Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Dallas: Events, Culture, and Dining
National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15, honors the rich contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans across the United States. Dallas offers a vibrant calendar of art, music, food, and cultural celebrations that showcase this heritage.
Explore the Latino Cultural Center
The Latino Cultural Center opens its doors early this month with a lineup of free and paid events. Kickoff on Friday, September 13 (7–11 p.m.) is the Flor, Canto y Grito Fiesta, featuring folklorico dance troupes, poetry readings, folk art, and live music. A traditional “grito” celebrating Mexico’s independence is held at 10 p.m.
Don’t miss the Center’s permanent exhibit, Honoring Our Ancestors: A 500‑Year Journey Back to Hernán Cortés, which traces Latin American roots from St. Augustine, Florida (1565) through the 17th‑18th‑century missions in New Mexico, Texas, and California. The show runs from September 14 to October 12.
Additional highlights include a concert by La Rondalla Romántica de Dallas (September 28), the lecture series An Overview of Latino/a History in Texas (October 3), and a panel on the Origins and Evolution of Afro‑Puerto‑Rican Music, Poetry, and Dance. Check the full calendar at Latino Cultural Center events.
Plan a Latin‑Inspired Weekend
Use our curated itinerary to guide you through Dallas’s most authentic Latino cuisine, music, and art venues. From taco trucks to salsa bars, the city offers an immersive experience.
Discover Latin Art in Oak Cliff
On Saturday, September 14 (11 a.m.–noon), attend Mercado369’s Art Talk featuring Oak Cliff sculptor Manuel Sarmiento. The artist recycles metals like copper and stainless steel to create striking installations, including the iconic red, stick‑figure climbers seen in the Bishop Arts District. The talk is free, followed by a Latin American brunch buffet and drink specials.
Adjacent to Mercado369, the Oak Cliff Cultural Center hosts Un Medley of Memorias by visual artist Wendi Ruth Valladares. The exhibition, open until October 11, explores Chicano and Spanglish culture through 2D prints, installations, vintage toys, and domestic spaces. Admission is free.
Celebrate with the Dallas Arboretum Quinceañera Fashion Show
Visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden on Saturday, September 14 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) for the second annual Quinceañera Fashion Show. Enjoy live music, artist performances, cooking demonstrations, and a stunning runway showcase. Admission to the garden and show is free.
Experience Latinx Pride
On Sunday, September 22 (12–3 p.m.), Mercado369 hosts a Drag Brunch that highlights Hispanic/Latino musical talent. The event includes a brunch buffet, mimosas, and a house‑down entertainment segment. The show blends Spanish, English, and Spanglish dialogue and costs $20.
On Saturday, October 5 (2–10 p.m.), the Longhorn Ballroom presents the 2019 Texas Latino Pride Music Festival featuring acts such as Otro K Libre, April Carrión, Bidi Bidi Banda, and Kat Florek.
Explore Latin American Collections at the Dallas Museum of Art
The Dallas Museum of Art, a free institution in the Arts District, houses an extensive Ancient American collection from Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Colombia, Peru, and beyond. Current exhibitions include Sheila Hicks: Secret Structures, Looming Presence, which examines the influence of Latin American weaving traditions on Hicks’ contemporary practice. This show runs through January 12, 2020.
Dance the Night Away: Salsa in the Park
Join a free Salsa class at Klyde Warren Park on Friday, September 27 (6:30–7:30 p.m.) taught by Studio 22 professionals. From 7:30 to 10 p.m., social dancing continues—no partner or prior experience required.
Learn About Mexican Sculpture
On Thursday, September 19 (6–7 p.m.), Maria Estela Duarte will lecture at the Latino Arts Project about the founders of the Escuela Mexicana de Escultura. As a leading authority, Duarte has curated numerous exhibitions and publications on Mexican sculpture. The lecture is free and includes access to the “Mexican Modern Sculpture: A Study of the Artists” exhibition. Light refreshments are served. Attendance is limited; RSVP is required. The event is in Spanish with simultaneous English translation.
