Hispanic Heritage Month runs every year from September 15 until October 15 and it’s a time dedicated to celebrating the contributions and cultures of people whose ancestors are from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. To Miami, home to a thriving Hispanic community (coming at no surprise to anyone), it’s especially important. From live music to salsa lessons and savory eats, here are some of the best festive events to celebrate:
1. Satisfy your cravings with Latin Restaurant Weeks
What better way to celebrate Latin American cuisine than by having two straight weeks of food specials and meal deals during Hispanic Heritage Month? Latin Restaurant Weeks amplifies Latin-owned culinary businesses and talent, including restaurants, bakeries, chefs, bartenders and food trucks. Find participating restaurants here.
When: October 4 – 18
2. Dance the night away at InterContinental’s Salsa Festival
Grab your dancing shoes for an unforgettable weekend filled with non-stop salsa dancing and entertainment at InterContinental Miami’s Third Annual Salsa Festival. The three-day soiree sizzles with dance workshops, rooftop yoga, pool parties and Miami’s hottest Salsa Dance Party hosted by Salsa Lovers and a concert headlined by El Niño y La Verdad.
When: October 4 – 6
Where: 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, FL 33131
3. Experience Latin Pop Hits in a whole new light
Candlelight is an experience unlike any other, and it’s illuminating the Coral Gables Congregational Church this Hispanic Heritage Month with a concert dedicated entirely to Latin pop hits! From Thalía’s “Amor a la Mexicana” to Marc Anthony’s “Vivir Mi Vida”, the Collins Quartet will be working their magic on songs you know and love, all along a sea of twinkling candles.
Get tickets to this Candlelight Concert here!
When: October 5
Where: 3010 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134
4. Catch the highly anticipated Billboard Latin Music Week
Timed with Hispanic Heritage Month, Billboard Latin Music Week is back in Miami Beach for five days of exclusive conversations, workshops, performances and appearances from the top names in Latin music such as Thalia, Gloria Estefan, J Balvin, Peso Pluma, Young Miko and more. The event will take place at The Fillmore Miami Beach.
When: October 14 – 18
Where: 1700 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
5. Have a ‘Selena’ movie night
In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Pérez Art Museum Miami is hosting a free screening of “Selena” as part of its Floating Films Series. The 1997 biographical drama follows the life and work of Mexican-American singer Selena Quintanilla. You’ll get to watch the film on a 60-foot floating screen and can even bring along your own blanket or a lawn chair!
When: September 19
Where: 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
6. Get down to Jazz at MOCA
The free outdoor concert series at the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami picks up a Latin beat when David Lucca Y Los Clasicos take the stage at 8 p.m. The show will go on, rain or shine, and is part of South Florida’s longest-running free outdoor jazz series.
When: September 27
Where: 770 NE 125th St, North Miami, FL
7. Join a merengue class in North Miami
Also taking place at the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami, is a free merengue class presented by the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee. It will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and taught by Miami Dance Center’s Alejandra Fontal.
When: September 18
Where: 770 NE 125th St, North Miami, FL
8. Celebrate ORGULLO Pride Festival
The city’s Hispanic and Indigenous LGBTQ+ festival is back for its 14th edition and this year’s theme is “hola” as in the Spanish greeting, but also “ola” for a sea wave, aiming to act as a “welcoming wave” of pride to what makes us all unique and unites us. The event includes an art showcase, snorkeling experience, Under the Sea Cabaret with the Miami Gay Chorus, and an already sold-out cruise aboard the MSC Magnifica. Click here to visit Celebrate ORGULLO’s website.
When: October 4 – 14
9. Dance the night away at Latin Ladies Night
The ultimate celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month is going down at Julia & Henry’s and it’s all about the ladies. There will be a female-led UNA Vodka Mixology Class to teach you the art of crafting two of the most divine cocktails while you listen to the sounds of a Selena tribute concert.
When: September 19
Where: 200 E Flagler St, Miami, FL 33131
10. Hispanic Heritage Fiesta and cooking classes at Miami Children’s Museum
The museum will host a special weekend of dance, music and family fun featuring vibrant mariachi performances, the opportunity to create Guatemalan Worry Dolls and play trompos.
Additionally, Miami Children’s Museum is partnering with Pura Vida to launch a monthly cooking club. For September’s special cooking session, also taking place September 14-15 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., children will learn to make Mexican quesadillas in this fun and educational culinary experience.
When: September 14 – 15
Where: 980 MacArthur Cswy, Miami, FL 33132
11. Party it up at Noches de Neón
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is turning things up with its poolside party, “Noches de Neón”. From 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., groove to music by Dominican singer, Milly Quezada, a four-time Latin GRAMMY Award-winner and most notably recognized as the “Queen of Merengue” for her contributions to merengue. The hotel’s guitar façade will also visually move to the beat of the music!
When: October 11
Where: 1 Seminole Way, Davie, FL 33314
12. Enjoy a a special Spanish Night at Kuba Cabana
For one night only, Kuba Cabana has tons in store for the celebration — live flamenco, a Maestro Jamonero and a special Spanish menu! Beginning at 5 p.m., this special Spanish Night will feature an exclusive tapa-style menu with affordable prices ranging from $5 to $12. Guests will also enjoy hand-cut 100% acorn-fed Ibérico ham, sliced tableside by a Maestro Jamonero. The celebration will then continue into the night with live flamenco music and popular Spanish hits from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
When: October 13
Where: 3450 NW 83rd Ave #140, Doral, FL 33122