Immerse yourself in lowrider culture, compete in Spanish-language trivia and learn from a range of Latino artists, writers and musicians during Vida Latina at the Long Beach Public Library (LBPL).
From Sept. 13 to Oct. 15, this month-long event series will feature free programming for all ages at the 12 LBPL locations, showcasing and celebrating the diversity of Latin American cultures and communities. Vida Latina coincides with National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
“Long Beach is proud to celebrate Vida Latina, a time when our community comes together to honor the history, traditions, and creativity of our Latin community,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “These events showcase the richness of Latin American culture and the many ways it continues to shape and inspire our city.”
The 2025 edition of Vida Latina carries the theme of “Unity and Herencia,” emphasizing the act of coming together and recognizing the roots, resilience and cultural connections that branch together the Latin(e) diaspora. Vida Latina invites all attendees to reflect on the past and embrace the future through art, storytelling, food and dance.
“Vida Latina is a celebration of unity, resilience and heritage. This year, we are especially proud to highlight the many ways Latin American culture enriches our community and connects us across generations,” said Department of Library, Arts, and Culture Director Cathy De Leon, in a public statement. “Through art, dance, storytelling, and food, the library is excited to create opportunities where families and neighbors can come together, celebrate their roots, and learn from one another.”
Special events being held include Cruisin’ Long Beach: Celebrando la Cultura Lowrider, featuring a lowrider car show, a mobile art gallery and hands-on crafts on Friday, Oct. 3 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Mark Twain Neighborhood Library (1401 E. Anaheim St.). Additional special events include the adult-oriented Paint Your Own Cantaritos workshops at select Library branches.
The following special guests will be part of this year’s Vida Latina series:
- Bilingual storyteller Josue Cuentacuentos will share life lessons through a blend of music and puppetry during his Selena Storytime on Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Mark Twain Neighborhood Library (1401 E. Anaheim St.), Saturday, Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to noon at Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway) and Thursday, Oct. 2 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at El Dorado Neighborhood Library (2900 Studebaker Road).
- The makers of the Spanish language trivia game YO Sabo will conduct a game night on Tuesday, Sept. 30 from 4 to 5 p.m. at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library.
- Ruby Clouds, a local Latin Alternative duo made up of siblings Claudia and Vid Garcia, will lead a fusion of music and literature during After Hours on Friday, Oct. 10 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Drive)
- Author Mike Alfaro will read a pair of stories from Los Street Vendors and some of his new book How Do You Roll Your R’s? during an interactive youth storytime on Friday, Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Billie Jean King Main Library.
- Author Kayden Phoenix, creator of the “Latina Superhero” graphic novels, will host a Create Your Own Superhero workshop on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Bach Neighborhood Library (4055 N. Bellflower Blvd.).
The month-long festivities will conclude on Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Vida Latina: La Gran Tardeada, a night of live music, dancing and family-friendly crafts at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.).
Vida Latina is supported by the Long Beach Public Library Foundation and the Port of Long Beach. For the full Vida Latina events schedule, visit here, or call the Long Beach Public Library at 562-570-7500.
