National Hispanic Heritage Month, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 each year, commemorates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
The celebration begins each year on Sept. 15, the anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also observe their independence days during this period.
Here’s how you can celebrate this rich tradition, history and culture in Denver during this special month.
Festivals & Special Events
Back to Top of ListColorado Rockies Los Rockies Ticket Package (Sept. 20, 2025)
Join the Colorado Rockies during the annual Los Rockies celebration presented by King Soopers at Coors Field! Enjoy a festive night filled with music, community pride and baseball as the Rockies take on the Angels. Show your Los Rockies pride in style! With the purchase of this special ticket package, fans will receive a limited-edition Los Rockies-themed long-sleeve shirt.
Día de Los Muertos Celebration at Market at The Center (Oct. 11, 2025)
Step into a vibrant world of color, tradition and remembrance at Market at The Center's Día de los Muertos Celebration at the National Western Center.
Paranormal Palace 2025 Day of The Dead (Nov. 1, 2025)
Experience Denver’s No. 1 Halloween and Day of the Dead Celebration at the DoubleTree DTC! This Full hotel takeover features a $2,500 costume contest, 30+ performers, DJs and immersive entertainment, interactive exhibits and artistic photo ops, a VIP Experience with express entry, drinks and private bars, a balcony décor contest and much more.
Dia de los Muertos: Música y Arte (Nov. 2, 2025)
Children and adults alike can celebrate Día de los Muertos at this hands-on event — an unforgettable day where music, art and tradition will light up the Aurora Cultural Arts District. Experience the power of live performance as Mariachi las Dahlias guides young listeners through the heart of the holiday, blending vibrant sounds with rich storytelling. Then head down the street at DAVA to dive into hands-on art projects where kids and adults can craft sugar skulls, flower crowns and keepsakes for the community altar.
Dia de los Muertos Colfax Art Crawl (Nov. 7, 2025)
As you probably know, 40 West Arts District is open on the First Friday of every month from 5–9 p.m. And in November, enjoy more art, more live performances and more hands-on DIY stations to celebrate Dia de los Muertos!
Museum Exhibitions
Back to Top of ListMuseo es tu Casa (thru Sept. 21, 2025)
Museo de las Americas is pleased to announce their Summer pop-up exhibition, Museo es tu Casa. As a community museum that promotes the diverse arts and cultures of Latin America, this exhibition welcomes Hispanic Heritage Month by inviting Latinx and Chicanx artists to engage and explore the concept of hospitality in Latin American culture. Museo will be the host, la casa, the home to the artists and their creations. This project is a platform for reflection, exploration and artistic expression on the concept of hospitality in Latin American culture and the ways in which this hospitality is found in our vocation, our personal journey, family, social structures, history, community, traditions and beyond.
Legacies: Invertebrates of Mexico Exhibit (thru Dec. 31, 2025)
Legacies: Invertebrates of Mexico at Butterfly Pavilion explores these incredible creatures’ influence on Mesoamerican traditions and the vital role invertebrates play in both nature and human history. Included in general admission, this interactive exhibit features fascinating live species like tarantulas, millipedes, leafcutter ants and immersive experiences with lush soundscapes and natural scents to transport visitors into Mexico’s diverse ecosystems.
A Century of Art in Latin America (thru June 15, 2027)
From soaring mountains and scorching deserts to sprawling forests and splendid beaches, Latin America is a vast place. As a concept, it tries to contain cultures and landscapes with millennia of differing histories under one name. Works that artists from Latin America created during the 20th and current 21st century showcase a range of practices as complex as the places they call home. While previous exhibitions have centered around a single art movement, such as Surrealism or Abstraction, A Century of Art in Latin America will offer a broader and more inclusive exploration of the rich and varied artistic trends across the region. This exhibition will encompass an array of styles, time periods, nationalities and mediums, presenting a comprehensive survey of Latin American art throughout the past one hundred years. See it at Denver Art Museum.
Agave: Symbol and Spirit (Sept. 27, 2025–March 22, 2026)
Agave: Symbol and Spirit tells the story of the plant’s many practical and spiritual uses, past and present, revealing its deep roots in Mexican culture. From fiber for clothing, building materials and paper, to fermented drinks for ritual (and recreational) purposes, the many uses of agave span millennia — immerse yourself in the surprising influences of this versatile plant. Artworks in the exhibit are on loan from the Museo de las Americas, Denver. See it at Denver Botanic Gardens.
