Hispanic Heritage Month Events In the Bay Area

September has arrived, kicking off annual celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) commemorating the independence days of various Latin American countries.

Often billed as Fiestas Patrias, the community events typically feature musical and dance performances along with food and merchandise vendors.

This year, organizers in Richmond and San Pablo have teamed up for a parade stretching through both East Bay cities. In San Francisco, members of the Mexican diaspora will gather in front of City Hall for the annual El Grito celebration that commemorates the historic call for independence.

Here is a sampling of events throughout the Bay Area.

Grito de Independencia de México
WHEN: Sept. 15, 4–9 p.m.
WHERE: Civic Center Plaza, 335 McAllister St., San Francisco
WHAT: Activities, music, mariachi, ballet folklórico performances, lucha libre, a night market and food.

Fiestas Patrias Redwood City
WHEN: Sept. 15, 3–8 p.m.
WHERE: Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City
WHAT: Live music and entertainment, authentic Mexican food, arts and crafts vendors, and a traditional flag ceremony conducted by Consul General de Mexico.

Fiestas Patrias in Vallejo
WHEN: Sept. 14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
WHERE: 200 block of Georgia St., Vallejo
WHAT: Celebration of Mexican Independence Day and the independence of other Latin American countries.

Richmond and San Pablo Latin American Independence Day Parade
WHEN: Sept. 14, 10 a.m.
WHERE: The parade route will start from the intersection of 23rd Street and Barrett Avenue in Richmond, and proceed north along 23rd Street to San Pablo Avenue in San Pablo.
WHAT: A celebration to honor the diverse Latin American communities of both cities, bringing together residents of all backgrounds.

Fiesta de Independencia
WHEN: Sept. 15, 1–7 p.m.
WHERE: Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, 24 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa
WHAT: Sonoma County’s largest Hispanic Heritage Month festival, with music, food, games, ballet folklórico, mariachi, a lowrider car show and more. Free.

Mexican Independence Day Celebration
WHEN: Sept. 15, 1–9 p.m.
WHERE: San Jose City Hall, 200 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose
WHAT: Food, crafts, live music, and other performances celebrating Mexican culture and traditions. El Grito, a reenactment of Mexico’s historic call for independence, is scheduled to perform at 7:30 p.m.

Festival Latino
WHEN: Sept. 15, Noon–5 p.m.
WHERE: Todos Santos Plaza, 2175 Willow Pass Road, Concord
WHAT: Unity Council’s 3rd Annual Festival Latino is a free, outdoor festival featuring live music, games, ballet folklórico and Latin American artisans.

Afro Latinx Concert Series Festival
WHEN: Sept. 21, Oct. 5 and Oct. 12
WHERE: Ruth Williams Opera House, 4705 3rd St., San Francisco
WHAT: A celebration of Afro-Latinx culture and music consisting of three concerts, hosted by Gina Madrid. The artist lineup includes Chuchito Valdés, La Dame Blanche, Oscar Ly and Rumbalu, and DJ Leydis. Tickets range in price from $18–$75 along with a “pay what you want” option.

Latinx+ Engineering Day at the Exploratorium
WHEN: Sept. 28, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
WHERE: The Exploratorium, Pier 15, San Francisco
WHAT: Visitors of all ages are invited to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while learning about diverse pathways into STEM careers. The event will include interactive activities, hands-on exhibits, and a panel of professionals working in STEM fields.

Viva Nicaragua Festival
WHEN: Sept. 29, 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Swiss Park, 5911 Mowry Ave., Newark
WHAT: An afternoon of tradition, culture, and music. Performers include La Cuneta, Carlos Mejia Godoy, Banda Blanca and Marimba Flor de Pino. Tickets are $30 for ages 10 and up.

This story was reported for K Onda KQED, a monthly newsletter focused on the Bay Area’s Latinx community. Click here to subscribe.