Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us from Monday, September 15 through Wednesday, October 15. We have an exciting lineup of fun events and activities for adults, teens and children! Join us as we celebrate this rich culture! These events will be presented in English.
For Adults:
Latin Social Dance
Thursday, September 4, 7 p.m.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month early with Zorana Botha of I Just Wanna Dance to learn about popular Latin social dances. Register beginning August 14.
Happy City of San Jose Virtual Tour (Zoom)
Tuesday, September 16, 5 p.m.
Starting at the famous Central Market, experience local shops and stalls and see Costa Ricans going about their daily lives. Then, visit downtown San Jose, passing through the historic buildings while discussing the history, culture, traditions and architecture of each. Lastly, walk through a beautiful urban park to learn about the different types of vegetation and their possible uses. Register beginning August 17.
Bordado in Hispanic Culture
Thursday, September 18, 7 p.m.
Learn about the history of bordado (embroidery) and the many ways that it is rooted in Hispanic culture. We will take a look at hand bordado and its machine counterpart. Then we will work on a small bordado piece that you can take home. Register beginning August 28.
Hispanic Heritage Month on the Bookmobile
Saturday, September 20, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Target, 1188 W. Boughton Road
Visit the Bookmobile for a bilingual storytime, a fun take-home craft and check out our Spice Club of the month. Enjoy stories, culture and creativity with the whole family! Drop in; no registration required.
Axolotl Dream Painting Workshop
Wednesday, October 1, 6 p.m.
Grades 4–12 & Adults
Step into a world of imagination with this painting workshop! You will receive a unique, handcrafted sculpture to paint featuring a hybrid creature inspired by the axolotl and dragonfly. Register beginning September 10.
Ojo de Dios
Thursday, October 9, 7 p.m.
Learn about the Huichol tradition behind the Ojo de Dios (God’s eye), a colorful woven symbol of protection and blessing, as you create your own using sticks and yarn. Register beginning September 18.
Hispanic Voices in Fiction for Adults
Hispanic Voices in Nonfiction for Adults
For Teens (Grades 6–12):
Lucha Libre Mask Making
Monday, September 15 4–5:30 p.m.
Decorate your own Lucha Libreinspired masks using colorful felt, paint markers and bold embellishments. Learn about the vibrant world of Mexican wrestling while crafting your own one-of-a-kind design. Drop in; no registration required.
Celebrating Latine Artists: Take-It Make-It Kits
Friday, September 19
Stop by the Vortex to pick up one of our Take-It Make-It Kits, while supplies last! We’re highlighting two contemporary Latine artists to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Each kit contains materials, instructions and a list of supplies needed to complete your projects.
Peruvian Wave Bracelets
Tuesday, September 23, 4–5 p.m.
Create vibrant, wearable art inspired by Peruvian culture as we show you how to use embroidery floss to make colorful Peruvian wave bracelets. Drop in; no registration required.
Frida Kahlo Self-Portraits
Tuesday, September 30, 4:30 p.m.
Learn about Frida Kahlo’s life and lasting impression on art and culture, and create a self-portrait in Kahlo’s signature style. Helpful drawing tips included! Register beginning September 9.
Axolotl Dream Painting Workshop
Wednesday, October 1, 6 p.m.
Grades 4–12 & Adults
Step into a world of imagination with this painting workshop! You will receive a unique, handcrafted sculpture to paint featuring a hybrid creature inspired by the axolotl and dragonfly. Register beginning September 10.
Alfombra Sand Art
Monday, October 6, 6 p.m.
Create vibrant sand art inspired by traditional Guatemalan Alfombras! Make your own colorful patterns while learning about this beautiful cultural tradition from Latin America. Register beginning September 15.
Colorful Alebrije Crafts
Thursday, October 9, 4:30 p.m.
Grades 4–8
Get inspired by Mexican mythological creatures and create your own Alebrije to take home. Register beginning September 18.
Latine Beats Dance Party
Tuesday, October 14, 4–5 p.m.
Celebrate Latine culture with a high-energy dance party just for teens! Enjoy a mix of music styles—from salsa and reggaeton to bachata and cumbia—and dance the afternoon away with friends. Snacks and good vibes provided! Drop in; no registration required.
Libros en Español Para Adolescentes (Septiembre 2025)
For Children & Families:
Self-Portraits Like Frida Kahlo
Thursday, September 11, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Frida Kahlo was one of a kind, and so are you! Paint a self-portrait inspired by the methods used by this famous Mexican artist. Drop in; no registration required.
Mercado Bags
Monday, September 15, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Get inspired by designs from Mexico and Guatemala and decorate a colorful cloth shopping bag. Drop in; no registration required.
DIY Hojalata Art
Thursday, September 18, 4:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Be inspired by traditional Mexican tin art and create a colorful hojalata of your own. Register beginning August 28.
Drawing Nazca Lines
Monday, September 22, 4:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Make a unique sand creation inspired by the fascinating lines etched in the Peruvian desert. Register beginning September 2.
Yaucromatic Villages
Thursday, September 25, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Next stop: Puerto Rico! Create your own colorful buildings as we celebrate one of Puerto Rico’s most famous villages. Your finished work will be combined to create one massive village that will be displayed in Children’s Services. Drop in; no registration required.
The Shapes and Colors of Stanley Bermudez
Monday, September 29, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Replicate the geometric art of Venezuelan artist Stanley Bermudez using cutout shapes and tape. Drop in; no registration required.
Axolotl Dream Painting Workshop
Wednesday, October 1, 6 p.m.
Grades 4–12 & Adults
Step into a world of imagination with this painting workshop! You will receive a unique, handcrafted sculpture to paint featuring a hybrid creature inspired by the axolotl and dragonfly. Register beginning September 10.
Botany Besties
Monday, October 6, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Discover your new plant best friend! Learn about the discoveries of Mexican botanist, Ynes Mexia and preserve flowers and plants to take home. Drop in; no registration required.
Colorful Alebrije Crafts
Thursday, October 9, 4:30 p.m.
Grades 4–8
Be inspired by Mexican mythological creatures, and create your own Alebrije to take home. Register beginning September 18.
Canticos
Friday, October 10, 10–11 a.m.
Ages 0–5 with an adult
Young children and their caregivers can try activities inspired by nursery rhymes and children’s songs featured in the popular Canticos videos. Drop in; no registration required.
Dora the Explorer Party
Monday, October 13, 2–3 p.m.
Age 3–Grade 2 with an adult
It’s time to celebrate our favorite Latina explorer: Dora! Join us for activities, crafts and snacks at this fun family event! Drop in; no registration required.
Guatemalan Worry Dolls
Tuesday, October 14, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Grades K–5
Construct a small doll that will whisk away your worries at night in this craft inspired by Guatemalan folk art. Drop in; no registration required.
New Hispanic & Latino Biographies for Kids