Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Atlanta: 10 of the best cultural events

From food to dance to folklore, the events that represent Hispanic Heritage Month throughout Atlanta promise vibrant, rich experiences that will leave attendees with a better sense of a culture that influences the entire world. Whether you’re interested in taking in a film or discovering how to make a traditional dish, there’s an event for you during this celebration of culture in Atlanta and its surrounding metro.

Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote

Let your whole family be captivated by this Mexican folktale full of intrigue and lessons. Puppetry and live actors bring to life this story, which weaves Spanish vocabulary into the twists of the story. In addition to the performance, tickets include admission to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, the Create-a-Puppet Workshop and the “Down in Fraggle Rock” exhibition.

Location: Center for Puppetry Arts; Website: puppet.org; Date: Sept. 17-Oct. 20; Admission: $22.75-$28

Cookbook Club at Gwinnett Public Libraries Centerville Branch

Foodies unite! Seasoned chefs and new cooks ages 19 and up are welcome at this afternoon of celebration of the incredible food that augments Hispanic culture. Swap techniques and stories as you work on a series of delicious dishes.

Location: Gwinnett Public Libraries Centerville Branch; Website: gwinnettpl.libnet.info; Date: Sept. 19; Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Admission: Free

Concert on the Green: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month - Acworth

Come on up to Acworth, and dance all night - after you partake in fabulous food! Gates open at 5 p.m., and concert begins at 6 p.m. Settle in and enjoy sounds that celebrate Latin culture.

Location: Logan Farm Park; Website: acworth-ga.gov; Date: Sept. 21; Time: 5-10 p.m. (gates open); Admission: Free

Brookhaven Food Truck Roundup

Live music and Latin food - the perfect combination in a family friendly setting! Stroll from food truck to food truck while you enjoy delicious cuisine, and let your kids participate in a piñata workshop. Live music by Son Latino Atlanta will enliven the background.

Location: Blackburn Park; Website: brookhavenga.gov; Date: Sept. 25; Time: 5-8 p.m.; Admission: Free

Georgia Latino International Film Festival

Get ready for an immersive experience in which you can explore Latino culture without leaving Atlanta. Submissions from all over the country have rolled in for more than 30 screenings over the course of this fast-growing festival. From discussion panels to short films to full-length showings, you’ll find a gamut of representations of a multifaceted, vibrant culture.

Location: Berkmar High School - day one (see website for other locations); Website: galiff.org; Date: Sept. 26-29; Time: times vary - check website; Admission: $25-$250

Latino Fest Gainesville

Make your way out to Gainesville for Art, music and food you won’t forget! This will be the sixth year for a Hispanic Alliance Georgia-organized celebration that supports college scholarships for Latino youth. Performers include Groupa Lupito Sosa Ballet, El Tepeyac and La Entrega.

Location: Midland Greenway; Website: latinofestgvl.org; Date: Sept. 28; Time: 3-9 p.m.; Admission: Free

Children’s Museum of Atlanta Alma Mexicano performance

Enjoy the beauty and vibrancy of traditional Mexican dance during multiple performances. This presentation is part of the Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s month-long celebration of Latin American heritage, which includes highlights of athletes and innovators.

Location: Children’s Museum of Atlanta; Website: childrensmuseumatlanta.org; Date: Sept. 29; Time: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Admission: free-$17.95

Oye! Fest

Come on out for food, discussion panels and the event’s signature draw - music. The lineup includes Farina, Sin Acento, Cristina, Rye and numerous others. Local food vendors will keep you sated with tacos and frituras, and businesses will have booths full of jewelry, clothing and handmade items.

Location: Historic Fourth Ward Park; Website: oyefest.com; Date: Oct. 6; Time: 1 p.m.; Admission: $55-$100

Día de la Raza Celebration

The title of this event translates to “Day of the Race,” and that day is a time to celebrate the richness, history and diversity that makes Latin America such a vital influence across the world. Experience delicious food, music and a showcasing of traditions across Latinx and Hispanic populations.

Location: Rita Anne Rollins Building; Candler Atrium; Website: candler.emory.edu; Date: Oct. 10; Time: noon to 1 p.m.; Admission: Free

Hispanic Heritage Fiesta - Powder Springs

Music, speakers and dance presentations will honor Hispanic heritage across the globe in Powder Springs this year. Learn about culture and history at tents with displays dedicated to individual countries. Music begins at 7 p.m.

Location: Thurman Springs Park; Website: cityofpowdersprings.org; Date: Oct. 12; Time: 4-9 p.m.; Admission: Free