Santa Monica commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month 2026
September 9, 2026 1:49 PM
by City of Santa Monica
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Latino/Latinx and Hispanic communities.
On Sept. 8, the City Council, in partnership with The Mexican Presence in Santa Monica Project Committee, proclaimed Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 Hispanic Heritage Month in Santa Monica, in keeping with the national observance. Watch the Proclamation here.
The Mexican Presence in Santa Monica Project is a new library digital collection that documents the cultural history, genealogy, and influence of the Mexican-American families in Santa Monica.
The city will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with fun and educational activities hosted by the Santa Monica Public Library, as well as an event made possible by the upcoming Ocean Way Festival.
The Library has also compiled Hispanic Heritage Month reading lists for kids, middle grades, teens, adults, and books in Spanish, and will have book displays at the Library’s locations.
Check out these upcoming events, and please check back throughout the month for any updates:
Dance with Baila Baila!
Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m. - Noon | Main Library, Central Courtyard
Join Isabel Brazon and Baila Baila for an afternoon of fun interactive performances! Through music, Isabel Brazon teaches Spanish to children with engaging original songs inspired by her Hispanic Heritage. For families.
Hispanic Heritage Month: Mexican Ballet Folklórico
Saturday, Sept. 19, Noon - 2 p.m. | Pico Branch, The Annex & Amphitheater
Experience the vibrant spirit of Mexican cultural traditions from Chiapas to Norte! In this interactive workshop Dancer Manuel Fonseca will perform and teach participants folklórico dance and musician Jorge Herrera will showcase Mexican folk music and instruments.
dublab Open Air: Dancefloor Vibes with Spiñorita, GANAS, & ANTHNY GBRIEL
Friday, Sept. 25, 5 – 9 p.m. | Christine Emerson Reed Park
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, dublab brings Spiñorita, GANAS, and ANTHNY GBRIEL together for a free open-air dance party. Expect house, reggaetón, cumbia, hip-hop, R&B, bass, and body-moving grooves til the sun goes down.
This community benefit is made possible by Ocean Way Festival, in partnership with the city of Santa Monica.
Cuentos para pequeños
Lunes, 28 de septiembre | 10:30 a.m. | Fairview Branch, Community Room
Jueves, 8 de octubre | 10:30 a.m. | Pico Branch, The Annex
Disfrute de cuentos, rimas, y canciones en español. Para edades de 2 a 5 años.
Quetzal Beats: Incantations of the Isthmus – Trip Hop, House and Home(s) Across América Central
Thursday, Oct. 1, 6 - 7 p.m. | Main Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium
Join Quetzal Beats for a bilingual trip-hop performance weaving poetry, music, movement, and storytelling. Centered on a poem and collage work by Pau Ix Xofi, the performance explores Central American world-making and the lived experiences of women and femes.
Libros Con Amigos Bilingual Storytime
Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m. - Noon | Pico Branch, The Annex
Join the Library for a morning of fun rhymes, songs, and stories performed in both English and Spanish! Storytime will be followed up with “Family Conversation Time.” Limited space. First come, first served. For ages walking to 3 years.
“Fix-It Familia” Storytime
Friday, Oct. 9, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Pico Branch, The Annex
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and enjoy a special storytime featuring Lucky Diaz’s “Fix-It Familia,” followed by a craft inspired by the book. For ages 5 - 11.
Authored By
City of Santa Monica