Hispanic Heritage Month 2026: Where to Celebrate in Austin
Explore local festivals, performances, art and food honoring Hispanic cultures Sept. 15 through Oct. 15
National Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sept. 15, recognizing the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic Americans through Oct. 15. In Austin, it’s a chance to experience those traditions close to home, through music and dance performances, art exhibitions, community celebrations and food. The month reflects many distinct cultures and histories. It also offers an opportunity to support the local artists, businesses and organizations that share them year-round. Here are some ways to celebrate in Austin.
La Fiesta de Independencia de México
Sept. 15, 6-9 p.m. | Republic Square | Free
Republic Square hosts a family-friendly celebration of Mexican Independence Day with performances by Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklorico de Texas, Mariachi Capital and Alexandra Dorantes. Consul General of Mexico Humberto Hernández Haddad will lead a reenactment of the Grito de Independencia, the traditional cry marking the start of Mexico’s fight for independence.
Flamenco Under the Stars
Sept. 18-19, 8 p.m. | Zilker Hillside Theater | Free
Austin’s A’lante Flamenco Ensemble brings Spanish music and dance to the Zilker Hillside Theater for two outdoor performances. Guest artists Los Fandangueros de Austin, Sari Andoni and Joshua Peters join the ensemble.
Ballet Folklórico de Austin’s “México de Colores”
Sept. 20, 2-8 p.m. | Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center | $55
Dance, theater and humor tell stories of Mexico’s cultural diversity in Ballet Folklórico de Austin’s family-friendly production. Carlos Antúnez, artistic coordinator of the Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández, directs the show, with performances at 2 and 6 p.m. in the cultural center’s auditorium. Get tickets on Eventbrite.
Austin Museum Day
Sept. 20 | Various locations | Free
More than 30 museums across the Austin area offer free admission for Austin Museum Day. For a Hispanic Heritage Month visit, explore Mexic-Arte Museum’s new “Día de los Muertos: Coleccionando Memorias” exhibition or stop by the renovated Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center.
“Lotería: Rostros de Austin”
Sept. 26, 7-10 p.m. | The Museum of Human Achievement, 3600 Lyons Road | Free
Inspired by the imagery of the Mexican game Lotería, this portrait exhibition features Latine artists and cultural leaders who contribute to Austin’s creative life. Visitors can see photographs made in collaboration with local Latino creatives, then join a community game of Lotería. No experience is needed to play.
Fiesta Austin
Sept. 26-27, noon-6 p.m. | Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center | $0-$38.48
Fiesta Austin fills the cultural center with an open-air market featuring more than 40 local artists and makers. The weekend also brings performances by Bidi Bidi Banda, Riders Against the Storm and others, along with cumbia lessons, interactive art, family activities and food trucks. Advance tickets are available here.
Hispanic Latino Heritage Month at Austin Public Library
Dates and locations vary | Various library branches
Austin Public Library branches spend September celebrating heritage month with hands-on programming for all ages. Highlights include a Peruvian dance performance Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Ruiz Branch and a Lucha Libre mask-making workshop Sept. 23 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the St. John Branch, with additional events scheduled across branches citywide.