Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept 15-Oct 15. Here's how to celebrate locally
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One of the many vibrant murals in San Francisco's Mission District. Image courtesy of the City and County of San Francisco.
Each year, from Sept 15 to Oct 15, we observe National Hispanic Heritage Month. During this time, we celebrate the immense contributions, histories and cultures of Americans whose ancestors came from Latin countries.
Across the Bay Area, generations of Hispanic and Latino Americans have influenced and enriched our region. This month is the perfect time to seek out art, shops and restaurants that support our Hispanic and Latino neighbors. We’ve pulled together a sampling of ways you can experience, show support and learn more about the celebration.
Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.
Things to do
Latin and Hispanic Heritage Night with the Oakland Athletic's | Coliseum
On Sept 16 grab seats to the Athletics game to celebrate Latin and Hispanic culture. Don't forget to grab your pair of commemorative socks at the entrance gate and use our BARTable guide, take BART to the game, to plan your trip.
Fairyland’s Latinx Heritage Celebration | 19th St/Oakland
Join Children's Fairyland on Sept 30 and Oct 1 for a vibrant, uplifting and inspired weekend of family fun honoring the heritages and cultures within the Latinx community. Enjoy two full days of programming that includes live Brazilian music, story reading, crafts and more. Take BART to 19th St/Oakland and find Fairyland 0.6 miles away at 699 Bellevue Ave.
Mission Mural Tour | 24th St Mission
San Francisco has a long history of public art, and the city’s Mission District offers a spectacular array of street art to view, contemplate and discuss. The murals of the Mission are a mashup of early 20th-century Mexican muralists, 1930s-era Works Projects Administration art and the uprising of graffiti artists who were influenced by the emerging graphic comics genre, among others. Sign up for a free tour with SF City Guides then take BART to 24th St Mission to the meeting spot at 3202 Folsom St.
Take a tour to visit the murals in the Mission District. Photo courtesy of Fotos by Flee.
Markets to Shop
Fruitvale Public Market | Fruitvale
This indoor-outdoor market supports nearly a dozen small Latinx and multicultural-owned businesses that add a colorful array of goods and services to the Fruitvale community and East Bay. Showcasing Latin American flavors and colors through representative arts, crafts and ethnic foods in the heart of Oakland’s Latino District, the market is considered one of the best-kept secrets in the East Bay. Take BART to Fruitvale and head 500 feet to 3340 E. 12th St.
El Rancho Supermercado | Castro Valley Station
A full-service Latino Market in Castro Valley, El Rancho Supermercado specializes in Mexican and Central American products. They offer a butcher shop, produce department, taqueria, and grocery section with the mission to serve the community with the highest quality ingredients. Family-owned and dedicated to serving the community's needs, El Rancho Supermercado is a staple in Castro Valley. Take BART to Castro Valley Station and stroll 0.7 miles to 22291 Redwood Rd.
There are wonderful options across the region to discover good food and drink. Photos courtesy of Yelp.Good eats to discover
El Nuevo Frutilandia | 24th St Mission
Located on 24th St in San Francisco's Mission District, this small, family-owned restaurant has been serving delicious homestyle Cuban and Puerto Rican comfort food for 55 years -- let them transport you to the islands that split the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea. ¡Buen Provecho! Take BART to 24th St Mission then travel 0.3 miles to 3077 24th St.
Agave | 19th St/Oakland
With an authentic Oaxacan-style menu from a Oaxaca native and chef-owner, this kitchen kicks out endless orders of chips and salsa, ceviche, enchiladas, tacos and empanadas, as well as less common house specialties like the tlayuda (a Oaxacan pizza topped with black beans, cabbage, quesillo cheese and avocado) and molotes (tiny fried triangles of masa stuffed with chorizo and potato and served in cabbage leaves along with queso fresco and black bean paste). With original cocktails and more than 30 types of mezcal divided into nearly a dozen categories, this is a must-try spot. Mezcal and mole, Oaxaca and Oakland. Find them all at Agave. Take BART to 19th St/Oakland and go 900 feet to 2135 Franklin St.
Don't miss Café de Olla's delicious tacos. Image courtesy of Yelp.Café de Olla | 24th St Mission
Café de Olla was born in 2019 when two friends decided to unite their passion for food with the love of their home country of Mexico. Specializing in Oaxacan dishes passed down from family recipes, they strive to bring an authentic, yet affordable, dining experience to the Mission community where you can also find both tamales and coffee beans to go. Take BART to 24th St Mission then go 0.5 miles to 2301 Mission St for delicious eats!
Carmelita’s Taqueria | Union City Station
There’s not a lot of fanfare at this hidden gem, but once you find it, you’ll most certainly want to return. With a wide array of menu options, from the chile relleno burrito to street tacos and more, owner-operated Carmelita’s Taqueria is sure to please. Take BART to Union City Station and traipse 0.4 miles down to 34704 Alvarado-Niles Rd.
The shrimp is a standout on Loló's delicious menu. Image courtesy of Yelp. Loló | 16th St Mission
Loló is a family-owned restaurant that offers nontraditional and uniquely inspired Mexican food, utilizing local ingredients to create Jaliscan Californian-inspired cuisine. Through the use of color, music and great food, coupled with the vision of one of Mexico’s most creative designers, Loló invites people to experience Mexican culture and cuisine, reimagined. Take BART to 16th St Mission and go 0.6 miles to 974 Valencia St.
Casa Latina Restaurant | North Berkeley
Casa Latina Restaurant is known for not just their carne asada burritos but also their bakery. Order ahead to pick up or drop in to grab their colorful and delicious pan dulce. They also offer pupusas, a thick griddlecake or flatbread from El Salvador or Honduras, paired with plantains and beans. Take BART to North Berkeley and head 0.6 miles to 1805 San Pablo Ave.
