as Austin Vida’s Spring 2024 editorial intern and is a first-generation college student of Indigenous descent from Lewisville, Texas. ⁠Andrés attends the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Journalism and pursuing a minor in Global Communication.

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