HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATIONS ACROSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Compton’s 2026 Program Has Not Yet Been Announced
The City of Compton has not yet announced its official 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month program. However, cities, counties, libraries, colleges, museums and cultural organizations throughout Southern California have already scheduled festivals, performances, exhibitions, educational programs and family activities.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15 through October 15. The occasion recognizes the histories and cultures of Americans whose heritage is connected to Mexico, Spain, the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, Central America and South America. It also recognizes their contributions to American agriculture and labor, military service, public leadership, education, small-business development, music, literature, visual arts and culinary traditions—including tacos, tamales, pupusas, empanadas and many other foods that have become part of everyday American life.
Celebrating the Shared History, Cultures and Contributions of America’s Hispanic Communities
National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the histories and cultures of Americans whose heritage is connected to Mexico and the Spanish-speaking countries of the Caribbean, Central America and South America. Unlike most commemorative months, it begins in the middle of September because Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua celebrate their independence anniversaries on September 15, followed by Mexico on September 16, Chile on September 18 and Belize on September 21. The observance however continues through October 15.
The September 15 opening date coincides with the shared 1821 independence anniversary of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
Mexico commemorates the beginning of its independence movement on September 16, 1810, although Mexican independence from Spain was completed in 1821.
Chile marks the beginning of its independence process on September 18, 1810, and formally declared independence in 1818.
Belize, which became independent from the United Kingdom in 1981, celebrates its independence on September 21.
Compton held its principal 2025 celebration on October 4 at the MLK Monument outside City Hall. Compton’s 2026 program may still be forthcoming.
While Compton awaits an announcement, the Compton Chamber of Commerce presents this comprehensive look at Hispanic Heritage Month events already planned across Southern California—including information about reaching many of them by Metro Rail, Metrolink, Amtrak and connecting public transportation.
LEAVE THE CAR AT HOME AND ENJOY THE CELEBRATION RESPONSIBLY
Traveling by train can help families avoid freeway traffic, parking expenses and the frustration of navigating unfamiliar areas. It also provides a responsible alternative for adults who may choose to enjoy a cerveza at a festival or nearby restaurant.
Compton residents can begin many regional trips at:
Compton Station: Metro A Line
Artesia Station: Metro A Line, parking and connecting buses
Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Station: Metrolink Orange County and 91/Perris Valley lines
Fullerton Transportation Center: Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
Los Angeles Union Station: Metro Rail, Metrolink, Amtrak and regional bus connections
The Metro A Line directly connects Compton with Downtown Long Beach and Los Angeles Union Station. From Union Station, passengers can continue toward Ventura, San Bernardino and Santa Barbara. The Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Metrolink station provides access toward Orange County and Oceanside.
Regional trains do not operate throughout the night. Participants should always verify the final return departure before beginning their trip.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Long Beach opens Hispanic Heritage Month at City Hall
Long Beach will begin its public observance on the first official day of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Date: Tuesday, September 15
Time: 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Location: Civic Center Plaza, 411 W. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach
Hosted by Councilwoman Mary Zendejas and Vice Mayor Roberto Uranga, the community celebration will include live music, guest speakers, tacos and additional activities recognizing Long Beach’s Hispanic and Latino community.
Getting there from Compton
Take the Metro A Line south from Compton Station to Downtown Long Beach Station. Civic Center Plaza is within the downtown area and can be reached on foot or with a short local bus connection.
This is one of the easiest events for Compton residents to reach because Compton and Downtown Long Beach are served by the same Metro line. No rail transfer is required.
Baja Splash returns to the Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific will present its annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival, recognizing the cultures of Mexico, Central America and South America.
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, September 26–27
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach
The festival will feature traditional dance, live music, bilingual educational programs and community organizations. Saturday’s program is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Getting there from Compton
Take the Metro A Line directly from Compton Station to Downtown Long Beach Station. The aquarium is approximately one mile from the station and can be reached on foot, by local bus or with a short rideshare trip.
Visitors should review the aquarium’s admission requirements and event schedule before traveling.
Culver City Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Culver City has announced a community celebration recognizing Hispanic heritage, culture and community.
Date: Saturday, September 26
Time: Noon–3:00 p.m.
Location: Tellefson Park, Culver City
The family-oriented event will include cultural entertainment, food, crafts and community activities.
Getting there from Compton
Take the Metro A Line north from Compton and transfer to the Metro E Line in Downtown Los Angeles. Exit at Culver City Station, then use Culver CityBus or a short rideshare to Tellefson Park.
This trip requires a rail transfer and a last-mile connection.
Downey schedules four consecutive weekends
Stonewood Center in Downey will hold Hispanic Heritage Month activities every Saturday from September 19 through October 10.
