San Antonio’s deep Hispanic roots are always on display, but National Hispanic Heritage Month offers even more reasons to celebrate the people and traditions that helped shape the Alamo City. Running Sept. 15-Oct. 15, the monthlong observance brings a packed calendar of live music, dance, art exhibitions, films and cultural gatherings to venues across town. From mariachi and ballet folklórico to outdoor movies and community festivals, these events offer plenty of ways to experience the sights, sounds and stories of San Antonio’s Hispanic heritage.
Hispanic Heroes on the River Walk
The River Walk has become a citywide gallery in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The “Hispanic Heroes” installation returns with six new portraits to commemorate local music legends. The project expands “The Sounds of San Anto,” an oral history archive of the city’s musical lineage. Free, Sept. 15-30, River Walk, (210) 227-4262, thesanantonioriverwalk.com.
Celebrando Tradiciones: Corazón y Raíz
In honor of its 35th anniversary, the Guadalupe Dance Company is presenting “Celebrando Tradiciones: Corazón y Raíz,” a ballet folklórico performance. The two-night event, hosted at the Carver Community Cultural Center, blends traditional Mexican dress and choreography with live music and cultural storytelling. Tickets are available through the Caver box office or on Ticketmaster. Prices vary, 7:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday, Sept. 17-18, Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry, (210) 207-7211, guadalupeculturalarts.org.
Outdoor Family Film Series: La Bamba and Selena
Mission Marquee Plaza will screen La Bamba on Friday, Sept. 17, and Selena on Sunday, Sept. 19, as part of the World Heritage Office’s outdoor film series. The films celebrate two iconic Latinx musicians, ’50s rocker Ritchie Valens and Tejano queen Selena Quintanilla. Free, 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 17 and Sunday, 19, Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave., (210) 207‑2111, missionmarqueeplaza.com.
Diez y Seis Charreada
The San Antonio Charro Association’s annual “Diez y Seis Charreada” is an equestrian extravaganza featuring roping and riding — charro skills rooted in Mexican and Tex-Mex ranching culture. The charreada is one of the most historically significant traditions of the Fiestas Patrias, and is also a rare chance to see competitive charro teams in action. $25 and free for children under 12, 3 p.m., Sept. 19, 6126 Padre Drive, (210) 627-1006, getcreativesanantonio.com.
From Argentine to American: A Progressive Dance Experience
The San Antonio Public Library’s “Progressive Dance Experience” runs Sept. 19-26 and explores Argentine and American dance traditions through a variety of workshops, demonstrations and community participation. The program rounds out SAPL’s broader Hispanic Heritage Month lineup, which includes oral‑history workshops, music panels, movie screenings and literary events. Free, noon, Sept. 19-26, 600 Soledad St., (210) 207‑2500, mysapl.org.
San Antonio Parks & Recreation Hispanic Heritage Month Art Program
The Parks & Recreation Department hosts is annual “Hispanic Heritage Art Program” across participating community centers. Activities combine bilingual nature programming and workshops to educate children about Hispanic cultures, with each week centered on a culturally significant art form. Free, times vary, Sept. 21-Oct. 16, Multiple community centers, (210) 207‑3000, sa.gov/parks.
MujerArtes 31st Anniversary Exhibit and Sale
The Esperanza Peace & Justice Center’s MujerArtes clay cooperative is celebrating its 31st anniversary with an exhibit and sale showcasing handmade works by Latina artists. The cooperative is a long-running space for cultural expression, community building and economic empowerment through traditional and contemporary clay practices. Free, 7-9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 26, 922 San Pedro Ave., (210) 228‑0201, esperanzacenter.org.
Alejandro Meola at Market Square
Argentine American guitarist and songwriter Alejandro Meola will perform two free sets at Market Square for San Antonio’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. His music is a bilingual fusion of Latin music, rock, blues, folk and other world sounds. Meola will debut his new single “Viejo Teléfono” and revisit hit songs from his catalog, including “LUX,” “La Inmigración,” “Tiempos Difíciles” and “Gente Rota.” Free, 2 p.m. (Farmers Market Stage), 4 p.m. (Main Stage), Saturday, Oct. 3, 514 W. Commerce St., (210) 207‑8600, alejandromeola.com.
Arneson River Theatre Mariachi Festival
The Arneson River Theatre will host this year’s Mariachi Festival, presented by LULAC Council 4947. The riverside stage will offer a dramatic setting for mariachi ensembles to perform a variety of traditional and contemporary works. Free, 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, 418 Villita St., (210) 207-8600, getcreativesanantonio.com.
9th Annual Fiesta Alegria
Avenida Guadalupe Association’s “Fiesta Alegria” brings community and culture together at the Plaza Guadalupe for the official closing event of San Antonio’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. The free gathering will include performances by local artists, wrestling, vendors and family activities. Free, 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, 1327 Guadalupe St., (210) 271‑3247, avenida.org.
“Mercado/Material” Opening Reception
Centro de Artes is celebrating its 10th anniversary with “Mercado/Material,” an exhibition featuring Latinx material culture and contemporary art. The opening reception includes curator remarks, artist meet‑and‑greets and extended gallery hours. Free, 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15, 101 S. Santa Rosa Ave., (210) 207‑1436, saarts.org.