Celebrate Latinx Month with Cultural Celebrations + Events

National Hispanic Heritage Month, or Latinx Month, is underway. Celebrated from Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 each year, the month is a chance to honor the contributions of Latinx Americans. In Greater Des Moines (DSM), there are numerous celebrations and events in which to support the Latinx community during this time.

Latinx Celebrations + Events

Kick off festivities by attending Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival. In 2022, the event presents “A Taste of Latin America” on Saturday, Sept. 24 and Sunday, Sept. 25 in Western Gateway Park. The event lineup includes dancers and live music, salsa lessons and more. See a preview of the event below:

 

On Thursday, Sept. 29, the Clive Latino Heritage Festival will take place from 6 – 8 p.m. at Linnan Park in Clive. The event, hosted by Clive Public Library, Clive History Museum and Pro Iowa, is open to all and will include dancing, food, sports activities and more. Also on the 29th, at 7:30 p.m., see master Latin percussionist, Ed East, for ¡Viva la Cultura Hispana! at the Patty and Fred Turner Jazz Center at Drake University. On Saturday, Oct. 22, the Latino Political Network will host Latino Voices Together from 5 – 7 p.m. at The Glass Box. The event welcomes Marco Davis to the annual gathering and will include drinks and appetizers. Tickets must be purchased to the semi-formal event. The Iowa Commission of Latino Affairs, Latino Service Providers Coalition and Hola Center will host the Iowa Latino Gala on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 5:30 – 9 p.m. at the Des Moines Heritage Center. The event will benefit the Hola Center and will include food and drinks, a silent auction and dancing.

You can also celebrate with Latinx-focused nightlife in DSM over the course of the month by attending events including Salsa Night Saturdays at Senor Tequilas (multiple dates), Latin Night with Son Peruchos at Noce (Friday, Sept. 30) and free salsa lessons at Nightingale Cocktail (Thursday, Sept. 29; Friday, Sept. 30; Thursday, Oct. 6; Friday, Oct. 7).

In addition to the events listed above, Des Moines Public Library will hold a Latin American Country Scavenger Hunt each week so that children can learn about all 33 Latin American countries during the course of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses or events specific to Downtown DSM.

Greater Des Moines (DSM) welcomes diverse talent to the region. As one of the fastest growing business communities, inclusion and attracting diverse talent in the workplace is a key strategy of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Learn more here.