The announced schedule begins with:
September 19: Día de los Muertos-inspired face painting and crafts
September 26: Ballet folklórico performances
October 3 and October 10: Additional cultural programming
The September 19 and September 26 activities are scheduled from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in Center Court near JCPenney.
Getting there from Compton
Stonewood Center is not located directly beside a passenger-rail station. Participants can travel to:
Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Metrolink Station, followed by a bus or rideshare; or
Norwalk Metro C Line Station, followed by connecting bus service toward Downey.
Families and groups may find it practical to share a rideshare for the final portion of the trip.
LA County Library launches a countywide cultural project
LA County Library will offer cultural programs, booklists, crafts, family activities and educational resources throughout its system.
The centerpiece of its 2026 programming is “A Bill of Rights for Our Future,” a civic-engagement and art project created by Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, commonly known as HOPE.
Pop-up exhibitions will be displayed from October 1 through October 15 at:
East Los Angeles Library
Hawthorne Library
Norwalk Library
San Fernando Library
Lancaster Library
A public conversation and reception featuring LA County Library Director Dr. Skye Patrick and HOPE will take place:
Date: Tuesday, October 13
Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Location: East Los Angeles Library
The County Library system will also present book clubs, crafts, bilingual programs and family activities at various locations.
Getting there from Compton
Transportation varies by location:
Hawthorne Library: Metro C Line to Hawthorne/Lennox Station, followed by local transportation.
Norwalk Library: Metro C Line to Norwalk Station or Metrolink to Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs, followed by bus or rideshare.
East Los Angeles Library: Metro A Line north from Compton, transfer to the eastbound Metro E Line and continue with a local connection.
San Fernando Library: Metro A Line to Union Station, Metrolink Antelope Valley Line toward the San Fernando Valley and a local connection.
Lancaster Library: Metro A Line to Union Station, followed by the Metrolink Antelope Valley Line to Lancaster and local transportation.
Participants attending the October 13 evening program should carefully verify the final return train.
El Camino College presents Chicano art and cultural programming
El Camino College in Torrance has begun its observance with “Love Letters,” an exhibition by East Los Angeles Chicano muralist, painter and educator Fabian Debora.
Debora’s work draws upon experiences involving gang life, incarceration and addiction while focusing on healing, cultural identity and community empowerment.
The exhibition opened September 3 and will remain at the college’s Social Justice Center through October 15.
Getting there from Compton
Take the Metro A Line to Artesia Station and transfer to a westbound bus toward Torrance and El Camino College. Because the campus is not adjacent to a rail station, visitors should use Metro’s trip planner to identify the most convenient bus connection.
Long Beach City College presents a series of programs
Long Beach City College has scheduled several Latino Heritage Month programs, including events on September 10, September 29 and October 12.
The series includes a campus celebration and educational and community programs recognizing Latino culture, identity and achievement.
Getting there from Compton
Both LBCC campuses can be reached through combinations of the Metro A Line and Long Beach Transit. Participants should confirm which campus is hosting the particular program before selecting their route.
ORANGE COUNTY
Anaheim develops a citywide library series
Anaheim Public Library will present Hispanic Heritage Month activities at branches throughout the city.
Programs include:
Mesoamerican pyramid construction
Lotería nights
Corn-husk doll making
Salsa preparation and tasting
Ballet folklórico
Aztec astronomy
Live mariachi
Amate bark painting
Cultural arts and crafts
The events will be distributed among the Central, Euclid, Haskett, Ponderosa, Sunkist and other Anaheim library branches from September 18 through September 30.
Orange County Public Libraries schedules dozens of programs
OC Public Libraries has assembled one of Southern California’s most extensive schedules. Its programming will run from September 15 through October 15.
Activities include:
Author appearances
Live performances by Trio Renacimiento
Bilingual English-and-Spanish storytimes
Cooking demonstrations
Molcajete guacamole preparation
Hispanic Heritage Family Fiesta
Lotería
Alebrije art
Celia Cruz-inspired programming
Ofrenda and sugar-skull workshops
Día de los Muertos crafts
Participating communities include Brea, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Garden Grove, La Palma, Lake Forest, Ladera Ranch, San Juan Capistrano, Stanton, Tustin and Westminster.
Getting to Orange County by train
Reach the Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Metrolink Station by local transportation and take the Metrolink Orange County Line south.
Depending on the event, useful stations include:
Fullerton
Anaheim
Orange
Santa Ana
Tustin
Irvine
Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo
San Juan Capistrano
Most library branches will require a bus or rideshare from the nearest station.
The Fullerton Transportation Center also provides access to the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. Amtrak may be useful when Metrolink departure times do not fit an event schedule, although a separate ticket may be required.
