From September 15 to October 15 every year, we celebrate Hispanic and Latino traditions, culture and customs during Latin & Hispanic Heritage Month. Here’s a roundup of where to go in NJ for cultural celebrations and beyond.
October 3
Bomba Beats
Woodbridge Public Library, Woodbridge
Bomba is a Puerto Rican musical genre that came from West African enslaved individuals and their descendants over 400 years ago on colonial plantations. This program will be a journey into the African influence on the Hispanic Caribbean, as you watch members of the academy demonstrate Bomba skills, guided by instructors Nelson Baez, a drumming master, and Magda Baez, a dance virtuoso.
Hispanic Heritage Music
Hamilton Township Public Library, Hamilton Twp.
Jesse Rivera will bring his guitars to serenade you with Latin music.
October 4
Latin American Chamber Music Ensemble
Bridgewater Library, Bridgewater
The free concert features the Latin American Chamber Music Ensemble. Dance along to an array of Latin American music from Cuba, Argentina, Venezuela and more.
Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
The interactive performance and screening features live music by Banda de la Casita. Dress up as your favorite character and sing along.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
American Dream, East Rutherford
The stage will be set up as Abuelita’s Cocina, featuring food prepared by Chef/GM Franklin Rosario from Yard House, who has become a personal chef to celebrity Cardi B. The event will include Hispanic-inspired food, music, art, performances and appearances. There will also be arts and crafts tables, a meet-and-greet with Dora The Explorer, a performance by Mia “Tiny Singer” Soleil Sanchez, a panel discussion, and Latin dance by Piel Canela Dance Company.
October 4-6
NJ Hispanic Film Fest
Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank
The first-ever New Jersey Hispanic Film Festival takes place as part of National Hispanic Heritage Month. New Jersey’s Latinx population now exceeds 2 million people, or 21% of the entire state’s population. There will be a showcase of 15 films, plus talkbacks, panel discussions and parties.
October 5
4th Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Perth Amboy Free Public Library, Perth Amboy
Grupo Warachando and the Viva Vallenato Cumbia Band, plus guitarist Alejandro Ataucusi, will perform, in addition to captivating dances by Sol Azteca (Mexican folkloric dance) and Nancy Ynchastegui. Artist Julisa Mugica will have artwork on display. Kids can take part in activities or get their face painted.
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Boro Bandshell, Hawthorne
Come to this free family event with live entertainment and food vendors that serve some of the best Latin food in the area. Stay to dance the day away with family and friends as you listen to the multiple types of music the Latin scene has to offer.
Hispanic Heritage Month Salsa Festival
Family Entertainment Center of Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Partnering with MDN International Salsa Congress, GSP will present six professional salsa performances, a 20-minute salsa dance lesson, a live DJ playing salsa, merengue and bachata, a live salsa band, and pop-up booths from GSP restaurants.
October 6
An Evening with Natalia Lafourcade
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
The most awarded female artist in Latin Grammy history, Lafourcade will play solo guitar and share stories.
October 12
Mexico Beyond Mariachi: Trekking Mexico
Union County Performing Arts Center Main State, Rahway
You’ll feel like you are on a journey through Mexico during this multimedia, colorful, educational show. You’ll learn about geographic regions through folkloric music and dance, including the drums of Tenochtitlan and the strings of Jaranas of Veracruz.
October 13
Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Listen to live performances of the soundtrack from Disney’s Encanto while enjoying the film.
- Jennifer Amato contributed to this story.
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
Eat and Drink Your Way Through These NJ Food Festivals
Food Truck Festivals in NJ
Tap Into Your Creative Side at These Craft Festivals in NJ
The Best Outdoor Street Fairs in NJ
