Celebrate Latino Heritage Month in LA

¡Viva La Resistencia! is a multimedia art show presented by Council District 1 for Latino Heritage Month, curated in partnership with Altura Art Gallery. On view in the Harry P. Rios Bridge Gallery at City Hall through September 26, the exhibit brings together artists from across Los Angeles whose work embodies the spirit of Latino resistance - past, present and future. Through painting and photography, the show uplifts the ways our communities have used creativity as a tool for survival, joy and defiance. Each piece is a testament to how art not only documents our struggles but also fuels our movements, transforms public spaces, and keeps our stories alive. ¡Viva La Resistencia! invites visitors to see art not just as expression, but as action - a radical act of joy, memory and liberation.

Taking place at the landmark Central Library on Saturday, September 13, the 7th annual Los Angeles Libros Festival will offer a full day of entertainment featuring Spanish-language and bilingual storytelling, musical performances, authors, workshops, books and community. Free with RSVP and open to the general public.

The City of Los Angeles hosts an annual El Grito celebration to commemorate the legendary Grito de Dolores ("Cry of Dolores"), a speech made on Sept. 16, 1810 by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Roman Catholic priest who led the Mexican independence movement against Spanish rule.

Hosted by Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, this year's festival takes place on Saturday, September 13 and features a reenactment of Father Hidalgo's bell-ringing call to action; live music, food trucks, mercado, lucha libre and community resources. Free and open to the public.

Feria Independencia kicks off on Saturday, September 13 at The Torch at the LA Coliseum with performances from Elvis Crespo, Grupo La República del El Salvador, Los Miseria Cumbia Band, Los Tres Huitecos, amongst others. The all-ages celebration will also feature Guatemalan and Salvadoran food, cultural activities and more.

The third annual Noche de Cumbia happens on Saturday, September 13 at The Ford. This year, Mexico’s Sonido Gallo Negro headlines the event, which also features a performance from local É Arenas.

On Sunday, September 14, community partners will come together at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes to commemorate Fiestas Patrias Family Day. September 16 marks the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence, and Fiestas Patrias is among the most significant celebrations in Mexican and Mexican American culture, providing families with an occasion to reaffirm their heritage and identity. The festivities include live performances by Mariachi Tierra del Sol Juvenil de Los Ángeles, DJ Cur8r, garden workshops for the kids and docent-led tours.

Feria Independencia continues with the Independence Cup 2025 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 14. The soccer match pits Mixco FC from Guatemala against Alianza FC from El Salvador. Kickoff is at 5:30pm.

Co-presented by the Skirball Cultural Center, Grand Performances and Zócalo Public Square, Zona Libre honors LA's deep ties to Mexico and Central America with an afternoon of community-building activities and an evening of live music. ¡Todos son bienvenidos!

On the eve of LA’s traditional Latino independence day celebrations, the Skirball invites adults and kids alike to spend an afternoon and evening in its oasis, making new, cross-cultural friends as you enjoy Latino music, attend dance workshops, participate in panel conversations, taste traditional Latin bites, and visit the museum exhibitions.

The LA Dodgers are hosting the Philadelphia Phillies for a three-game home stand beginning Monday, September 15. Come out to Día de Los Dodgers on Tuesday to honor the spirit and memories of your beloved family members or friends who introduced you to the love of baseball and your Los Angeles Dodgers!

An extension of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, LA Cocina de Gloria Molina is the nation’s first museum and teaching kitchen dedicated to Mexican and Mexican culinary arts.

Part of the Pláticas y Pruebas series, the Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tasting will explore a selection of wines perfect for your upcoming holiday celebrations. The curated lineup features a variety of wines, including reds, whites and bubbles. During the two-hour class, you'll also learn about the rich history of wine in Baja California and regional wine production methods.

With a name borrowed (with his permission) from Spanish writer José Bergamín’s unproduced play, and inspired by the apocalyptic Angel of Death, Luis Buñuel’s original script is a pitch-black satire about a wealthy group of friends who find themselves unable to leave a well-appointed living room after a dinner party. One of the director’s most inspired takedowns of the bourgeoisie, The Exterminating Angel is a tense exploration of inertia, extravagance, complacency, repetition, and mounting hysteria, and was the last full-length film he made in his adopted nation of Mexico.

Part of its World Cinema Series, the Central Library presents a screening of The Wind Journeys (Los viajes del viento) on Saturday, September 20. Written and directed by Ciro Guerra, the film tells the story of Ignacio, a grieving accordionist who believes his instrument is cursed and sets out to return it across northern Colombia, joined by a determined boy eager to learn. Their journey through stunning landscapes and musical traditions forges an unexpected bond.

NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) hosts its annual InFocus: Latin & Hispanic Cinema film festival on Saturday, September 20. Taking place at South Park Center, the line-up features three short film programs showcasing significant and thought-provoking independent films by emerging filmmakers from and working in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, Venezuela, Canada and the United States.

Cheech Marin will be in attendance at the Academy Museum on Saturday, September 20, for the screening of his 1987 directorial debut (and first film without longtime comedy partner Tommy Chong), Born in East L.A.

