The fall festival season in Little Rock explodes next weekend with the opportunity to explore the vibrant celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month. According to Census.gov in 1968 Congress initially set aside a week for celebrations, but decades later, the celebration was expanded to a month to be celebrated from September 15 to October 15 every year. The month is intended to celebrate the contributions of Americans of all shades who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean.
Celebrations in Central Arkansas kick off on Saturday, September 16th at 10 a.m. at Argenta Plaza in North Little Rock. The city announced its partnership with Seis Puentes Hispanic Outreach back in August. The festival is free to the public but offers the opportunity to purchase food and handmade items from local vendors like Kaluas Paleteria y Botanas.
Foodies are encouraged to attend; you don’t want to miss the salsa contest that guests can participate in. For just $10, attendees can sample local salsas and vote for their favorite.
The family-friendly event also features kid’s activities and live entertainment by Los Sierreños and Ballet Quetzalli. There will also be a salsa contest that guests can participate in for $10 where they will get to sample local salsas and vote for their favorite. Add the event to your Facebook calendar here.
The party continues on Saturday night on the other side of the Arkansas River. Community gathering place Plaza Frida hosts its third annual Hispanic Heritage Festival in Southwest Little Rock. The celebration there kicks off at 5 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. Organizers promise a night of entertainment, food, dancing, vendors, kid’s activities, and more, all in a celebration of Independence for the 9 Latin American countries that celebrate in September. For more information, click here.
Rounding out the trio of revelries is Fiesta en SoMA. All roads lead to downtown Little Rock’s Soma community on October 6 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Little Rock Soiree reports that the first iteration of the festival will provide a passport to explore the traditions, customs, and flavors of nations like Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Attendees can expect dancing, live music, art displays, food vendors, and activities for kids. If you’re interested in sponsorship, vendor opportunities or simply want to volunteer, you can learn more here.
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