Less than 200 years ago, before Greater Phoenix was founded, this region was part of Mexico. Today, those roots have flourished in Greater Phoenix's communities and — in unison with the rest of the country — we honor the heritage of those who identify as Hispanic or Latino/a during National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15  to Oct. 15. Additionally, Sept. 15 marks the anniversary of independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also observe independence days during this period. 

To mark the celebration, here are the top festivities taking place throughout Greater Phoenix during Hispanic Heritage Month, including special events, dining, things to do and more. 

 

Desert Rider

Through Sept. 18

Focused almost exclusively on Latinx and Indigenous artists, Desert Rider acknowledges the urgency to make space for voices and perspectives deeply rooted in the southwestern region.

Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Ave,, Phoenix

 

Fiestas Patrias

Sept. 15-18

Enjoy a multi-day celebration with live music, dining specials and prizes at Casino Arizona for Hispanic Heritage Month.

Casino Arizona
524 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale

 

Low Rider Cruise

Saturdays, Sept. 17 - Oct. 15

Check out the local low rider community with this weekly cruise in downtown Glendale.

La Perla Sports Cantina
5723 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale

 

Rockin' Taco Street Fest

Sept. 24

A food, music and cultural celebration, Rockin’ Taco Street Fest will feature creative tacos from 20 local restaurants and food trucks. Event highlights include a live performance by Everclear and features Luche Libre Wrestling, Hot Chili Pepper & Taco Eating Competitions, Mariachi, a Mechanical Taco Ride, Margarita & Michelada Master Tent, Little Amigos play area, additional shaded areas and much more.

Dr. AJ Chandler Park
178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler

 

Guelaguetza

Oct. 1-2

Guelaguetza is an annual indigenous cultural event in Mexico that takes place in the city of Oaxaca. Immerse yourself in art, music, dance and enjoy the flavors of Oaxaca’s eight regions. Join a colorful Oaxacan Calenda (parade), try some spicy and sweet mole, visit the mercado and don’t forget to sample some mezcal.

Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix

 

Loteria Nights

Oct. 6

Don’t miss your chance to win big at Lotería Nights. Head to the garden with rounds of Lotería, cerveza, music y más. Play for a chance to win cool prizes, including a garden membership, plants and so much more.

Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix

 

Mariachi Herencia de Mexico

Sept. 17

The Latin Grammy-nominated group of young Mexican-American musicians perform a compilation of mariachi classics from the group’s latest album series titled “Esencia,” a tribute to the golden age of Mexican music.

Ikeda Theater
1 E. Main St., Mesa

 

Teo Gonzalez y Los Tres Tristes Tigres

Sept. 17

Musical comedy group Los Tres Tristes Tigres perform with comedian Teo Gonzalez at Celebrity Theatre. 

Celebrity Theatre
440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix

 

Pitbull & Sean Paul

Sept. 18

Latin chart-topper Pitbull is coming to Phoenix for his brand new Can’t Stop Us Now Tour. 

Ak-Chin Pavilion
2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix

 

Hitting New Heights: Mandy Gonzalez and Javier Muñoz

Sept. 24

The Broadway stars of Hamilton and In the Heights join voices to celebrate Broadway’s hottest composers, from Stephen Schwartz to Lin-Manuel Miranda. 

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale

 

23rd Annual Mariachi and Folklórico Festival

Oct. 1

The annual event features Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Los Camperos and 16-member Mariachi Estrella de Mexico, along with a dazzling array of folklorico dancers from Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli-AZ.

Chandler Center for the Arts
250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler

 

Los Angeles Azules

Oct. 1

Cumbia sonidera veterans Los Angeles Azule will perform live at Arizona Financial Theatre.

Arizona Financial Theatre
400 W. Washington St., Phoenix

 

Aida Cuevas

Oct. 15

The Queen of Mariachi, accompanied by Mariachi Aztlan, performs songs celebrating her long legacy as one of Mexico's most important female voices. 

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale

There's no shortage of delicious Mexican and Latin foods in Greater Phoenix, a majority of which is inspired by the flavors of northern Mexico, including Sonora and Baja California. There's also a fair share of fusion between Sonoran flavors and Southwest influences, such as our iconic prickly pear margarita. Explore some of the best places to dine during Hispanic Heritage Month below. 

PHX's Hispanic Community

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Arizona's Hispanic community makes up almost 4% of the entire nation's Hispanic population. Spend more than a few hours in Greater Phoenix, and you'll see their impact across our city. Whether it's on the eye-catching murals in downtown Phoenix, or traditions carried forward on the grounds of a traditional Mexican rodeo, you'll find a piece of Latin culture in every nook and cranny of Greater Phoenix.