25 Ways to Eat, Dance and Celebrate Your Way Through Hispanic Heritage Month in South Florida

Hispanic Heritage Month offers a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate the diverse Hispanic cultures that help make South Florida such a melting pot. Whether you’re enjoying traditional foods, attending a festival or engaging with the arts, there’s no shortage of ways to honor the contributions of Hispanic communities during Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond.

Attend Cultural Festivals

South Florida is known for its lively festivals, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month. Starting well before September, events like the Calle Ocho Festival in Little Havana, which is typically held in March, bring the streets to life with Cuban music, dancing, food and art. The festival was started by immigrants in 1978 and has been a staple event every year since.

This month, those a little farther north can enjoy a day of fun at Oakland Park’s Latin Fest at Jaco Pastorius Park. On September 20 from 6pm to 10pm, attendees can enjoy this free, family-friendly event celebrating Latin culture with live music by Catabela Music, food trucks, cash bars and a children’s area. 

For those venturing to Miami, check out the Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) on October 12 for free art activities, exhibitions, and family-friendly events as part of their Free Second Saturdays series. 2024 highlights are set to include creating art inspired by Cecilia Vicuña’s sculpture, an interactive finger weaving experience, a storytime session, and exploring diverse art collections, all while enjoying the museum’s waterfront terrace. 

Explore Latin American Cuisine

Take a culinary tour through South Florida’s diverse Hispanic communities by exploring the region’s Latin American restaurants. From authentic Cuban sandwiches to Central American flavors, the options are endless. Consider visiting El Bayu De Wela Sara in Hollywood for a taste of savory Puerto Rican mofongo. 

Venture to Little Havana for Versailles, considered the world’s most famous Cuban restaurant, or enjoy the old-school Cuban vibes and award-winning cocktails at Café La Trova in the Calle Ocho neighborhood, ranked the 24th best bar in the world, along with their succulent pork dishes. 

In Miami Gardens, patrons of Yarumba Restaurant & Lounge enjoy traditional and innovative Dominican cuisine like stew chicken croquettes, stuffed tostones, a surf and turf mofongo, pechuga and more. 

If you have a sweet tooth, stop by Azucar Ice Cream Company, also in Little Havana, to indulge in Cuban-inspired flavors like café con leche, rum cake and plátano maduro. 

Not set on going out? Cook your own Latin-Caribbean cuisine! From Cuban Rabo Encendido to Puerto Rican Alcapurrias, these authentic recipes are perfect for any occasion. Learn a little bit about the culture of each of the Latin Caribbean islands as you dive into their culinary landscape.

Visit Cultural Museums

South Florida boasts several museums dedicated to preserving and showcasing Hispanic culture. The American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora in Miami offers a deep dive into Cuban art, history, and culture, while the HistoryMiami Museum provides exhibits and curated events on the impact of Hispanic communities in shaping Miami’s identity. This year, their Little Havana History and Culture Walk through the area’s Cuban neighborhoods will take place on September 28.

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) frequently features works by Latin American artists, making it a great spot to explore contemporary Hispanic art, and Island SPACE Caribbean Museum often puts on a ton of great events and rotating exhibitions during Hispanic Heritage Month. This year, the museum is putting together a new exhibit, “Movements del Corazón: A Hispanic Heritage Art Exhibit,” featuring artists Lifrancis Rojas, Laelanie Larach and Reyna Noriega, with an Artist Reception on September 13.

Also on September 13, Gasper Arts Center in Dania Beach will host a free gallery exhibition featuring works by artists like Juan Sebastian Restrepo and Andreina Rodriguez. History Fort Lauderdale is also set to present its third annual “Viva Fort Lauderdale: Celebrating Hispanic Art & Culture” exhibit, showcasing works from local Latin artists from September 19 to October 15, with a free artist meet-and-greet reception on September 19 at the New River Inn.

Attend a Concert or Performance

Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to catch live performances by Latin music and dance groups. Venues like the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts often host special concerts featuring genres such as salsa, merengue and reggaeton, as well as theater performances and events. You can also enjoy flamenco night at the Cava Restaurant in Miami, Latin Thursdays at the Casino @ Dania Beach or immerse yourself in Afro-Cuban rhythms at Ball & Chain in Little Havana.

Participate in Community Events

Many local organizations and community centers host events that celebrate Hispanic heritage during this month. These include educational talks, book readings, and family-friendly activities. The Miami-Dade Public Library System often organizes storytelling sessions and workshops focused on Hispanic culture. The North Miami Beach Library is also hosting a free art and culture fair on September 13. 

In Fort Lauderdale, Victory Black Box Theatre is hosting “¡Viva la Cultura!” Adult Game Night at the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center on September 19, offering an exciting evening of Hispanic cultural celebration with games like dominos and trivia, along with delicious tacos and refreshments. Later in the month, on October 3, the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center is gearing up for an evening of celebration and networking with Monica Cepero, Broward County’s first Hispanic female CEO, while exploring the rich culture of South Florida’s Hispanic community through sights, sounds and flavors. 

Outside of this, various municipalities are hosting their own city-wide Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. In Miramar, head to the Latin Music Festival 2024, held on September 21, for a night of free live music from talented Hispanic artists. Later, explore unique, culturally inspired handmade creations from talented local artisans at the Miramar Library with their Hispanic Heritage Month Local Arts and Craft Vendor Sale on October 5. 

There’s no shortage of ways to honor the contributions of Hispanic communities in this culturally rich region. So, mark your calendar and get ready to explore the celebrations — you’re sure to find something that resonates with you!