There will be several ways for folks in the Harbor Area to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Here, Random Lengths News has gathered a variety of fun, interesting and soulful events below, from music and dance to wellness.
Baja Splash Cultural Festival
The aquarium will host its 23rd annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival in celebration of cultures from Mexico, Central and South America, and beyond.
The event features traditional dance, live music, educational programming in English and Spanish, and booths from participating organizations.
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sept. 21, 22
Cost: $29.95 to $44.95
Details: aquariumofpacific@lbaop.org
Venue: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach
Museum of Latin American Art Events
As the nation’s only museum dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American and Latinx art, the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave) celebrates Hispanic culture on a daily basis. Still, it’s offering a series of special events and programming during Heritage Month, beginning with a free musical performance by multidisciplinary Afro-Puerto Rican artist and educator Lucas Rivera, a Pop-up Book Signing by children’s author Dr. Kathleen Contreras to celebrate the release of Born to Play Béisbol: The Magical Career of Fernando Valenzuela, the first children’s book in English and Spanish on a true baseball legend and L.A. Dodger cultural icon, Fernando Valenzuela 1 to 3 p.m., on Sept.15. Plus, you can join a beginner-friendly salsa dance workshop 6 to 7:30 p.m.on Sept. 19.
Time: Various, Sept. 15 to 19
Cost: Free
Details: https://molaa.org/events-1
Venue: Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach
CONCERT: My Afro-Rican Soul
Lucas Rivera is a multidisciplinary Afro-Puerto Rican artist and educator who expresses his culture through various mediums. His work is an autobiography captured through music, dance, paint and poetry. He has exhibited and performed in Puerto Rico, Texas, California, Florida, New York and New Jersey.
He is also an arts and entertainment management executive with 20+ years of senior leadership experience in marketing, program development, talent relations, nonprofit management and event planning.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Time: 2 to 4 p.m., Sept. 15
Cost: Free
Details: 562-437-1689; https://tinyurl.com/Afro-Rican-Soul
Venue: Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach
Long Beach City College Latinx Heritage Celebration
Long Beach City College is offering a wide array of interactive and educational events throughout September and October during its own Latinx Heritage Celebration. It all starts Sept. 17 with its “Kickoff” featuring food, music, student performers and a concert. What will follow ranges from film screenings and workshops to karaoke and open-mic nights, sip-and-paint evenings and a game night.
Details: https://www.lbcc.edu/event/latinaox-heritage-events
MOLAA Community Art Workshop
Kick off Latinx Heritage Month with Salsa at the Museum of Latin American Art. Jayven Colón of Alliance Dance Academy will lead you through this beginner friendly dance workshop at the museum’s VIVA Event Center. This interactive workshop will introduce you to basic to intermediate Salsa steps to impress anyone on the dance floor.
Please arrive on time as space is limited.
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Sept. 19
Cost: $5
Details: 562-437-1689; info@molaa.org
Venue: Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach
Hispanic Heritage Month Wellness Fair
The Wellness Fair will feature resource organizations and community partners. Free lunch, information, live entertainment and giveaways.
Time:10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sept. 28
Cost: Free
Details: 323-286-5584
Location: 9th Street between Pacific and Mesa in San Pedro, CA
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrating the Latina: Her Story, Her Voice, Her Strength
Join a Latina Heritage Empowerment Tea, hosted By Professor Carrillo and The Wilmington Rotary Club.
Time: 11:30 a.m., Oct. 10
Cost:
Details: 310-233-4000; https://tinyurl.com/Celebrating-the-Latina
Venue: LA Harbor College, Tech 110, 1111 Figueroa Place, Wilmington