Updated September 13, 2023 at 1:50 p.m.
National Hispanic Heritage Month spans from mid-September to mid-October. The month celebrates the contributions and cultures of diverse Hispanic American communities in the U.S. Several Latin American countries鈥� fall within the honorary month鈥檚 first few days.
In fact, parts of southern Colorado were during the region鈥檚 early history. Over time, many descendants of those early Hispanic residents moved north, settling in larger cities such as Denver, Pueblo, Greeley and Fort Collins. In the 1960s and 鈥�70s, activism around took off in the state. In Colorado today, about are Hispanic or Latino, according to the U.S. census.
Given the legacies of Hispanic and Latino Coloradans past and present, there鈥檚 lots to celebrate when this time of year comes around! Check out the list below for some options to participate in the Hispanic Heritage festivities around Northern Colorado this month, including a Selena tribute band and a drag show.
Festivals
Join the celebration for free food and drink and live music from the Colorado Youth Mariachi Program as well as famed guitarist El Javi. There will even be a pi帽ata and face painting!
Where: Anythink Commerce City, 7185 Monaco St., Commerce City
When: Saturday, September 16, 1 to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Get ready for hours of dance, music and spoken word performances at this festive celebration.
Where: Foote Lagoon, 500 E 3rd st., Loveland
When: Saturday, September 16, 2 to 6 p.m.
Cost: N/A
This third annual bilingual festival offers salsa dancing, live music and dance, guided hikes, food trucks and plenty of games for the whole family.
Where: Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Rd., Boulder
When: Sunday, September 17, 12 to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
All kinds of festivities await, including a car show, music, food and activities for the family.
Where: Riverdale Regional Park, 9755 Henderson Rd., Brighton
When: Sunday, October 1, 11 a.m.
Cost: N/A
Arts & Culture
Watch the classic film about legendary Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla, starring Jennifer Lopez.
Where: Canyon Theater at Boulder Public Main Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder
When: Thursday, September 14, 6 to 8:15 p.m.
Cost: Free but registration required
A Dia de Los Muertos celebration that will feature local artists and lots of fun. Activities include face painting, sugar skull decorating, poetry reading and a community altar in honor of this ancient Mexican tradition.
Where: The Armory Performing Arts Center, 300 Strong St., Brighton
When: Saturday, September 16, 1 to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
A Selena tribute show that promises to have attendees singing and dancing like it鈥檚 1995.
Where: The Armory Performing Arts Center, 300 Strong St., Brighton
When: Saturday, September 16, 8 p.m.
Cost: $25
A family friendly event that will also include the Adams County 1st Annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
Where: 8978 Washington St, Thornton
When: Saturday, September 16, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: N/A
A gathering that will feature literature and music in celebration of Hispanic culture in the U.S.
Where: Trident Booksellers & Cafe, 940 Pearl St., Boulder
When: Friday, September 29, 5:30 to 8:45 p.m.
Cost: N/A
Learn some new steps at this evening dance class.
Where: Backyard Tap, 323 N Railroad Ave, Loveland
When: Friday, September 29, 6 to 9 p.m.
Cost: N/A
It鈥檚 the second edition of LatinXtravaganza, and the show promises to have a 鈥渟tar-studded cast.鈥�
Where: The R Bar and Lounge, 107 E Laurel St., Fort Collins
When: Saturday, September 30, 9 to 11:45 p.m.
Cost: $10-15
Children鈥檚 Programs
For children in grades 1 to 6, the lesson promises to leave kids with a newfound appreciation for parrots in the wild, plus their own crafted 鈥減arrot feather鈥� to take home, as part of the library鈥檚 National Hispanic Heritage month programming.
Where: Louisville Public Library, 951 Spruce St., Louisville
When: Wednesday, September 13, 4 to 4:45 p.m.
Cost: Free, registration required
For children 2 to 6 years old, this event offers an opportunity to sing, dance and play instruments to Hispanic musical rhythms.
Where: Anythink Commerce City, 7185 Monaco St., Commerce City
When: Friday, September 15, 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Cost: N/A
For kids 5 to 12 years old, come and make a themed craft project.
Where: Anythink Commerce City, 7185 Monaco St., Commerce City
When: Thursday, September 21, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Cost: N/A
Listen to stories about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo while making heart-shaped crafts.
Where: Basalt Regional Library, 14 Midland Ave., Basalt
When: Saturday, September 23, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: N/A
