The Best of Long Beach—

Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month in Long Beach

Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 15 to October 15 each year, and in Long Beach several local establishments are hosting parties, workshops, and festivals to celebrate.

During this month, we recognize the histories, cultures and contributions of the Latinx community in the U.S. Events in Long Beach include a wide range of activities; artistic to educational, wrestling to delicious.

LONG BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Long Beach Public Library celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with its annual Vida Latina series of free, family-friendly events across the city’s 12 branches. Programming highlights Latin American arts, history and traditions through bilingual storytimes, Lotería nights, craft workshops, cultural displays and music. Families can explore everything from Mexican tin art and dance workshops to Latino authors and contributing to a community Day of the Dead altar, making Vida Latina a welcoming way to celebrate heritage, creativity and community.

MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICAN ART

Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos) celebrates Latin American and Latinx culture year-round through its modern and contemporary art, making it a natural destination during Hispanic Heritage Month. This September, the museum celebrates its 30th anniversary with a pair of Lucha Libre events. On September 25, enjoy the launch of the book “Luchadores Versus Everything,” featuring an artist panel, cocktails and light snacks. The following evening, September 26, legendary luchadores take to the ring for an evening of high-flying action, music and cultural celebration.

LATINO RESTAURANT WEEK

Latino Restaurant Week returns October 5-11, 2026, celebrating the talent and culinary traditions of Long Beach’s Latino-owned restaurants and chefs during Hispanic Heritage Month. Participating spots include Confidential Coffee, La Chancla, Fuego, Taco Shore, Telefèric Barcelona and Zarape, serving exclusive menus and showcasing the city’s diverse flavors. The week offers a delicious opportunity to explore local restaurants, discover new favorites and experience the many culinary traditions that make Long Beach’s Latin food scene exceptional.

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AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

The Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with its annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival, returning September 26–27, 2026. The celebration highlights cultures from México, Central and South America with traditional dance, live music, bilingual educational programs and community booths. Past festivals have featured folklorico and Aztec dancers, mariachi, crafts and interactive children’s activities, creating a lively, family-friendly celebration.

WHY DOES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH TAKE PLACE OVER TWO MONTHS?

Hispanic Heritage Month begins in mid-September and concludes in mid-October. Sept. 15 coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, Chile on the 18th and Belize on the 21st. Additionally, Oct. 12 is recognized as Dia de la Raza–Indigenous Peoples Day–in Mexico, so the heritage month celebration includes all of these significant dates.

Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.