There are several events to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Austin. What to know.
Every year since being signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968, the United States has celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month.
In 1988, the celebration was extended from a week to a month, spanning September 15 to October 15, to coincide with the national independence days of various Latin American countries, such as Mexico, Costa Rica and Chile.
Celebrations and events across the U.S. will honor those of Hispanic heritage and highlight the diaspora of Hispanic histories, cultures and contributions.
Today, Hispanics make up 19% (over 63 million) of the American population, with their numbers continuing to grow, making them the largest racial or ethnic minority in the country.
More:Hispanics now the largest racial group in Texas — but not in Austin
We rounded up a selection of free and paid events taking place across Austin over the following month:
Pecan Street Festival
Returning for its 48th year, the family friendly festival will take place over two days, and feature Festival de Calle Seis (on Sept. 17), a Latin cultural showcase, headlined by Eva Ybarra, Queen of the Accordion, and followed by Notresur, Cilantro Boombox, Henry Invisible and Iram Reyes.
When: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Cost: Free
Where: West Sixth Street, between Brazos Street and I-35.
Information: pecanstreetfestival.org
¿Cuándo es el Día de la Independencia en México? No, no es el 5 de mayo
Fiesta Austin
Celebrate Mexican-American culture at Fiesta Austin, with live music from Erick y su Grupo Massore, DJ Tejano Man, Rumores and Palacio Brothers. The event also features kids games, art, food and more.
When: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $5 pre-sale; $7 at the gate; 12 and younger get in free.
Where: Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St.
Information: fiestaaustin.org
Austin Public Library events
APL branches will celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with a variety of events, ranging from talks with Latin authors, to craft-making and dance classes. All events are free and open to both children and adults.
When: Through Oct. 21
Cost: Free
Where: APL branches across Austin. Locations and lineup at library.austintexas.gov.
Hispanic Heritage Month at BookPeople
A children’s storytime, discussion with authors Mariana Nuño Ruiz and Ian McEnroe, free aguas frescas, and sugar skull decorating. Plus, a Hispanic Heritage themed blind date with a book.
When: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday
Cost: Free, but reserve a spot online
Where: BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd.
Information: bookpeople.com
Documentary, lecture on Puerto Rican history hosted by Austin Community College
ACC Sociology professor Dr. Samuel Echevarria-Cruz will host a discussion about Puerto Rico on Sept. 20, followed by a screening of “The Last American Colony,” a documentary about Puerto Rican-U.S. relations and its independence movement, on Sept. 27. Both events are free and open to the public.
When: 3 p.m. Sept. 20 and noon Sept. 27
Cost: Free
Where: ACC Riverside Campus, El Centro, 1020 Grove Blvd.
Information: austincc.edu
LBJ Hispanic Heritage Month Keynote with Dolores Huerta
A legendary civil rights activist and co-founder of the United Farm Workers (alongside Cesar Chavez), Dolores Huerta will deliver a keynote lecture honoring Hispanic Heritage Month. A moderated discussion with Ana Luisa Oaxaca Carrasco will follow. Free and open to the public, but tickets must be booked online.
When: 6 p.m. Sept. 21
Cost: Free
Where: Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection, 2300 Red River St. on the University of Texas campus
Information: lbj.utexas.edu