Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the Bay Area

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Fiesta de la Americas. Photo courtesy of Calle 24 Latino Cultural District.

National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, providing a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. From Spain and Mexico to the Caribbean and Central and South America, there are countless stories and traditions to explore. You might sample delicious food at a festival, try a hands-on art project at the library, shop local vendors in a lively market and so much more. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up BARTable events and dining spots to enjoy throughout the Bay Area this Hispanic Heritage Month.

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

San Francisco

Discover beautiful public art this Hispanic Heritage Month in the Mission. Photo courtesy of San Francisco City Guides. 

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in San Francisco

Hispanic Heritage Month is here, and San Francisco is a fantastic place to celebrate. Take your pick of one (or more) of the many events happening throughout the city. The Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, established in 1977, hosts a variety of things to do. They’re kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 13 with Noche Mexicano just steps from 24th St Mission, where you’ll find live performances, tasty bites, vendors, art exhibits and even a Rebozo contest.

Also on Sept. 13, join the annual Fiesta de la Americas in the heart of the Mission, specifically in the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District (24th St. from Folsom St. to Bryant St.). Here, you can honor and enjoy Latino culture, music and art at this free family-friendly happening. 

Then, on Sept. 15, head to Civic Center Plaza for the free annual El Grito de Dolores celebration with the Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco, Marco A. Mena. On Sept. 18, don’t miss Immigration: Changing the Narrative, an insightful panel discussion on immigration featuring prominent speakers from the Hispanic community, followed by a reception at Glide's Center for Social Justice (0.3 miles from Powell St). On Sept. 20, check out the first-of-its-kind Lowrider Parade on Mission St. (between Cesar Chavez and 17th St.), showcasing the best lowriders from across the USA as part of San Francisco’s official national Latino Heritage Month.

The San Francisco Public Library’s current “¡VIVA!: A Celebration of Latinx Cultures and Traditions“ exhibit showcases the work of Antonio and Geny Mejia in “Living Tattoo Traditions: American Irezumi and Beyond." Expect a celebration of tattoos through photographs, interviews and artwork. You can discover more about Latinx heritages and traditions through various programs for all ages at BARTable libraries throughout the city.

Another fantastic activity 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 art and the uprising of graffiti artists. SF City Guides offer free tours to see and learn more about these amazing works.

La Taqueria serves some of the best burritos in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of The Infatuation. 

Places to eat during Hispanic Heritage Month

San Francisco is home to so many fantastic Hispanic and Latino restaurants. While it’s impossible to list them all, BART riders can find quite a few excellent options near 24th 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 located in the Castro neighborhood (0.8 miles from the 16th St Mission) and offers outstanding Spanish cuisine, an extensive wine list, and a cozy, romantic atmosphere. For a special occasion meal, try Californios. With two Michelin stars, Californios offers contemporary Mexican cuisine in a luxurious space.

East Bay

Kids will love all the Hispanic Heritage Month events at Children's Fairyland. Photo courtesy of Children's Fairyland. 

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. Learn about Hispanic crafting and cooking at the Oakland Public Library, attend exhibits and celebrations at the Berkeley Public Library and master how to make corn husk dolls at the Union City Library.

Another excellent Hispanic Heritage Month celebration for families is at Children’s Fairyland. Here, all ages can experience everything from Cuicacalli Ballet Folklorico to a Guatemalan Worry Doll Workshop and Aguacero Puerto Rican Bomba Music and Dance.

Grown-ups, don’t miss your chance to salsa dance on Sept. 18 at Sunsets on the Terrace. You'll love the high-energy beats by DJ JuanLove and DJ Leydis, and you can learn some new moves to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.  

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, including 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.

For tasty eats and a lively atmosphere, head to Parche. Photo courtesy of Parche. 

Places to eat during Hispanic Heritage Month

In Oakland alone, there are over 70 Latin American restaurants ranging from Mexican and Salvadoran to Cuban and Peruvian. A few of our favorites include Agave Uptown (0.5 miles from 12th St/Oakland City Center), offering authentic Oaxacan cuisine; Platano (0.9 miles from Downtown Berkeley and 0.4 miles from Fruitvale), serving Salvadoran food; and Tacos Oscar (0.3 miles from MacArthur), a Bib Gourmand-recognized spot that offers gluten-free and vegan options.

For a festive atmosphere with lively Latin music and colorful décor, head to Parche (0.2 miles from 19th St/Oakland). This contemporary Colombian 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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