Celebrated September 15 through October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates Hispanic culture while also acknowledging the contributions, and promoting the history, culture, and more of Hispanic Americans. More specifically, those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
We celebrate this month by appreciating the community’s heritage and vast contributions. Here are a few ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Chicago.
Sure to be packed with exciting cultural events like festivals, performances, and live music, Chicago museums, institutions, and more really come together to make this celebration a special one.
1. Celebrate Latinx Month At The Field Museum
Going from September 15 through October 15, the Field Museum is celebrating Latinx Heritage Month. Hosting talks with Latinx staff members, learn more about the Field Museum’s intriguing scope of work– ranging from Chicago to the Amazon rainforest. There will also be a kid-centric Bilingual Story Time hosted by Laura Rodriguez-Romaní, the founder of Los Amigos Books, every Wednesday of this month from 11 AM to 12 PM. Enjoy performances from Ballet Folklorico de Chicago, one of the largest Mexican folkloric organizations in Illinois.
See the full schedule here.
Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
2. Embrace Latinx Designers At Runway Latinx
Runway Latinx has showcased national and international Latinx designers on the runway for over 14 years now. Kicking off Friday, October 14th, enjoy three days of stunning events starting with a designer reception and fashion show on Friday, a blue-themed gala on Saturday (at Cine City Studios), and a Women’s Empowerment Panel on Sunday at 12:30 PM. A portion of the proceeds will benefit ‘Pivoting in Heels’, a digital non-profit dedicated to empowering women through a scholarship program. Find out more about the event lineup and get tickets here.
3. Attend A Free Celebration At The Chicago History Museum
Honor Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua’s independence from Spanish colonial rule on September 15, 1821, at the Chicago History Museum. Enjoy special events, and engaging themes, while also celebrating historic moments like the opening of the Benito Juárez Community Academy in Pilsen in 1997, after years of activism by Teresa Fraga, Mary Gonzales, and Raquel Guerrero.
Find out more here.
Address: 1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
4. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Night With The White Sox
The Chicago White Sox hosts Hispanic Heritage Night at the field every year. This year’s event falls on September 23rd, where fans can enjoy live music, special performances, and delicious food, and now, there’s even a post-game drone show. Starting at 7 PM, watch the Sox face off against the Detroit Tigers for an unforgettable game and overall event. The lineup of events includes the following: a pregame performance and National Anthem by Mariachi Monumental de Mexico, a Gate 4 performance by local Latin music group Clave Caribe, game ball delivery by Chicago muralist and White Sox Game Changers artist Manuel “MATR” Macías, a hero of the Game recognition for U.S. Army Sergeant Joe Cervantez, and a brand new post-game drone show, presented by Modelo.
Grab tickets here.
Address: 33 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60616
5. Enjoy An Inspiring Ballet Performance From Female-Led Performers
On October 15, Ballet 5:8, a minority and female-led premiere ballet company is hosting a gorgeous performance surrounding life, faith, current events, and more. Aptly titled ‘Imagine Better’ don’t miss out on this one-off performance. From 7 to 9 PM, become immersed in an unforgettable performance at the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture.
Grab tickets here.
Address: 2936 North Southport AvenueChicago, IL, 60657
6. Attend Destinos Chicago International Theater Theater Festival
Destinos is back on October 1st. Known as Chicago’s annual citywide festival, the annual event showcases Latino theatre companies and artists from the area and Latin America. Performing a variety of Latino-centric shows at theaters, as well as cultural spaces, and more in the downtown area. The overall events will celebrate the diverse stories of generations
During Hispanic Heritage Month, Destinos will showcase an array of Latino-centric shows and events at downtown venues, neighborhood storefront theaters, and cultural institutions throughout the Chicago area. The events go on until October 15th with a large range of performances on display. Check out the full lineup here.