Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with BARTable

Mural on the Women's Building in the Mission District. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Travel. 

National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. It’s the perfect time of year to shine a spotlight on the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. There are so many ways to celebrate, honor, and learn more about those with ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. You can try a new art project at the public library, witness a Flamenco show, savor flavorful food, peruse a market, and so much more. To help you get started this Hispanic Heritage Month, we've compiled a list of BARTable things to do and places to eat. Hop on BART and explore the best the Bay has to offer.

 Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

Murals in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Precita Eyes Muralist.

San Francisco

How to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in SF

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in San Francisco. Attend one of the many events at the Mission Cultural Center for the Arts. Established in 1977 to promote, preserve and develop art from Chicano, Caribbean, Central and South American people, this organization is kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month early on September 14 with Noche Mexicano, just 486 feet from 24^th St Mission. There’ll be food, drinks, live entertainment, vendors, an art exhibit and a Reboso contest. Plus, a group exhibit of over twenty Latino artists will run until Oct. 12.

More fun ways to celebrate include Medicine for Nightmares, Flamenco dancing and public library events. Medicine for Nightmares has a busy calendar of events, like a monthly Latinx reading series, live music, film screenings and more. The Theatre Flamenco is celebrating with festive performances and the San Francisco Public Library’s ¡VIVA! A Celebration of Latinx Cultures and Traditions is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Latinx heritages and traditions with various programs for all ages, like Spanish/bilingual story times, cooking classes, author talks and art and cultural presentations.

One of the best things to do in San Francisco during Hispanic Heritage Month is to explore San Francisco's Mission District. Here, you can find stunning murals, including a combination of early 20th-century Mexican muralists, 1930s-era Works Projects Administration art and the uprising of graffiti artists. Sign up for a free tour of the neighborhood's public art with SF City Guides or join longtime Mission District resident and Precita Eyes muralist Patricia Rose as she shares local stories and history about the neighborhood’s colorful pieces during a guided tour.

On Sept. 21, head to the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District (24^th St. from Folsom St. to Bryant St.) for the Fiesta de la Americas, a family-friendly event with live music, local vendors and plenty of tasty eats. On Sept. 26, don’t miss Glide’s Center for Social Justice event (0.3 miles from Powell St) with iconic American Labor Leader and Civil Rights Activist Dolores Huerta. She’ll chat about her challenges, achievements and contributions and future of the Latinx/immigrant communities.

Also, Film SF is hosting a series of free film screenings spotlighting local talent from the San Francisco Bay Area’s Latinx community. Films will be screened throughout September and October near BART at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the only airport in the country with an accredited museum and film program, learn more about SFO Video Arts here.

Canela Bistro & Wine Bar. Photos courtesy of Canela Bistro & Wine Bar.

Places to eat during Hispanic Heritage Month

San Francisco is loaded with fantastic Hispanic and Latino restaurants. While it’s impossible to list them all, BART riders can find quite a few excellent options near 24^th St Mission, like La Taqueria, Loló, Taqueria Vallarta, Tio Chilo’s Grill, and El Nuevo Frutilandia, to name a few.

For the perfect date-night destination, try Canela Bistro & Wine Bar. This restaurant is in the Castro neighborhood (0.8 miles from 16^th St Mission) and has outstanding Spanish cuisine, an extensive wine list and a cozy, romantic atmosphere. For a special occasion, try Californios. With two Michelin stars, Californios offers contemporary Mexican cuisine in a luxurious space.

Colorful papel picado at the Berkeley Public Library. Photo courtesy of Berkeley Public Library. 

East Bay

How to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the East Bay

From library storytimes to music, art and markets, there is so much to explore throughout Hispanic Heritage Month in the East Bay. Families with young ones should take advantage of free festivities through the public libraries. Head to Castro Valley Library on Sept. 14 (0.4 miles from Castro Valley Station) to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month early with local author Michael Genhart as he shares his book "Spanish is the Language of My Family." A mariachi performance from Mariachi Voces Del Valle will immediately follow.

Then on Oct. 5, families can make papel picado, a traditional Mexican craft made out of colorful paper, in the Central Children's Room at the Berkeley Public Library (0.2 miles from Downtown Berkeley). The self-led activity is fun for the entire family. Bring your crafts home to decorate your favorite room, or donate them to the library to adorn their walls.

Music lovers head to Lila Downs' Dia de los Muertos: La Sanchez at The Paramount Theatre (341 feet from 19th St/Oakland) on Oct. 12. This special night with the GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY award-winning vocalist celebrates Día de los Muertos and her latest album, "La Sánchez." It will include folklorico dancing, a mariachi band and more.

BART riders can also head to the heart of Oakland’s Latino district to explore the Fruitvale Public Market (500 feet from Fruitvale). This 7,000 square-foot indoor/outdoor market supports local Latinx and multicultural-owned businesses, offering a wide variety of items, like unique jewelry, fresh flowers, imported crafts, local art, flavorful food and more.

Similarly, the family-owned El Rancho Supermercado (0.7 miles from Castro Valley Station) is a full-service Latino Market specializing in Mexican and Central American products. Expect a butcher shop, produce department, taqueria and grocery section.

A delicious dish at Agave Uptown. Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland. 

Places to eat during Hispanic Heritage Month

The East Bay is bursting with flavor. In Oakland alone, you can enjoy over 80 Latin American Restaurants ranging from Mexican to Salvadoran to Cuban and Peruvian. A few of our favorites include Agave Uptown (0.5 miles from 12^th St/Oakland City Center for authentic Oaxacan cuisine, Platano (0.9 miles from Downtown Berkeley and 0.4 miles from Fruitvale) for Salvadoran food and the Bib Gourmand-recognized Tacos Oscar (0.3 miles from MacArthur) for gluten-free and vegan options.

For a festive atmosphere with lively Latin music and colorful décor, head to Parche (0.2 miles from 19^th St/Oakland). This contemporary Columbian restaurant is charming, and the dishes are delicious.

Love tequila? You'll delight at the Bib Gourmand-recognized Comal (0.1 miles from Downtown Berkeley). With bold Mexican flavors and an extensive tequila and mezcal selection, this industrial-chic restaurant is the perfect treat.

How are you celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month?

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