Where to Celebrate Selena’s Birthday in Austin 2025

For our gente, April is all about Selena.

Selena Quintanilla-Pérez’s legacy isn’t just about her music—it’s about cultura, pride, and the way she makes us feel seen. This year marks 30 years since her death, but if she were still here, she’d turn 54 on April 16. As we celebrate Selena this month, there’s a new wave of love for her story, thanks to a powerful documentary featuring never-before-seen footage of Selena’s life and the continued fight for justice. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles recently denied parole to Yolanda Saldívar, Selena’s fan club president, who fatally shot her. Through this y mucho más, Selena’s spirit remains with us in our corazones.

Selena showed our stories to the world, and with them the strength, diversity, and beauty of our cultura. This year, as we remember her legacy, we also celebrate the comunidad she created. From her iconic fashion to her unforgettable performances, Selena symbolizes joy, determination, and the bond of nuestra gente. As we honor her, we keep her spirit alive in every song, dance, celebration, and in the ways we show up for our community.

Here are some ways you can honor Selena through fun, creative, and powerful local events. 

Ways to Celebrate Selena

April 12: Kick off the Selena celebrations and head to Taquero Mucho for Selena Paint & Sip + Market, a vibrant mix of arte, música, and comunidad from noon to 4 p.m. Sip, paint, shop local vendors, and honor the Queen of Tejano in a creative, cultura-filled atmosphere! Tickets $35.

April 13: Come for the Bidi Bidi fun and stay for the anniversary celebration of Frida Friday ATX, which has been creating community-fueled, inclusive marketplaces for eight years. Head to Ani’s Day & Night starting at noon for the pachanga featuring vendors, drag performances, mariachi, fireside chats, free on-site group weddings officiated by Hon. Denise Hernandez, Selena look-alike contests, and more. Tickets start at $25. 

April 13: Cheer Up Charlies presents Como La Flor Lotería, featuring a Selena competition with a cash prize, Austin-based DJ Hierba Malita, over 15 local vendors, y más. Honor Selena’s legacy in a fun way at this 18+ celebration, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.! Tickets $10. 

April 16: Test your knowledge at Selena Trivia Night, hosted by Get It Games at Pinthouse Brewing’s Ben White location. Registration opens at 6:30 p.m., with trivia starting at 7 p.m. Form a team of up to six, put on your best Selena-inspired attire, and compete for prizes. Free to play. ​

April 16: The Queen of Tejano is front and center at the Anything for Selena’s Selena Tribute. This fiesta features a special performance by Selena’s sobrino Principe Q, a vinyl giveaway benefitting MAS Cultura, joyería hecha a mano by Everything Oro Jewelry, and Selena drink specials. Head to Rey Rey (206 Trinity St.) starting at 8 p.m.

April 16: Not feeling puro party vibes but still want to celebrate Selena on her birthday? Get muy excited to catch the classic “Selena” film starring JLo at the Alamo Drafthouse’s Village, Slaughter Lane, or Lakeline locations at 7 p.m. Grab your tickets hoy!

April 16: Bidi Bidi brush brush! Bring your inner artist to “Sing to My Soul,” a guided painting session at Painting with a Twist’s North Austin location (for ages 10+) and “La Reina de Tejano” at their Southpark Meadows studios (for ages 13+) from 7 to 9 p.m. Bring your favorite drinks and snacks to these BYOB events, and create a 16×20 canvas masterpiece of the birthday queen. Tickets $39.