By Prince George County Library System
In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15- Oct. 15), the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) will be hosting more than 50 programs for children, teens, adults, and families that celebrate the culture and traditions of Mexico, Central and South America, Spain, Portugal and the wider Hispanic diaspora.
The month-long celebration includes standout rhythm and dance opportunities as well as art classes where participants will get to explore the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos. Library visitors can look forward to a variety of dance parties and performances in partnership with presenters from a variety of organizations. Music and dance traditions of Colombia, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Brazil will take center stage.
“The library system’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to celebrate many aspects of the rich and multifaceted aspects of Hispanic history and culture,” says Dr. Mark Winston, chief executive officer of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. “As an organization, we are enthusiastic about the programs, events and collections that honor so many aspects of Hispanic heritage. We invite all to join us.”
The Library’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations will additionally include a number of engaging book discussions and film screenings, and a discussion of “Ordesa” by Manuel Vilas at the Bladensburg Branch Library on October 11. Kids will be able to join the festivities by participating in a variety of special “Crafternoon” programs tailored especially for them. They will be invited to learn about more than a dozen different Hispanic art traditions, including alebrijes (from Mexico), molas (from Panama) and muñecas quitapenas (from Guatemala).
Complete details for featured PGCMLS Hispanic Heritage Month events are below. For a full overview of Hispanic Heritage Month events at PGCMLS, please visit the Library’s Hispanic Heritage Hub.
Travel Buddies: Dancing Through Latin America!
Presented by Teatro La Bolsa
Free | Wednesday, October 1 at 6 pm |Ages 0-12 | Upper Marlboro Branch Library
Step into the captivating world of this bilingual play as Alre and Quines, accompanied by their magical bag, breathe life into enchanting tales. Join the Harlequins and their diverse group of friends on thrilling adventures across different countries, immersing themselves in vibrant cultures, music and dances. Discover the power of friendship and the beauty of global connections in this extraordinary theatrical journey. Presented in both Spanish and English.
Kids Create: Alfombras
Free | Thursday, October 02 at 4:00pm | Ages 5-12 | Beltsville
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and come create your own intricate alfombra design with colored sand and glue!
Shake Your Bones!
Free | Saturday, October 4 at 1 pm | Ages 0-5 | Largo-Kettering
In this playful and highly interactive presentation, Cantaré will introduce preschoolers to songs, rhythms and instruments from Latin America. Participants will enjoy the program by singing in Spanish, Portuguese and English as well as by dancing!
Kids Create: Bottle Top Castanets
Free | Wednesday, October 8 at 4:30 pm | Ages 5-12 | Hillcrest Heights
Kids are invited to make their own art project to take home in this program celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. This time, they’ll create their own bottle cap castanets, a percussion instrument from multiple Hispanic traditions that makes a clacking noise. Step-by-step instructions will be provided.
¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
Presented by the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino
Free | Wednesday, October 8 at 6 pm | Adults | Beltsville Branch Library
Let’s explore “¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa,” the upcoming music exhibition from the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino. Opening in Spring 2026, this bilingual exhibition explores how Afro-Cuban music evolved into a signature sound in the United States and traces the roots and rise of salsa music through nearly 300 objects. Highlighting artists from Tito Puente and Celia Cruz to local legends and under-the-radar pioneers, “¡Puro Ritmo!” celebrates salsa as one of America’s great musical traditions.
Dance Party: Hispanic Heritage!
Free | Saturday, October 11 at 11 am | Ages 0-5 | Glenarden
You and your little ones will enjoy an exciting morning of music and dancing to celebrate
Hispanic Heritage Month. Prepare to boogie and bop until the music stops!
Trivia: Hispanic Heritage
Free | Tuesday, October 14 at 5:30pm | Ages 5-18+ | Bladensburg
Show off your smarts and test your knowledge with Hispanic Heritage trivia! Join the fun, compete with others, and discover interesting facts along the way. Will you take the top spot?
Game On: Lotería
Free | Tuesday, October 14 at 6:00pm | Adults | Greenbelt
Gear up for an exciting time filled with friendly competition! Enjoy light refreshments while playing the classic game of lotería with other adults in recognition of Hispanic Heritage month!
About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is a beacon within its diverse and dynamic community. The Library serves Prince George’s County, Maryland’s 966,000+ residents through 19 public branches, a law library in the County Correctional Center, various pop-up services and events, and 24/7 access to free online resources. As a trusted and responsive community leader, PGCMLS democratizes knowledge and opportunity by providing safe, accessible spaces where customers of all backgrounds can freely engage with the resources needed to build knowledge, literacy, skills and creativity at every phase of life. Learn more at pgcmls.info/about-us.