Ready for music that’ll make your hips move without permission? Food that’ll spoil you for anything else? And the chance to learn traditional dances from expert performers who’ve been perfecting their craft for generations? Dallas Public Library has rolled out the red carpet for Hispanic Heritage Month, and every single event is free.
The Big Celebrations You Can’t Miss
Mini Mercado at Oak Lawn Branch
Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – The Oak Lawn Branch Library’s 4th Annual Mini Mercado is a high-energy, must-see celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month! This family-friendly event is packed with culture, creativity and community spirit
Think farmers market meets cultural festival meets neighborhood block party. Four hours of vendors, music, food, and the kind of energy that makes you forget you had other plans.
¡Fiesta! at Preston Royal
Saturday, September 18, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Celebrate with crafts, local vendors, a HHM scavenger hunt (with prizes!), as well as a special ballet folklórico dance performance from Ollimpaxqui Ballet Company
Ballet folklórico isn’t just dancing – it’s storytelling through movement, colorful costumes that catch the light, and music that gets your heart beating in rhythm with centuries of tradition. Plus, there’s a scavenger hunt with actual prizes because who doesn’t love winning stuff?
CommUNITY Bash at Arcadia Park
Saturday, September 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Bring the whole family for a free fun-filled day of creativity, culture and connection! You’ll laugh, learn and connect!
Three hours of pure joy where strangers become friends and everyone leaves knowing something new about their neighbors.
Learn to Dance (Yes, You Can!)
Hispanic Heritage Month Fiesta at Kleberg-Rylie
Saturday, September 27, 1 to 3 p.m. – Participants will get to experience a fun traditional Folklórico performance and will learn about the traditions and art of Folklórico dancing
This is your chance to learn from the pros. Folklórico dancers don’t just perform – they teach. You’ll walk in thinking you have two left feet and walk out knowing steps that have been passed down through generations.
Multiple Festival Opportunities
At Hampton-Illinois and Vickery Park (October 4, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), expect live performances by local folklórico and Spanish-speaking musicians
Watch the masters, then join in. Most performers love teaching beginners the basic steps, especially when you show up with enthusiasm and a willingness to laugh at yourself.
Food Adventures That’ll Change Your Life
Hispanic Heritage Cooking at Mountain Creek
Kids will roll up their sleeves and learn how to create four delicious dishes while exploring flavors and traditions from across Latin America
Four different sessions (September 18, 25, October 2, and 9) mean four different dishes, four new techniques, and flavors that’ll have you planning your next grocery trip before you leave the library.
Don’t let the “kids” label fool you – these cooking sessions teach authentic techniques and recipes that work in any kitchen. Plus, many festivals include food vendors where you can taste traditional dishes and get recipes from the people who’ve been making them their whole lives.
Art Classes That Open Your World
Mexican Tin Foil Art at Pleasant Grove
Sunday, September 7, 1 to 3 p.m. – Learn about the history of Mexican tin foil art while creating your own masterpiece to take home
Tin foil art (hojalata) creates stunning metallic designs that catch light like jewelry for your walls. You’ll learn the traditional techniques while creating something uniquely yours.
Huichol Yarn Painting at Audelia Road
Wednesday, October 8, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Inspired by the Huichol technique of pressing yarn into boards covered in beeswax, we will be gluing down strands of yarn to “paint” vibrant scenes and designs onto a canvas
This ancient art form creates paintings so vibrant they seem to glow. You’ll use yarn like paintbrushes, creating textures and patterns that you literally cannot achieve any other way.
Paper Arpilleras at Audelia Road
Friday, September 19, 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. – Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month by creating an arpillera out of craft supplies
Arpilleras are textile art pieces that tell stories through fabric and thread. You’ll learn this traditional South American technique while creating your own narrative artwork.
Hands-On Cultural Experiences
Make Your Own Piñata at Prairie Creek
Saturday, September 20, 12 to 1 p.m. – Learn about the piñata’s history, see a demonstration on how to make a piñata and then get time to assemble and decorate it! Presented in English and Spanish
Piñatas aren’t just party decorations – they’re traditional crafts with deep cultural meaning. You’ll learn the history while creating your own, bilingual instruction included.
Guatemalan Kite Making at Central Library
Saturday, September 27, 1 to 2:30 p.m. – Create your own decorative kite and learn about the Guatemalan Giant Kite Festival that takes place every year
Giant kites in Guatemala can be 40 feet across and are flown to communicate with ancestors. While you’ll be making a smaller version, you’ll learn about this incredible tradition and create something beautiful for your home.
Professional Development and Inspiration
Latino Professionals Panel at White Rock Hills
Saturday, September 27, 12 to 2 p.m. – The Latino Professionals Panel is a showcase of Latino professionals who live and work in Dallas. Anyone who is looking for advice and inspiration in their own professional journey is welcome
Network, learn, get inspired, and connect with professionals who’ve built successful careers while maintaining their cultural identity.
Academic Perspectives
Friday, September 19, 12 to 1 p.m. at Skillman Southwestern – Pablo Mijangos, a historian of Mexico and Latin America at SMU, will challenge deeply entrenched narratives about Mexican political culture
Expand your understanding while enjoying lunch and thoughtful conversation.
Family Traditions You Can Start Today
Hispanic Heritage Month Family Day at Skillman Southwestern
Saturday, September 13, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Help build a community Alfombra – the colorful carpets from Guatemala – paint a traditional Costa Rican Ox Cart “Wheel”, play a game of Veo Veo, use Lego bricks to build various flags
Two hours of hands-on activities that teach traditions through doing. Kids will learn while playing, adults will discover new cultural practices, and families will create memories together.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Dallas Public Library’s programming doesn’t just celebrate – it educates, connects, and builds community.
Every workshop, every dance lesson, every cooking class is a bridge between cultures, a chance to understand your neighbors better, and an opportunity to expand your own horizons.
The Best Part? It’s All Free
No tickets to buy, no reservations required for most events, no barriers between you and these incredible cultural experiences. Just show up ready to learn, laugh, and maybe discover a new passion.
Pro Tips for Maximum Fun:
- Wear comfortable shoes to festivals (you’ll want to dance)
- Bring the whole family – these events are designed for all ages
- Come hungry to food events and festivals
- Dress for getting a little messy at art workshops
- Bring a friend who needs more culture in their life
Check the Full Schedule:
Visit dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com for complete event details, times, and locations. Events run through October, so you have plenty of opportunities to join the celebration.
Your September and October just got infinitely more interesting. Time to experience the music, food, art, and traditions that make Dallas such a vibrant, diverse city.
¡Vamos a celebrar! (Let’s celebrate!)