Xochimilco: Works by Eduardo Robledo Romero (Oct. 11, 2025–March 22, 2026)
Eduardo Robledo Romero’s artworks highlight the complex ties that bind Mexican culture to the natural world through both Indigenous and European beliefs. Robledo’s artworks draw on cultural traditions from his hometown of Xochimilco, Mexico, as well as his own personal experiences to explore the spiritual power of plants, animals and the endless natural cycles of birth and death. See it at Denver Botanic Gardens.
Rosas y Revelaciones (Oct. 16, 2025–Jan. 11, 2026)
Since 1531, the Virgin of Guadalupe has shaped Mexico’s culture and art. Textile artist Linda Hanna commissioned artisans to create garments inspired by their faith. This exhibition highlights Mexico’s rich textile traditions and the Virgin’s enduring influence. See it at Museo de las Americas.
Clay Sculpting: Día de los Muertos (Oct. 25, 2025)
In this class at Denver Art Museum, students will use clay sculpting as a method to (re)connect with the Earth. Focus will be on the Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), with time for exploring one’s own ancestral relationship to cultural holidays. Students will bring their imagination and voice to the medium of clay while learning sculptural techniques. This workshop will begin with gallery visits to view objects in the museum’s collections on display. Following this, students will research, sketch and plan their vision for a Día de los Muertos sculpture and build a paper armature. The remaining time will be spent on working with clay, sculpting and painting.
Arts of the Ancient Americas Galleries
The reinstalled Frederick & Jan Mayer Galleries showcase Denver Art Museum’s renowned Latin American Art and Art of the Ancient Americas collections through a presentation of more than 1,000 rare works that present the expansive history of artistic creation in Latin America. The breadth of these collections, among the most comprehensive in the United States, encompasses 3,500 years of art and culture, revealing trends, relationships and discontinuities between art created in the region.
Ink & Thread
Ancient painter-scribes in Mesoamerica recorded histories, genealogies and prophecies in the pages of painted manuscripts known as codices. Ink & Thread: Codices and the Art of Storytelling at Denver Art Museum explores the visual language of both ancient American codices and contemporary examples by Mexican artist Enrique Chagoya. Like the ancient examples, Chagoya’s codices feature superheroes, offer histories of conquest and survival through a wry, tongue-in-cheek lens. Chagoya’s codices, along with graphic interventions by Eric Garcia, reclaim and amplify this ancient tradition for contemporary audiences. The gallery additionally features the Tillett Tapestry of the Conquest of Mexico by British-American textile designer, Leslie Tillett, a monumental work that replicates scenes from surviving Central Mexican and Maya codices and recounts the Conquest of Mexico. A recent gift of Tillett’s preparatory studies provides rare insight into his extensive research process.
La Misión
This semi-permanent exhibit at Museo de las Americas explores the artwork produced as a result of the Spanish monarchy sending priests (Padres) to convert the indigenous Puebloan residents of the Rio Grande River Valley. Housed in the Tragen Folk Art Gallery, it features roughly 20 unique pieces of art that date from the 17th century to the present and explores the narrative of the peoples living in the Rio Grande River Valley. Featuring artwork from Museo’s private collection, the exhibit examines the visual language unique to the colonial artwork of New Mexico. The gallery has been made reminiscent of a mission church interior, to provide an appropriate space and context for the many Santos, retablos and other artworks in the exhibit.
Borderlands of Southern Colorado
Presented at History Colorado Center in English and Spanish, Borderlands explores the shifting geopolitical history of southern Colorado. This area, framed by mountains and rivers, is naturally conducive to unique and resilient forms of cultural connection. An international border crossed over the people in this region, changing their lives forever, when the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo moved a portion of the U.S.–Mexico border from the Arkansas River — which flows through the middle of Colorado — down to the Rio Grande in 1848.
Food & Drink
Back to Top of ListLuna Lounge (thru Oct. 23, 2025)
Centro Mexican Kitchen in Boulder is excited to introduce Luna Lounge, a Thursday night event from 9–11 p.m. on the patio. Enjoy great food, drinks and a live DJ under the stars. Gather your friends and join us every Thursday for an unforgettable evening.
