Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Los Angeles

Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids

Updated for 2026

Latino Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) celebrates and commemorates the the culture, history, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. From the LA County Library system’s website: “The mid-September start honors the independence days of several Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (September 15); Mexico (September 16); Chile (September 18); and Belize (September 21).”

The fact is, Hispanic Americans contribute greatly to all areas of society, and celebrating the heritage and achievements of Hispanic Americans is something that doesn’t need to be limited to just one month, especially here in Los Angeles. (Note – Hispanic Heritage Month is also referred to as Latino Heritage Month.) 

Happening Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month:

Latino Heritage Month 
Los Angeles Public Library System
Multiple Branches

The Los Angeles Public Library System is celebrating Latino Heritage Month from September 15th through October 15th. A number of resources are available, in person and online, including special photographic collections, audio and video recordings, book recommendations, and more. In addition, many branches are hosting special events that highlight Latino Heritage Month.

Hispanic Heritage Month
Los Angeles County Library System  

The LA County Library System celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with special programs, activities, and events as well as curated booklists, digital resources (including eBooks, audiobooks, and music), and more. Check the website for details.

Chicano Resource Center @ East Los Angeles Library
4837 E. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90022

The Chicano Resource Center was established in 1976. “Subjects covered by this multimedia collection include: immigration, the Chicano Movement, mural art, biographies, folklore and the history of Mexico. Many of the materials are available for checkout.” You’ll find booklists (for adults and teens), videos, audiobooks, digitized microfilm of newspapers, and more. The Chicano Resource Center is open seven days a week. 

Hispanic Heritage Month
Los Angeles County Library System  

The LA County Library System celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with special programs, activities, and events as well as curated booklists, digital resources (including eBooks, audiobooks, and music), and more. Check the website for details.

National Museum of the American Latino
Washington, D.C.

“The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino is building a permanent home to honor the stories, contributions, and impact of Latinos in the United States.” Meanwhile, families can access the website’s Hispanic Heritage Month page and find many available resources.

Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802

The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) in Long Beach was established thirty years ago and is the “only museum in the United States fully dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino art.” MOLAA “expands knowledge and appreciation of modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino art through its Collection, ground-breaking Exhibitions, stimulating Educational Programs, and engaging Cultural Events.” Admission is free for children under 12. The Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
501 N. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

“LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes centers the history of Mexican and Mexican Americans in Los Angeles, and collects, preserves, and shares the stories, accomplishments, and experiences of Latinx people and Latino culture.” LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes serves as a “community hub where people gather to celebrate Latinx culture through transformative exhibitions, music, dance, culinary arts, and multigenerational artmaking and storytelling experiences.” (Open Wednesday through Sunday, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.)

The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture
3581 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA 92501

The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, also known as “The Cheech,” opened in 2022 and is “dedicated to showcasing Chicana/o/x art, honoring and exploring its continued social, cultural, and political impact,” making it the “first cultural center of its kind.” The more-than-60,000 square foot Center houses hundreds of pieces of art — sculptures, drawings, paintings, and photographs. (The Cheech is open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is free for children 12 and younger.)

The Latino Theater Company @ The Los Angeles Theatre Center
514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013

“The Latino Theater Company, over its 35-year history, has developed and honed its own theatrical style to develop plays that reflect the US Latina/o/x experience and speak to the Latina/o/x community, as well as presenting work that reflects the demographics of the city.” The LTC also produces “work by local playwrights that speaks to important issues and highlights new voices within the Latina/o/x, First Nation, Black, Asian American, Jewish American and LGBTQ+ communities.” Check the website for details about upcoming performances. (Note – Most shows are appropriate for audiences 13 and older.)

Plantiitas
2011 E. 4th Street, Long Beach, CA 90814

“Plantiitas is a queer and POC owned small business plant and gift shop and event space” and has become a neighborhood favorite. This plant shop offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to purchase something for your front porch or a windowsill with limited natural light. “They carry a carefully curated collection of tropical houseplants, stylish planters, and hand crafted goods from over 55 local vendors.” The shop also hosts a number of special events. (The shop is open seven days a week.) 

El Pueblo de Los Angeles
125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012

El Pueblo de Los Angeles is literally the “Birthplace of Los Angeles.” “El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument is near the site of the early Los Angeles pueblo or town where forty-four settlers of Native American, African and European heritage journeyed more than one-thousand miles across the desert from present-day northern Mexico and established a farming community in September 1781.” Today, you’ll find museums (including the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles and the Chinese American Museum), exhibits and monuments (including Pico House and Avila Adobe), and world famous Olvera Street known for its restaurants and merchants.  

