Fiesta Time! 5 Great Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Week in the Twin Cities

Want to experience a whole new culture without leaving the Twin Cities? Take part in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and gain a new appreciation of their proud history and traditions.

What Is Hispanic Heritage Month?

In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson initiated Hispanic Heritage Week to recognize the culture and contributions of Americans with ancestors hailing from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Twenty years later, President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to one month, from September 15 through October 15.

Hispanic Heritage Month Activities

1. CLUES Gala Latina
Minneapolis Hilton Hotel
1001 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis
651.379.4204
19.4 miles from Springs at Apple Valley

The festive event begins with a reception and silent auction, followed by a gourmet Latino-inspired dinner. Afterwards there will be a program recognizing local Latino leadership, wrapping up with live music and dancing. The gala takes place Thursday, October 5 from 5 – 10:30 p.m. and tickets are $125.

2. Boca Chica Restaurante
11 Cesar Chavez St, Saint Paul
651.222.8499
20.3 miles from Springs at Apple Valley

Established in 1964, Boca Chica is the oldest Mexican restaurant in the Twin Cities. The family-owned restaurant contributes to maintaining the local cultural heritage with features such as the beautiful murals that cover the dining room walls. Listen to the mariachi band as you enjoy a dinner of traditional family-recipe dishes. Boca Chica is open for lunch and dinner daily.

3. Parkway Theater
4814 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis
612.822.3030
14.2 miles from Springs at Apple Valley

Looking for an unconventional way to celebrate? Take in some Hispanic pop culture at a screening of El Dia de la Bestia (The Day of the Beast) at the Parkway Theater. This horror-comedy hybrid from Spanish cult director Alex de la Iglesia tells the story of an unlikely trio out to prevent the end of the world. Dine on Margaritas and carry-out from Pepitos, a Mexican restaurant next door. Showtime is 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 5 and admission is $10.

4. Barrio
925 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
612.333.9953
20.2 miles from Springs at Egan Drive

A refreshing Margarita is the perfect drink to complement the bold flavors of Hispanic cuisines. Barrio boasts an incredible 100 varieties of tequila and mezcal as well as 10 types of Margaritas. The fresh, authentic food includes made-to-order guacamole, pork belly tacos and sugarcane-skewered tequila shrimp. Barrio is open for lunch and dinner daily, with extended hours until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

5. Mediterranean Cruise Café
12500 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville
952.641.6222
5.6 miles from Springs at Egan Drive

Visit Mediterranean Cruise Café any Saturday evening for a true multicultural experience. Start with a dinner of small plates or entreés from a menu featuring Mediterranean favorites such as falafel, lamb kabobs and moussaka. At 10 p.m., put your dancing shoes on for a 30-minute salsa lesson and live music until 1 a.m. There is a $5 cover, or $10 without a food purchase.

Have an event or activity to add? Tell us in the comments!