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.
Events
Back to Top of ListDesert 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.
Concerts
Back to Top of ListMariachi 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
Dining
Back to Top of ListThere'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.
The Best Places for Tacos
You're never far from a great taco in Phoenix. Here are more than 20 of the best taco spots in town.
Top Mexican Food Restaurants in Phoenix
Here’s a list of our favorite Mexican food restaurants in Phoenix, although we can assure you this…
Where to Get Prickly Pear Margaritas
Sweet and light with a hint of tartness, the prickly pear margarita is the ultimate refresher.
The Tamale Store
In her quest to create the perfect tamale, Martha Castillo built a family business with a cultish…
10 Restaurants for Latin Cuisine
For authentic dishes from such locales as Cuba, Puerto Rico, Peru, El Salvador and more, here are 10…
5 Spots for Mexican Sushi
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From Food Truck To Restaurant: Phoenix Coqui
Meet Alexis Carbajal and Juan Alberto Ayala, the couple behind Arizona’s No. 1 Puerto Rican food…
Sonoran Hot Dogs: A Southwest Icon
Bite shows where to find these bacon-wrapped, bean-topped Southwest specialties.
PHX's Hispanic Community
Back to Top of ListArizona'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.
In the Studio with Artist Ashley Macias
Artist and muralist Ashley Macias is putting her mark on Phoenix, and here’s where you can check out…
Mexican Rodeo
Rancho Ochoa, a rodeo arena in southwest Phoenix, treats local fans to traditional charreada.
Bootmaker David Espinoza
Local bootmaker stitches colorful, custom leatherwork in his Central Phoenix storefront.
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