Vamos de Fiesta! 5 Great Activities to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in New Orleans

New Orleans is a true melting pot of global culture, and the Hispanic community is a major part. Join the celebration at these great activities during Hispanic Heritage Month, running from September 15 through October 15.

What Is Hispanic Heritage Month?

President Lyndon Johnson first designated Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 to recognize the cultures and contributions of Americans with ancestors from the Caribbean, Spain, Mexico and Central and South America. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan extended the celebration to one month.

Hispanic Heritage Month Activities

1. Trayectoria Abstracta: The Road from Cuba
Brand New Orleans Art Gallery
646 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans
504.509.6598
33.0 miles from Springs at Fremaux Town Center

Art has long been a vital part of Hispanic culture. This is the first gallery show in the state featuring Daniel Lopez, an up-and-coming local artist who hails from Cuba. Lopez has a mission to interact with the community through his art and its themes of human struggle and triumph. The exhibition runs through October 10, and gallery hours are 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

2. Johnny Sánchez
930 Poydras St, New Orleans
504.304.6615
32.5 miles from Springs at Fremaux Town Center

Traditional meets modern at Johnny Sánchez, a vibrant Mexican restaurant from celebrity chef (and recent New Orleans transplant) Aarón Sanchez. The menu features authentic Mexican food with a cutting-edge twist, like tacos with unusual fillings such as cauliflower and oysters. Don't miss the weekday Happy Hours from 2 – 6 p.m. for $2 tacos and half-off all drinks. Johnny Sánchez is open 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily with extended hours until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

3. Buena Vista Social Latin Dance Party
Dragon's Den
435 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans
504.940.4446
30.2 miles from Springs at Fremaux Town Center

Do shows like Dancing with the Stars make you want to shake your tail feathers? Head upstairs at Dragon's Den, where every Friday night is a Latin dance party. The historic and reputedly haunted building, more than 100 years old, adds to the ambiance. Hours are 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. and there's no cover charge.

4. Que Pasa Fest 2017
Lafreniere Park
3000 Downs Blvd, Metairie
504.838.4389
38.3 miles from Springs at River Chase

Get fully immersed in Latino culture at Que Pasa Fest 2017, a wide-ranging arts and entertainment celebration that's a feast for the senses. The highlight is Family Weekend, taking place October 6–7 at Lafreniere Park in Metairie. Admission is free and attractions include food, live music, soccer and kids' activities. Visit the website for full schedule and locations.

5. Celebración Latina
Audubon Zoo
6500 Magazine St, New Orleans
504.861.2537
40.3 miles from Springs at River Chase

This day-long family-friendly celebration is taking place at the Zoo's Capital One Stage and Field. Activities include live music, kids' activities, food stands and educational booths. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on October 15. Admission is $22.95 for adults and $17.95 for kids between 2 and 12 years old.

Let us know how you'll be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!