National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15) recognizes and celebrates the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans across the United States. It starts in the middle of the month rather than at the beginning of September to honor the anniversaries of national independence for a number of Latin American countries on Sept. 15, and because the commemoration started as a weeklong event.

To celebrate Wichita’s Latino community, we have compiled this list of special events throughout the month as well as businesses you can support year-round.

Special Events

"Evita" at Roxy's Downtown – Aug. 22-Sept. 27

Prepare to be captivated by "Evita" at Roxy's Downtown, Wichita’s cozy, cabaret-style performance venue nestled in downtown Wichita. This Tony Award–winning musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber charts the meteoric rise—and poignant fall—of Eva Perón, from her humble beginnings to her powerful prominence in Argentina. With iconic numbers like "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" and "Oh What a Circus," "Evita" brings passion, drama, and unforgettable melodies to life, all within Roxy’s intimate, beautifully designed theater.

Copa de la Diversión – Aug. 28 & Sept. 4

Head to Equity Bank Park for the return of Copa de la Diversión​, a vibrant celebration of Latin American and Hispanic culture. Live music and dance performances will take place during Wichita Wind Surge games for these two nights only!

Salsa Night with TUMBÁO at Brickyard – Aug. 29
Dance the night away to Latin music in Wichita’s Old Town District. Brickyard offers salsa nights throughout the year, with the next one taking place Friday, Aug. 29. 

Herencia Hispana Fest – Sept. 5

Be amazed by an unforgettable night of music, culture, dancing and celebration at Herencia Hispana Fest 2025, taking place at 5 p.m. on Sept. 5 at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center. Headlining the event is the legendary Pancho Barraza with his “Simplemente Pancho Barraza Tour 2025." Experience his powerful voice and iconic hits live on stage. The festival will also feature special performances by: Boyz of Kumbia – bringing their infectious cumbia rhythms; Hermanos Quintana – showcasing their signature sound; and Corona de Nietos – delivering a unique regional flair.

7^th Annual Latin Fest ICT at Evergreen Park – Sept. 6

Don’t miss this free cultural experience with dozens tables to visit, authentic cuisine, games and contests, presentations and lots of live music and performances. You’ll find a variety of local vendors plus some from surrounding states. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Evergreen Park. 

Fiesta Hispana at Exploration Place – Sept. 14

Enjoy crafts, play games, savor delicious food, dance to lively music and peruse the car show. At this popular annual event, you will enjoy performances, including mariachi bands, folklorico dancers, matachines dancers, singers and more.

Spanish Language Film Series at Evergreen Library – Sept. 15 & 27 and Oct. 1

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Evergreen Library with a series of three award-winning Spanish-language films (with English subtitles). The movie lineup includes "Chinese Takeaway" (2012) on Sept. 15, "I Dream in Another Language" (2017) on Sept. 27 and "Los Lobos" (2019) on Oct. 1.

Cuentos Bilingües Storytime at Evergreen Community Center & Library – Sept. 11, 18 & 25 and Oct. 2 

Enjoy a unique story time presented in English and Spanish.

Bilingual STEM Storytime at at Evergreen Community Center & Library – Sept. 11, 18 & 25 and Oct. 2 

Attend this special bilingual story time focused on Science, Engineering, Technology and Math.

4th Annual Nomar Fiesta at Nomar International Market – Oct. 4

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in one of Wichita’s most festive neighborhoods, Nomar. Jam to live music, watch performances, indulge in Mexican snacks and more. The event is free to attend and takes place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Available Year-Round

View our Visita Wichita guide for more inspiration and consider visiting these Latino-owned and operated shops, markets, bakeries and restaurants. They are located throughout the city, though you’ll find a concentration of businesses in Wichita's North End Mexican Community, often referred to as Nomar and roughly bordered by I-235 to the north, Broadway to the east, 13th Street to the south and Amidon to the west.

• Argentina's Empanadas – serving one-of-a-kind empanadas with a wide selection of fillings
• Itzcali Tapas & Tequila – boasts a large selection of tequila plus tacos and tapas
• Lima Nation Peruvian Kitchen – Chef Carlos Manuel pays tribute to traditional Peruvian cuisine, featuring creative and delicious recipes
• Playa Azul – an Old Town staple serving a large selection of Mexican dishes
• AzTeca’s Boutique – a shop at Revolutsia selling handmade goods imported from Mexico and ranging from clothing and accessories to pottery and toys
• Connie’s Mexico Café – Wichita’s oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant
• La Chinita Mexican Restaurant – serving authentic Mexican fare since 1976
• El Pollo Dorado – serving tacos and rotisserie whole chickens
• El Rio Bravo Supermarket – two locations, both selling prepared foods and hard-to-find items like fresh cactus, chayote, papaya and star fruit
• Felipe’s Mexican Restaurant – a four-restaurant local chain of Mexican restaurants that started in February 1967
• Juarez Bakery – in addition to pastries, sweet breads and cakes, both locations of this bakery sell breakfast burritos, fresh tortillas, paletas, meats and other groceries
• La Tapatia Supermarket – groceries, prepared foods and home goods
• Los Compadres – New Mexican-style fare—rich red & green chile sauces, posole, green chile enchiladas.
• Molino's Mexican Cuisine – serving an inventive fusion of traditional Mexican and Latin American dishes
• Mr. Taco – enjoy tacos and their outdoor seating
• Las Delicias ICT – drinks such as aguas frescas and snacks including ceviche, Mexican street corn and ice cream
• Palacana – Wichita’s outpost of this favorite paleteria that first opened in Kansas City, Missouri, in 2004
• Paleteria La Reyna – a full menu of entrees, snacks, aguas frescas and desserts, including homemade ice cream and Mexican popsicles, called paletas
• Puerto Vallarta Mexican Restaurant – westside restaurant with roomy outdoor seating serving from-scratch cuisine
• Ruben’s Mexican Grill – a longstanding restaurant in the Historic Delano District
• Tacos TJ 644 – two locations for Tijuana style tacos and more
• Tortilleria Los III Potrillos – a tortilla factory that also serves burritos, tamales, churros and other Mexican treats

Plus, check out these taco restaurants that have been featured on local influencer Fert the Foodie’s annual taco trail: Jimenez Tacos, El Sol de Michoacan Tacos Performance, San Cruditas, Rico’s Tacos El Torito, Tacos El Compadre, El Pollo Dorado, La Jarochita, Mr. Taco, Taqueria El Fogon, Tacos Chepe.

While not comprehensive, this blog post features businesses that visitors might be looking for when spending time in the Heart of the Country. Know of a business we should add? Tell us about it!