Culture Craft Kits
North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Regional Branch Library
5211 Tujunga Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91601

North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Regional Branch Library invites families to stop by during the month of September and pick up a Culture Craft Kit. The take-and-make kit will be celebrating Latino Heritage Month with a papel picado craft. Each kit comes with a booklet with directions, crafting materials, interesting facts, and a booklist related to the month’s Culture Craft. (Available at the reference desk, while supplies last.)

Thursday, September 3rd:

Mini Piñatas
Robert Louis Stevenson Branch Library
803 Spence St., Los Angeles, CA 90023

The Robert Louis Stevenson Branch Library is kicking off Latino Heritage Month with a “colorful and creative celebration” for kids on Thursday, September 3rd from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. “Create your own mini piñata using cups, tissue paper, and streamers in this fun, hands-on craft program.” 

Saturday, September 5th:

Movie at the Library: Encanto
Lawndale Library
14615 Burin Ave., Lawndale, CA 90260

Lawndale Library invites families to a screening of the animated Disney film, Encanto, on Saturday, September 5th at 10:30 am. The movie is rated PG and has a runtime of 1 hour 39 minutes. 

STAY TUNED.

MORE EVENTS ARE BEING ADDED EACH DAY.

Hispanic Heritage Month Clubhouse Characters Meet & Greet
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw – Level 2 – The Bridge
3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008

Baldwin Hills Crenshaw is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a special event on Friday, October 10th from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Children will enjoy a meet-and-greet photo opportunity with two Clubhouse Characters. (Families will take their own photos.) And while you’re at the Mall, be sure to learn about some of the special offers from select retailers. RSVP online for this free event. 

Repujado Metal Art
San Gabriel Library
500 S. Del Mar Ave., San Gabriel, CA 91776

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the San Gabriel Library on Saturday, October 11th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Teens (ages 12-17) will learn about Repujado, the Mexican metal embossing art. Participants will then create their own Repujado art piece to take home. 

Hispanic Heritage Month: Lotería
Huntington Park Library
6518 Miles Ave., Huntington Park, CA 90255

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Huntington Park Library on Saturday, October 11th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Families will learn about the “cultural aspects of lotería, then play the game for a chance to win prizes!” Light refreshments will also be served. (Recommended for families with children ages 5-12.)

27th Annual Latino Heritage Festival
Centennial Square (in front of Pasadena City Hall)
100 N. Garfield Ave., Pasadena, CA 

The City of Pasadena invites families to the 27th Annual Latino Heritage Festival happening on Saturday, October 11th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This year’s theme is “A Proud Past, A Hopeful Future.” Enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, children’s activities, community resource booths, and an artisanal marketplace. 

Loteria
Westchester – Loyola Village Branch Library
7114 W. Manchester Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90045

Westchester – Loyola Village Branch Library is celebrating Latino Heritage Month with a special event on Saturday, October 11th at 3:30 pm. Stop by the library for loteria, prizes, and pan dulce. This is an all-ages event. Kids, teens, adults, and seniors are all welcome to participate.

Dia De Los Muertos Celebration
Plaza West Covina – Center Court (near H&M)
112 Plaza Dr., West Covina, CA 91790

West Covina is hosting a Dia De Los Muertos Celebration on Saturday, October 11th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. This free community event “honors the lives of loved ones and embraces the beauty of life.” Families will enjoy an arts and crafts station, a community ofrenda, live Mariachi and Folklorico performances, and more. RSVP online for this free event. 

Sonia De Los Santos – Bilingual Songs of Hope for All Ages
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626 

Sonia De Los Santos “has been singing in Spanish and English for audiences of all ages since 2007, when she joined the Grammy Award® winning group Dan Zanes and Friends.” She will be performing at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts on Saturday, October 11th at 10:00 am (Sensory Friendly performance) and 1:00 pm. On Sunday, October 12th there is a 1:00 pm performance (with ASL interpretation) and a 3:30 pm performance. Families will enjoy songs “inspired by various Latin American rhythms like huapango, cumbia, salsa, and festejo, as well as the North American folk traditions from the United States.” Details and tickets are available online. (Note – recommended for families with children ages 4-10.) 

Vamos Al Parque (Let’s Go to the Park)
Palisades Park @ Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401

The City of Santa Monica is closing out National Hispanic Heritage Month with a special day of “art, culture, and community” on Sunday, October 12th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. “Enjoy lounging areas, all-ages art-making, an Aztec dance performance, Native music, craft vendors, fresh fruit bowls, and more!” This is a free, all-ages event.

Latino Heritage Storytime & Craft
Junipero Serra Branch Library
4607 S. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90037

Visit the Junipero Serra Branch Library on Tuesday October 14th at 4:30 pm to participate in a special Latino Heritage Storytime & Craft. Children will enjoy “vibrant stories that honor Latino culture,” and will then have the chance to make their own Paleta Piñata!

Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).

MomsLA is your source for Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles

Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.