Sunset & Saffron (Sept. 10, 2025)
Renowned for its sunset views and buzzy rooftop energy, Kisbee on the Roof at the Jacquard Hotel & Rooftop is celebrating golden hour with a Spanish-themed event from 6–9 p.m. — perfectly timed with the Colorado sunsets. Featuring live, open-flame paella cooking on the rooftop, Spanish-inspired tapas and sips and an Ibiza-style DJ set, the event will curate a Spanish coastal atmosphere. Guests can soak up the views and mingle at shared tables throughout the space or reserve a cabana for a more private experience. For general admission to this free event, guests can make a reservation on OpenTable, or if they prefer to celebrate as a group, they can purchase a cabana, also via OpenTable.
Our Mexico (Oct. 20, Nov. 17 & Dec. 15, 2025)
Two Denver chefs have come together to explore and explain one country — their own. Erasmo Casiano, chef and co-owner of Uptown’s Xiquita and Park Hill’s Lucina, and Johnny Curiel of Alma Fonda Fina (as well as Alteño, Cozobi Fonda Fina and Mezcaleria Alma) are hosting a dinner series called Our Mexico, expanding the trendy pop-up concept into an edible odyssey across Mexico’s culinary landscape. Our Mexico is “a celebration of the cultures and traditions through food to show the diversity of what Mexico has to offer and the history behind it all,” Casiano says. The limited-seating dinners are held at Xiquita, and some of them will include local guest chefs adding their personal connections to the menu. On Oct. 20, Manny Barella, Top Chef alum and co-owner of Overland’s Riot BBQ, will present a Monterrey-influenced menu; and on Nov.17, Michelin-starred chef Michael Diaz de Leon (formerly of Brutø and founder of nomadic restaurant concept Pinchi Umami) will showcase Chihuahuan cuisine.
Music, Movies & Live Performances
Back to Top of ListFreddy Rodriguez & the Jazz Connection (Sept. 9, 2025)
Best known for and beloved by Denverites as the house band leader at El Chapultepec, Freddy Sr. was the first musician ever to play jazz there and the last before it shut down in 2020. Celebrate this legendary jazz alto & tenor saxophonist and composer with his son, Freddy Rodriguez Junior, and the Jazz Connection. The show will get you up dancing and singing along! See it at Dazzle.
Sammy Figueroa presents A Tribute to Cal Tjader (Sept. 15, 2025)
Famed percussionist and multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy nominee Sammy Figueroa kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrates KUVO’s Arturo Gómez’s birthday with the cool tropical music of Cal Tjader, offering the shimmering sounds of the vibraphone with swinging Afro-Cuban rhythms. Gathering together some of Denver's greatest jazz players for the occasion, Tjader's music is like a tall, cool tropical drink on a hot summer day. Dancers are welcome! See it at Dazzle.
'Hilos Culturales: Cultural Threads of the San Luis Valley' (Sept. 17, 2025)
Distinguished UNM professor and emeritus of Spanish Enrique Lamadrid will discuss the centuries-old Indio-Hispano musical traditions of the San Luis Valley as highlighted in his book, "Hilos Culturales: Cultural Threads of the San Luis Valley." A book signing will follow the talk. This lecture is part of the 2025–26 Rosenberry Lecture Series. See it at History Colorado Center at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Misturafina (Sept. 17, 2025)
Misturafina is a World jazz band formed in Denver in 2000. Founding member Frank Ayala has been a fixture in the city’s music scene and has entertained audiences for over 40 years. Frank Ayala is very proud to have been inducted into the Chicano Hall of Fame in 2020 for keeping Latin music a vibrant part of the Denver community. He frequently features exotic instruments like the Berimbau, Cuica and Talking Drum, much to the delight of audiences. See it at Dazzle.
La Mezcla (Sept. 20, 2025)
Bringing together tap dance, Son Jarocho (a music and dance tradition from Veracruz, Mexico), Afro-Caribbean rhythms and movement, and live Jazz music, La Mezcla’s repertoire show features excerpts of their award-winning production “Pachuquísmo,” new show “Ghostly Labor,” and company repertoire. Rooted in historical references, activism and polyrhythmic dance arrangements, audience members of all ages will learn about the history of Pachuca culture, while clapping their hands for labor rights. See it at Manos Sagrados in Aurora.
