Looking for authentic tacos, lively festivals, folklórico dancing, mariachi music or colorful neighborhood celebrations? Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to experience Wichita's rich Latino culture, but many of these traditions, flavors and local businesses can be enjoyed all year long.

From family-friendly festivals and concerts to neighborhood markets and locally owned restaurants, Wichita offers countless ways to experience the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Whether you're visiting during Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 through Oct. 15) or planning a trip any time of year, here's where to start.

A woman dances at Latin Fest

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Latin Fest ICT

Sept. 19

One of the region's largest celebrations of Hispanic culture, Latin Fest ICT brings together live music, folklórico dancers, mariachi performances, authentic cuisine, artisan vendors, cultural exhibits and family-friendly activities. Admission is free, making it one of the best ways to experience Wichita's thriving Latino community.

Wichita Wind Surge during Copa de la Diversión

Aug. 16 & Sept. 9

During select games each season, the Wind Surge take the field as the Tumba Vacas de Wichita as part of Minor League Baseball's Copa de la Diversión celebration. Expect specialty jerseys, Latin music, dancing, themed entertainment and a festive atmosphere that honors Wichita's Hispanic and Latino communities.

Fiesta Hispana at Exploration Place

Enjoy a day filled with music, dancing, crafts, games, classic cars and delicious food during this annual family celebration. Mariachi bands, folklórico dancers, matachines performers and hands-on activities make Fiesta Hispana a favorite for visitors of all ages. Stay tuned for this year’s date.

Nomar Fiesta

Oct. 3

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month where Wichita's Latino community gathers. Nomar Fiesta fills the city's Historic North End with live entertainment, local food vendors, artisan booths and family activities while showcasing one of Wichita's most vibrant neighborhoods. Stay tuned for this year’s date.

Spanish-language films and bilingual story times

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, Wichita Public Library hosts Spanish-language film screenings, bilingual story times and STEM-focused children's programs celebrating language and culture. Scroll their calendar for this year’s features.

Paleteria La Reyna popsicles

Experience Latino culture beyond Hispanic Heritage Month

Dance the night away

You don't have to wait until September to enjoy Latin music. Throughout the year, venues including Brickyard host salsa nights where beginners and experienced dancers alike can hit the dance floor.

Visit Nomar, Wichita's Historic North End

If you're looking for authentic flavors and local culture, spend an afternoon exploring Nomar.

Short for North Main, this historic neighborhood has long been the heart of Wichita's Mexican-American community. Browse neighborhood mercados, stop into locally owned bakeries, discover colorful murals and enjoy everything from handmade tortillas and street tacos to fresh pan dulce and paletas.

In the spring, Open Streets ICT - Nomar transforms the neighborhood into a walkable celebration filled with live music, dancing, food vendors and family activities, offering another great opportunity to experience the community.

Where to eat

One of the best ways to experience a culture is around the table.

Tacos and casual favorites

Whether you're craving Tijuana-style tacos, rotisserie chicken or authentic street food, local favorites include Tacos TJ 664, Mr. Taco, El Pollo Dorado, Tacos Jimenez, Taquería El Fogón, La Jarochita and Rico's Tacos El Torito. Also try newcomers like Birrieria Tito and Chilaquiles, Tacos & More.

Sit-down restaurants

Enjoy everything from traditional Mexican recipes and empanadas to shareable tapas at Argentina's Empanadas, Connie's Mexico Café, Ruben's Mexican Grill, Playa Azul, Felipe's Mexican Restaurant, Los Compadres, Molino's Mexican Cuisine, Itzcali Tapas & Tequila and Carlos O’ Kelly’s Mexican Café’s three locations (northeast, south and west).

Bakeries, sweets and snacks

Treat yourself to fresh pan dulce, conchas, tres leches cakes and more from Juarez Bakery, cool off with handmade paletas from Paletería La Reyna or Palacana, or stop by Las Delicias ICT for aguas frescas, mangonadas, Mexican street corn and other traditional snacks.

A young Hispanic man puts a hat on a young Hispanic woman at ICT Head Gear in the NOMAR International Marked shopping district

Shop local

Bring home more than memories by visiting some of Wichita's Latino-owned markets and shops.

Browse authentic ingredients and prepared foods at El Rio Bravo Supermarket and La Tapatia Market. Pick up fresh tortillas and tamales at Tortilleria Los III Potrillos, then stop by Azteka's Boutique at Revolutsia for handcrafted gifts, clothing and home décor imported from Mexico.

Plan your visit

Whether you're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month or simply looking for authentic food, live music and cultural experiences, Wichita makes it easy to immerse yourself in Latino culture.

Explore our events calendar for upcoming festivals and performances, then build a weekend around great food, welcoming neighborhoods and experiences you won't find anywhere else.