Weekend and evening train service can be limited. Always identify the final return departure before attending a nighttime program.
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
San Bernardino County has formally recognized the September 15–October 15 observance, although additional local programs may still be announced.
Confirmed activities include a family-friendly Hispanic Heritage Month arts-and-crafts program.
Date: Tuesday, September 22
Time: 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Location: Feldheym Central Library, 555 W. Sixth Street, San Bernardino
Family programming has also been announced at the Delmann Heights Community Center during the September 18–25 period.
Getting there from Compton
Take the Metro A Line north from Compton to Los Angeles Union Station and transfer to Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line.
Exit at San Bernardino–Downtown or San Bernardino–Depot, depending upon the destination, and continue by Omnitrans bus or rideshare.
Because the library program ends in the evening, passengers should verify the last return train before attending.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Cathedral City honors the Father of Chicano Music
Cathedral City will present a cultural evening honoring Eduardo “Lalo” Guerrero, widely recognized as the Father of Chicano Music.
Date: Thursday, September 17
Time: 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Cathedral City Senior Center, 37171 W. Buddy Rogers Avenue
The free program will include a Mexican buffet, live music by Mark Guerrero and a documentary about his father’s life and cultural influence. Reservations are requested by September 13.
Transportation advisory
Metrolink serves Riverside, Corona and Perris, but Cathedral City and the Coachella Valley do not presently have convenient daily passenger-rail service from Compton.
Participants should arrange a designated driver, intercity bus, group vehicle, overnight accommodation or another safe transportation plan before leaving.
Cathedral City should not be treated as a simple commuter-rail trip. Anyone planning to consume alcohol should arrange transportation and lodging in advance.
VENTURA COUNTY
Simi Valley presents its third annual Hispanic Heritage Festival
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation will hold its third annual Hispanic Heritage Festival.
Date: Saturday, September 26
Time: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Location: Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 E. Los Angeles Avenue
The free festival will include live music, folklórico and mariachi performances, cultural exhibitions, art activities, food vendors and interactive family experiences celebrating Latino and Indigenous cultures.
Getting there from Compton
Take the Metro A Line north to Los Angeles Union Station and transfer to Metrolink’s Ventura County Line. Exit at Simi Valley Station and continue to the Cultural Arts Center by local bus or rideshare.
Weekend Metrolink service can be limited. Check both the outbound and return schedules in advance.
Ventura Harbor presents Caliente Band 805
Ventura Harbor Village will recognize Hispanic Heritage Month with a free waterfront performance by Caliente Band 805.
Date: Saturday, September 26
Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Location: Channel Islands Courtyard at Ventura Harbor Village
The waterfront program is free and family-friendly.
Getting there from Compton
Take the Metro A Line to Union Station and transfer to either Metrolink’s Ventura County Line or an Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train serving Ventura.
Ventura Harbor Village requires a local bus, taxi or rideshare from the rail station. Confirm that the return train departs after the performance and allow sufficient time to reach the station.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
Santa Barbara Historical Museum plans a Hispanic Heritage exhibition
The Santa Barbara Historical Museum has announced a Hispanic Heritage pop-up exhibition scheduled from October 2 through October 19.
The museum invited community members to contribute materials and perspectives to the exhibition, creating a space for local experiences, family histories and cultural identity. Free admission has been announced for the pop-up exhibition.
Additional Hispanic Heritage Month programs may still be announced by Santa Barbara-area libraries, colleges and cultural institutions.
Santa Barbara also held its 103rd annual Old Spanish Days Fiesta in August. Although that celebration occurred before Hispanic Heritage Month, its music, dance, food, equestrian traditions and historical programming recognized the region’s Spanish, Mexican and Indigenous heritage.
Getting to Santa Barbara by train
Santa Barbara is served by the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner.
From Compton:
Take the Metro A Line north to Los Angeles Union Station.
Transfer to a northbound Pacific Surfliner.
Exit at Santa Barbara Station.
Walk, use Santa Barbara MTD or take a short rideshare to the event.
Santa Barbara Station is located downtown, approximately two blocks from the beach and near restaurants, shops and cultural attractions.
An alternative is to take Metrolink from Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs to Fullerton and transfer to a northbound Pacific Surfliner. However, not every northbound Amtrak train continues beyond Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. The complete itinerary must be checked before purchasing tickets.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
San Diego History Center hosts a family history program
The San Diego History Center will present History Explorers: Hispanic Heritage Month.
Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
The family-oriented program will use hands-on activities to introduce participants to Hispanic heritage and its important place in San Diego’s history.
UC San Diego extends its celebration through October
UC San Diego will observe Latin Heritage Month from September 15 through October 31, extending its programming beyond the national observance.