Now in its 24th year, the Baja Splash Cultural Festival celebrates the cultures of México, Central and South America, and beyond. Taking place at the Aquarium of the Pacific from 9am to 5pm on the weekend of September 20-21, the festival features traditional dance, live music, and educational programming in English and Spanish. Entry to the festival is included with General Admission to the Aquarium.

In partnership with the American Cinematheque, Beyond Fest - the biggest and most highly-attended genre film festival in the U.S. - presents Está Vivo: The Gods and Monsters of Guillermo del Toro, a 12-film retrospective of the Oscar-winning filmmaker's career. Highlights of Está Vivo include the theatrical premiere of the 4K restoration of del Toro's debut feature, Cronos; the LA premiere of the 4K restoration of The Devil's Backbone; and the Director's Cut of Mimic. Screenings will take place at The Egyptian Theatre and Los Feliz 3 - del Toro will participate in pre- and post-screening Q&As at The Egyptian for The Shape of Water, Hellboy, Mimic and Pan's Labyrinth.

Preparing to devote her life as a nun, novitiate Viridiana (Silvia Pinal) is summoned to pay her uncle Don Jaime (Fernando Rey) one last visit before taking her vows. To make Viridiana, Luis Buñuel returned to his homeland of Spain, following his 22-year self-exile during the rise of Francisco Franco’s fascist regime. The film had its world premiere at the 14th Cannes Film Festival, winning the Palme d’Or. Following the premiere, the Vatican denounced the film as blasphemous, and the Spanish government banned the controversial film—Viridiana didn’t premiere in the country until 1977, two years after Franco’s death.

A tribute to Chicano identity in its many forms, The Little King of Norwalk blends satire, a touch of magical realism, and a nod to Gogol’s The Inspector General. It’s a modern barrio fable about power, politics, and the price of survival, inspired by a real-life scandal last year when Norwalk banned shelters, supportive housing, and businesses serving the poor.

Commissioned by Latino Theater Company and developed through its Circle of Imaginistas playwriting group, this world premiere follows Juan, a homeboy fresh from a DUI who shows up for his first mandated AA meeting. Mistaken for a powerful state inspector, Juan is quickly courted by the ambitious mayor and his corrupt inner circle. At first, Juan exploits the role for his own gain — until the lies catch up with him. Can he find redemption by telling the truth?

On Friday, September 26, the Museum of Latin American Art presents Tequila & Tunes, a festive evening of culture, flavor and fun. Kick off the night with a guided gallery walk-through of MOLAA’s exhibitions, then savor a premium tequila tasting experience featuring top brands and expert guides. Let loose with live DJ sets, dancing and back-to-back karaoke sessions where you can take the stage or cheer on your friends.

Maria Margarita Villegas Leal, Doña Mago, a traditional cook from the state of Puebla, will share her food journey to provide a taste of her legendary mole poblano. LA Cocina de Gloria Molina presents this afternoon of storytelling con sabor in conjunction with La Feria de los Moles, the only event in Los Angeles which preserves the essence of pre-Hispanic dishes and tradition. This class will be conducted in Spanish.

Produced in partnership with Mariachi Tierra Mia, The Ford presents Tributo A Los Grandes, a musical night honoring some of the greatest musicians in Mexican history. From José José’s romantic ballads that made him the "Prince of Song” to the prolific and soul-stirring Juan Gabriel to the “King of Ranchera” Vicente Fernández and more, rediscover the astounding musical journeys of legends who influenced generations across the Americas. Many of LA's acclaimed and fast-rising mariachi musicians will come together for this unforgettable tribute under the stars.

The second and last English-language film directed by Luis Buñuel was co-written by Hugo Butler, also known as H. B. Addis, who was blacklisted in Hollywood during the 1950s. The Young One stars Zachary Scott, Bernie Hamilton, and Key Meersman in this 1960 drama that explores themes of oppression and morality through the explicit measures manifested and taken by the characters driven by racism and pedophilia. One of the director’s least appreciated films, The Young One takes a poetic approach in its cinematic language, sensibly narrating questions of humanity while dealing candidly with difficult subject matters.

The titular heroine of Susana, a beautiful young woman with a disturbed and tempestuous nature, escapes a women’s reform school during a stormy night. Finding refuge in the hacienda of a prosperous and respectable family, Susana (Rosita Quintana) soon destabilizes the relationship dynamics of the ranch as she seduces the men who inhabit it. While Susana is less overtly surreal in comparison to the rest of Luis Buñuel’s filmography, the film highlights the director’s subversive style as he explores social critique by demonstrating the fragility of morals through a well-to-do Mexican family.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Olvera Street Muertos Art Walk will feature more than 30 local artists selling original artwork, clothing, jewelry, face painting and more. Taking place on Saturday, October 4 from 10am to 7pm, the Muertos Art Walk will bring together artists from the greater Los Angeles community and create awareness for the work being done by the Olvera Street Merchants Association Foundation (OSMAF) to keep cultural traditions alive in Los Angeles.

