Your 2026 Guide to Hispanic Heritage Month in Annapolis

Each year, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the rich histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. Observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the celebration began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 and was expanded to a monthlong observance in 1988.

Here in the Annapolis area, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate, learn and experience Hispanic and Latino culture firsthand. From locally owned restaurants to library programs and live music, here are some ways to take part in Hispanic Heritage Month.

Events and Activities in the Community

The Anne Arundel County Public Library has a full lineup of programs celebrating Hispanic and Latino culture throughout the county.

Families can catch a screening of Coco from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Severna Park Library. Other events include bilingual programs, music and dance performances, crafts and cultural activities at library branches throughout Anne Arundel County.

Want to try your hand at a traditional game? ¡Lotería in the Library! introduces participants to Lotería, a traditional Mexican game similar to bingo. Programs are offered at select library branches during the celebration.

Adults looking to practice their English can join the library’s English Conversation Club, an online program open to speakers of all levels and native languages.

The celebration continues after the official end of Hispanic Heritage Month with Hispanic Heritage Family Day from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 17, at Edgewater Library. The event includes crafts and activities, along with a traditional Mexican folk dance performance by Bailes de Mi Tierra at 11 a.m.

Because programs take place at different branches and times, check the AACPL Hispanic Heritage Month page for the latest schedule before heading out.

For live music, The Buena Vista Orchestra, a Cuban music ensemble featuring musicians connected to groups including the Buena Vista Social Club and Afro-Cuban All Stars, will perform at Rams Head On Stage at 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4.

Restaurants

Food is one way people stay connected to their culture, family traditions and heritage, with recipes often passed down through generations. The Annapolis area offers plenty of places to explore Hispanic and Latino flavors. Here are a few to add to your list:

• Antojitos La Mexicana: Open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., this Annapolis restaurant serves traditional Mexican dishes, including tacos, pupusas, tortas and more.
• ARMADA Dockside Cantina: Located at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, ARMADA offers Mexican-inspired dishes along with an extensive selection of tequila and agave spirits.
• Delicious Oaxaqueñas: This local food truck offers Mexican favorites such as tacos, quesadillas and more.
• Jalapeños: This Annapolis restaurant serves traditional Spanish and Mexican cuisine from its Forest Drive location.
• Picante: Located on West Street, Picante serves Mexican cuisine with dishes featuring Oaxacan influences, including tlayudas, mole and Oaxaca cheese.
• Señor Sombrero: This local food truck offers quick and casual Mexican favorites, including tacos, burritos and quesadillas.

Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the histories, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities while discovering the food, music and experiences that enrich the Annapolis area. Whether you try a new restaurant, attend a community event or learn something new, there are plenty of ways to join the celebration.