Hispanic Heritage Month in NYC: A Cultural Celebration

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15, celebrates the cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latin American communities. This guide highlights events happening across NYC from art and dance to lively festivals.

Manhattan Hispanic Heritage Month Events

Salsa Under The Stars: Join the Salsa Under the Stars event at the North Oculus Plaza of the World Trade Center for music, dance, and a free salsa lesson. 

• Date: October 2, 2025 from 6 to 9 p.m.
• Location: Oculus World Trade Center, 185 Greenwich Street
• Admission: Free and open to the public. Link for registration here. 

Día de los Muertos celebration between The Hispanic Society of America and Mano a Mano Mexican Culture Without Borders: This is a tribute event to loved ones who have passed. Guests can enjoy hands-on artmaking, including marigold flower crafts, paper altars and papel picado, and a lively musical performance merging tradition with celebration.

S.T.E.A.M. Loteria & Piñata Party: An activity dedicated to kids aged 5 to 12, consisting of playing the popular Mexican bingo game and breaking a piñata.

• Date: October 6, 2025 from 3 – 4 p.m.
• Location: 125th Street Library, 224 East 125th St., East Harlem 
• Admission: Free and open to the public, no need to register. More details here.

The Bronx Hispanic Heritage Month Events

Fiesta on The Hudson: The Great Lawn of the Wave Hill gardens transforms into a dance party where you can learn traditional dance styles including salsa, samba, and cha-cha with views of the Palisades and Hudson River. All levels of dance experience are welcome.

• Date: October 5, 2025 from 2 to 5 p.m.
• Location: Wave Hill, 675 W 252nd St., Riverdale
• Admission: Free and open to the public, with admission to the gardens. $10 for adults and $4 for children. More details here. 

Movie Day “Ferdinand”: The Hunts Points Library will host screening of Ferdinand with some refreshments. Arrive on time to participate in the short discussion, and enjoy a collection of works by local writers.

• Date: October 15, 2025 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• Location: Hunts Point Library, 877 Southern Boulevard, Longwood
• Admission: Free and open to the public, no need to register. More details here. 

Brooklyn Hispanic Heritage Month Events

Panamanian Parade: The largest celebration of Panamanian culture outside of Panama, featuring lively music, traditional dress, and a vibrant community atmosphere.

• Date: Saturday Oct 11, 2025 12:00 PM
• Location: Between President’s Street and Classon Avenue
• Admission: Free and open to the public, more details here. 

Dance and Learn Spanish: Through music, body movement, and imagination, participants can that learning a new language can be a joyful, hands-on adventure. This event is free and for all ages.

• Date: September 23, 2025 from 3:30 to 4:15 pm
• Location: Leonard Library, 81 Devoe St., Williamsburg
• Admission: Free and open to the public, more information here.

¡WEPA! Festival: This is an annual free festival for all ages with live performances, community resources and free workshops where you can learn salsa dancing, bike safety and repair, meditation, nail art, and more.

• Date: September 27, 2025 from 12 to 6 p.m.
• Location: Outside El Puente, 211 South 4th St., Williamsburg
• Admission: Free and open to the public, more information here. 

Two Puppets, Two Cultures!: For kids, this is a bilingual performance that brings together two colorful friends: Sumaq, a curious puppet from the Andes (whose name means “beautiful” in Quechua), and Buddy, a playful puppet from the United States.

• Date: October 10, 2025 from 11 to 11:45 am
• Location: Washington Irving Library, 360 Irving Ave., Bushwick
• Admission: Free and open to the public, more details here. 

Queens Hispanic Heritage Month Events

Wepa! Latin Dance: A free guided event for ages children where you can learn beginner Salsa and other Latin dances.

• Date: October 18, 2025 from 1 to 2 pm
• Location: Peninsula, Queens Public Library, 92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Beach
• Admission: Free and open to the public, click here for more information. 

Day of the Dead Celebration: Free and for all ages, this is a family oriented celebration with a crafting workshop, face painting, and a photo booth to capture the moment. It is a blend of fun and tradition, inviting families to honor and explore the rich heritage of the Dia de los Muertos in a joyful and engaging way. Supplies are limited. First-come, first-served basis for the first 50 children.

• Date: October 11, 2025 from 3 to 5 p.m.
• Location: Queens Public Library :85-12 Main St., Briarwood
• Admission: Free and open to the public, more information here.