Join the L.A. County Department of Arts and Culture and LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in the heart of one of LA’s cultural hubs for a conversation on LA’s rich culinary heritage through the lens of Mexican, French and Indigenous fusion. The program—highlighting food as culture in Los Angeles—will feature culinary stars Chef Gilberto Cetina of Holbox, Chef Fátima Juárez of Komal, Chef Chuy Cervantes of Damian and Ditroit Taqueria, and baker Arturo Enciso of Gusto. The chefs will discuss Indigenous ingredients, the Columbian Exchange, French techniques, and their impact on kitchens across Los Angeles County. The conversation will be moderated by Evan Kleiman - author, LA chef, and host of KCRW’s Good Food. Light refreshments will be served.

Made during Luis Buñuel’s prolific two-decade period in Mexico, The Young and the Damned (Los olvidados) won the country’s second major prize at Cannes, following the landmark win of María Candelaria (1944). This against-formula juvenile crime drama showcases the power of Indigenous actress Estela Inda, recipient of a Silver Ariel for Best Supporting Actress for her memorable performance as the mother of the film’s young, impressionable protagonist; both characters try their best to rise above the crime festering in the slums of Mexico City.

When Nicaraguan brothers Fíto and Bastian clash over their visions of the American Dream, their choices send them on a collision course with fate—risking not just their futures, but their bond. Fíto, a poet, is impulsive and ambitious, willing to take risks to get what he wants. Bastian, a telemarketer, is steady and principled, holding onto caution as a guide.

Blending poetry, live music, and ritual, littleboy/littleman is an electrifying tale of brotherhood and belonging that pulses with rhythm and emotion, pulling us into a world where family is everything, but dreams come at a cost.

In the fourth company commission of Latino Theater Company’s 2025 season, Circle of Imaginistas playwright Miranda González embraces her Mexican and African American roots to explore the untold stories of Mexico’s Underground Railroad.

Mascogos (Mahs-KO-gohs) is a bold, historical sci-fi drama exploring the untold stories of Mexico’s Underground Railroad that brought runaway slaves from Florida and Georgia to Múzquiz, Coahuila. Eighteen-year-old Jamari is fighting an unknown illness that takes him through worlds he’s never seen before, time-traveling from 1864 Mexico to today’s West Side of Chicago. Unsure of where he belongs, trapped in a historical cycle, Jamari and his loved ones seek answers as they try to break free from the shackles of time.

"Death is not the end; it’s just the beginning." So goes the central thought of Hasta la Muerte, the new program from Las Cafeteras that will be performed at The Ford on Saturday, October 11. Drawing on influences from the worlds of punk, hip-hop, beat music, cumbia and rock, the LA-based group follows the journey of La Catrina (patron saint of the dead), who encounters folkloric Mexican characters like La Llorona and La Bruja as well as modern-day migrants and families in despair. Through mesmerizing choreography and a mix of original and traditional songs, Hasta la Muerte is a moving invitation to travel through time, rhythm and memory—and a reminder that when we celebrate life, we celebrate love.

The Academy Museum continues its month-long retrospective of filmmaker Luis Buñuel with a double feature on Sunday, October 12.

Shooting for less than a month with borrowed equipment and editing the film himself on his kitchen table, Buñuel made something close to a straightforward documentary in Land Without Bread, a lightly fictionalized document of the Las Hurdes region in the autonomous Spanish community of Extremadura. A stark portrait of extreme poverty and the population who refuses to leave a seemingly “breadless” land, the director originally provided live narration with its initial silent exhibitions, later adding sound through music and his own voice as one of the narrators.

Inspired by the 5th-century Syrian saint, renowned for his devotion to asceticism while living on the platform of a pillar, Simon of the Desert is Buñuel’s satirical take on the legend, executed with his signature surreal flair. When Simon (Claudio Brook) reaches a 6-year, 6-month, 6-day period of living in prayer at the top of a column, his faithfulness is challenged by the shape-shifting Satan (Silvia Pinal). Simon of the Desert was the last Mexican film production the director worked on, as well as his final collaboration with acclaimed cinematographer Gabriel Figueroa.

After 17 incredible years of pushing boundaries, pursuing new ideas, and exploring timeless music together, Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic celebrate his final season as Music & Artistic Director with Gustavo's Fiesta, a live “playlist” of his favorite symphonic finales.

The concert starts on a high note with the lavish jota from de Falla’s blazingly bright Three-Cornered Hat. The party continues with selections from Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony—featuring musicians from YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles)—and Beethoven’s celebratory Seventh. Also on the program is the blissful “Fairy Garden” from Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite and Revueltas’ rambunctious, percussion-driven "Noche de encantamiento" (“Night of Enchantment”)—two movements that highlight Dudamel’s creative chemistry with the LA Phil at its finest.

VIP Packages and Sponsorship Opportunities are available for the sold-out concert. Contact the Special Events department at events@laphil.org or call 213-972-3051 for more information. All proceeds from the LA Phil Gala Concert benefit the Los Angeles Philharmonic and its Learning and community programs.