Starting Sept. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month brings a flurry of events to the D.C. region that allow the public to discover the cultural impact of the diverse Latino communities.
The national celebration, which runs through Oct. 15, first became law in 1988. This year, the D.C. area can expect several events showcasing the music, design, food, films and other works from Latin trailblazers.
There’s so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and СӰ has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.
Check back every Thursday for a roundup of things to do in the D.C. area.
is the nation’s largest Latin festival, bringing up to 200,000 people together. This year, the event on Sept. 28 and 29 brings more captivating live performances, authentic culinary delights and handcrafted art, but also a potential record-breaking opportunity.
President of Fiesta D.C. Maria Patricia Corrales told СӰ there will be an attempt to cook a 20-foot-wide pupusa to celebrate Salvadoran culture and hopefully break a Guinness World Record. The pupusa, cooked at the intersection between Constitution and Pennsylvania avenues Northwest, will be made of cheese, pork and loroco, which is a flower bud harvested from a vining plant widespread in Central America and parts of Mexico.
Fiesta D.C. also includes a parade with traditional costumes and folk dances, plus the Miss Fiesta D.C. beauty pageant.
Other notable, upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month events to consider include the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs’ celebration of Salvadoran culture with the on Sept. 15. The free event on Lamont Plaza in D.C. is set to feature cultural performances, live music and artisans.
The Octagon Museum is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with its event, which celebrates Hispanic cultural and design contributions. General admission for the event costs $30.
Celebrate the life and legacy of , with a night of music on Sept. 20. The event includes salsa dance lessons, a dance party and a short panel conversation with Latin history and salsa music experts. The free event is at the National Museum of American History.
On Sept. 28, head to the National Portrait Gallery for the . The free event from Lil’ Libros inside the gallery’s Kogod Courtyard is perfect for all ages to learn about Latin trailblazers.
Elsewhere across Maryland and Virginia, there will be several celebrations to look forward to, including the with live music, dancing, arts and crafts activities and an exhibit by Puerto Rican artist Silvia Martínez. The event is Oct. 13.
For its fourth year, the College Park Aviation Museum in College Park, Maryland, is hosting the . Enjoy demonstrations and children’s activities as well as a bilingual story time at the free event on Sept. 14.
The runs Sept. 19 through Oct. 10 at Silver Spring, Maryland’s AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center. Now in its 35th year, it is one of North America’s largest and longest-running showcases of Latin American cinema.
In Bladensburg, Maryland, the event on Sept. 21 allows families to enjoy hands-on activities, such as crafts and fishing demos, plus free boat rides and giveaways.
For in Fairfax, Virginia, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Old Town Square on Oct. 5 with cultural performances, music, Latin food vendors and educational exhibits.
In Alexandria, Virginia, there is the outside Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library on Oct. 12.
Arlington, Virginia, is also celebrating the event with live music, dance, spoken-word poetry and more on Sept. 27 at the Arlington Mill Community Center.
Finally, the is hosted Sept. 28 at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Virginia.
Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area.
DC
Possessed: A Beetlejuice Party
Summerween is here, and so are parties that range from a little eerie to spine-chilling. This Friday, with a Beetlejuice-themed party, featuring live music, a “spooky market” and tarot readings from Skye Marinda, who СӰ has featured in a previous “Matt About Town” episode.
D.C. State Fair
This Saturday, with live music, demonstrations and educational workshops. The free event is at Franklin Park this year.
CatVideoFest
Meow! That’s probably what you’ll hear at this . Adding onto the furry fun is that 10% of all ticket sales will go to City Dogs and City Kitties Rescue. The event is at the Miracle Theatre on Saturday, with tickets that cost approximately $8.
Adams Morgan Day
This on Sunday is taking guests on a journey of music, dance, history and culture with several live performances, exhibits and educational activities.
Cirque du Soleil’s “OVO”
From Sept. 11 through Sunday, Sept. 15, with its production, “OVO.” This 125-minute show focuses on the colorful and acrobatics-filled love story between a ladybug and an “.” Regular tickets start at approximately $60.
Maryland
“The Addams Family”
Located in Columbia, Toby’s Dinner Theatre is performing a comical feast for the production, “.” The production runs from Friday through Nov. 10.
Silver Spring Jazz Festival
With headliner Chucho Valdés, the on Saturday is set to include a full lineup of diverse local talent, including Dupont Brass and Marcus Johnson. The event is free and located on Veterans Plaza.
Bethesda Row Arts Festival
Self-described as the largest fine arts event in the D.C. area, the Bethesda Row Arts Festival is back with an outdoor gallery, showcasing a variety of mediums from over 80 artists. The weekend-long Bethesda event is on Saturday and Sunday.
Takoma Park Folk Festival
The in a juried craft show Sunday. Also, expect a variety of food vendors. The event is free.
Virginia
The Washington Ballet
Join in Vienna on Thursday. The event features George Balanchine’s Stravinsky Violin Concerto and a world premiere by dancer Jennifer Archibald.
Y2K Party
This 21-and-over-only party at Shipgarten in McLean is . The nostalgia-fueled event includes a costume contest, a live DJ and over 40 beer and cider options from local breweries to choose from.
U.S. Asian Festival
at the U.S. Asian Festival at One Loudoun on Saturday. Expect over 30 cultural performances, plus lion and dragon dances, as well as a silent disco. Tickets start at approximately $25 per person.
Arlington Civitan Open Air Market
returns Saturday in the Interstate 66 garage at North Quincy and 15th Street. Approximately 1,500 people visit the flea market each month.
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