Announced events include:
September 22: Sixth Annual Drag Lotería
September 25: Hispanic Heritage Month gathering at a San Diego Padres game
September 30: Chicana Feminist Trivia
October 1: Salsa Under the Sky
October 7: Chicanx Latinx Staff Association Mentorship Program
October 8: Building Comunidad collaborative art project
October 14: Bilingual community discussion
October 15: Fifth Annual Latinx Heritage Month Celebration
October 21: Meximalismo cultural-pride workshop
October 23: La Santa Cecilia concert
October 29: Día de los Muertos celebration
The October 29 program will feature a community altar, ballet folklórico, sugar-skull decorating, face painting, pan de muerto and Mexican hot chocolate.
Some university events may be intended primarily for students, employees or registered guests.
San Diego County Hispanic Heritage Awards
Community and business leaders will also be recognized through the 2026 San Diego County Hispanic Heritage Awards.
The program includes the Cafecito Business Latino Community Awards and recognizes people and organizations contributing to the region’s Hispanic and Latino business and civic communities.
Getting to San Diego by train
San Diego can be reached without driving, but it is not a direct Metrolink trip from Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs.
Two principal routes are available.
Metrolink and COASTER
Travel to Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Station.
Take Metrolink’s Orange County Line to Oceanside.
Transfer at Oceanside Transit Center to the COASTER.
Continue to the San Diego station nearest the event.
Use the San Diego Trolley, bus or rideshare for the last mile.
The COASTER serves eight stations between Oceanside and San Diego.
Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
Take Metrolink from Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs to Fullerton.
Transfer at Fullerton to a southbound Amtrak Pacific Surfliner.
Continue to Old Town or Santa Fe Depot in San Diego.
Transfer to the San Diego Trolley, bus or rideshare.
Some Pacific Surfliner trains operate directly between Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. Separate Metrolink and Amtrak tickets may be required.
For UC San Diego, connect to the San Diego Trolley Blue Line from Old Town or downtown. Depending on the campus venue, participants may need to walk or use a university shuttle after leaving the trolley.
Petco Park and many downtown San Diego destinations are accessible from nearby trolley stations.
A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA-WIDE CELEBRATION
The programs announced across Southern California demonstrate that Hispanic Heritage Month is much more than a ceremonial proclamation or a single afternoon festival.
Communities are recognizing the occasion through:
Music and dance
Hispanic-owned businesses and vendors
History and civic education
Chicano and Latino art
Bilingual children’s programming
Food and culinary traditions
Community leadership recognition
Public discussions about identity and the future
Family celebrations and cultural festivals
The programs also demonstrate the value of regional public transportation. Residents can attend celebrations beyond their immediate neighborhoods, explore Southern California’s cultural institutions and support businesses in other communities without relying entirely on private automobiles.
PLAN THE RETURN TRIP BEFORE ENJOYING A CERVEZA
Public transportation can remove concerns about freeway traffic, parking and driving after drinking, but regional rail service does not operate throughout the night.
Before departing, travelers should:
Check the final Metro, Metrolink, Amtrak or COASTER departure.
Purchase required Amtrak tickets in advance.
Confirm weekend construction and service interruptions.
Identify the last-mile bus or rideshare connection.
Keep sufficient phone battery and funds for an emergency rideshare.
Travel with family or friends when returning late.
Never attempt to drive after consuming alcohol.
A cerveza may be part of the celebration—but driving under the influence should never be. Public transportation, a designated driver or a prearranged rideshare protects the participant, their family and everyone else on the road.
COMPTON’S ANNOUNCEMENT IS STILL AWAITED
Compton is a predominantly Hispanic and Latino city. Its residents, families, entrepreneurs, artists, educators and community organizations have made indispensable contributions to the city’s culture, identity and economy.
As surrounding communities move forward with their 2026 observances, Compton residents are still waiting to learn:
Whether the City will hold an official celebration
When and where it will take place
Whether local Hispanic-owned businesses and food vendors will be invited
Whether local musicians, artists and cultural performers will participate
Whether schools and youth organizations will be included
Whether the Chamber and other civic organizations will be invited to assist with outreach
The absence of an announcement as of this publication does not necessarily mean that no program is being planned. However, with Hispanic Heritage Month beginning September 15, the remaining preparation and public-notice period is becoming very short.
The Compton Chamber of Commerce will continue monitoring official announcements and will share verified information about any City of Compton Hispanic Heritage Month program as soon as it becomes available.
Residents planning to attend any regional event should verify the date, time, admission requirements and transportation schedule directly with the presenting organization before traveling. Event details and transit operations remain subject to change.