Jon Gonzalez (Sept. 21, 2025)
Jon "Polar Bear" Gonzalez is best known for his White VS Hispanic skits, however, Jon first started doing comedy in July of 2011. What started off as making his family laugh on road trips soon led to him stumbling upon Chris Farley and stand-up comedy, which eventually led to him pursuing a full-time career in stand-up. After getting involved in the local comedy scene in Austin, Jon quickly found success through the release of multiple comedy skits that went viral, receiving millions of views on Facebook and shortly after, TikTok. See it at Comedy Works Bistro.
Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra’s Latin Jazz Ensemble - A Month of Latin Jazz (Sept. 21–Oct. 12, 2025)
In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra’s Latin Jazz Ensemble brings the heat with an exciting series of concerts filled with Brazilian grooves and Central American rhythms. The series features several of the region’s best Latin jazz artists while highlighting the vocal talents of Marion Powers.
- Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. / Muse Performance Space in Lafayette
- Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. / Dazzle Denver
- Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. / The Schoolhouse in Parker
- Oct. 12 at 3 p.m. / Lakewood Cultural Center
Latin Beats: Sonidos de las Américas (Sept. 25, 2025)
The Mexican Cultural Center and the Colorado Symphony present the ninth annual Latin Beats: Sonidos de las Américas. This unique, free concert celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and Latin culture’s influence on sound in the Americas, fusing traditional, classical and contemporary music with the Colorado Symphony’s soaring orchestrations. See it at Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra - Rhythms of South America! (Sept. 28, 2025)
Get ready for a sizzling night of music as the CJRO Latin Jazz Ensemble featuring Marion Powers brings the heat with Brazilian grooves, Central American rhythms and soulful jazz improvisation. Don’t miss this electrifying celebration honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month! See it at Dazzle.
Flamenco Denver: Raices (Sept. 30, 2025)
Flamenco Denver's world-class performance, Raíces, explores and celebrates a vast collection of flamenco styles called palos. Flamenco Denver is joined by world-renowned guest artists from Spain and around the globe. Performing with these artists will be María Vázquez, Flamenco Denver Artistic and Executive Director, and Flamenco Denver dancers Monica McChesney, Mariana Rosario Texera and Erika Sandre. See it at the Robert & Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts.
The Orchestrator (Oct. 18, 2025)
The Orchestrator is a genre-defying saxophonist and creative visionary rooted in Denver, Colorado, originally hailing from Brazil. Fusing jazz, bossa nova, lofi and cinematic flair, The Orchestrator is on a mission to reclaim musical spaces from excessive corporate influence and build community through authentic, soul-stirring performance. His immersive live sets feature improvisational saxophone layered with lush textures and deep basslines—an organic counterpoint to the algorithmic world of AI-generated music. See it at Dazzle.
Youth Events
Back to Top of ListThe Creative Spirit - Discovery Concert (Nov. 13, 2025)
Right between Halloween and the winter holidays comes a musical ghost story that will spark imaginations and stir hearts. This fast-paced, interactive concert experience is designed especially for kids. When a ghostly composer returns on Día de los Muertos to finish his final masterpiece, he’ll need help from his old friend Sunny, a live orchestra and a room full of young creative minds. With laughter, rhythm and a little toilet paper magic, this original musical adventure explores collaboration, memory and the music we carry with us. See it at the Legacy Campus Theater in Parker.
Latin Dancing Year-Round
Back to Top of ListDance Clubs
Colorado New Style Dance specializes in Latin dance and offers a wide variety of classes for adults and kids. Various levels of salsa, bachata, capoeira and other classes are available. Also on the list are bachata dancing with lessons on Tuesdays and Latin Dance Parties on Thursdays at Blue Ice Lounge. More salsa and bachata lessons take place at La Rumba on Thursdays through Sundays.
Radio Shows
Looking to hear the best of new and classic Latin American music? Tune in every Sunday to KUVO JAZZ (89.3 FM) at 4 p.m. for Super Sonido with La Molly. The show highlights various Latin American genres, many of which are not well-known in the U.S., as well as local Latino musicians who deserve to be on your playlist. Hosted by the multi-talented DJ La Molly, who is also the co-founder of the Latino arts collective Ciudad Reina, the show is enormously popular with Denver’s Latino community. You can listen to archived shows on KUVO’s website.