Austin Community College District (ACC) celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 with a series of events and conversations across the district and online.

Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the history, culture, traditions, and contributions of people and their ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

All events are free and open to the community.

Diez y Seis Celebration

• Tuesday, September 16 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Riverside Campus, Auditorium 8100G
• Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a performance by the Hays High School Mariachi group, curated film clips about Diez y Seis, El Grito, and a free lunch. No RSVP required.

Spanish Language Exchange (Virtual)

• Tuesday, September 23 | 6–7 p.m. | Online
• Practice your Spanish in a fun, interactive event led by Professor Ramiro Juarez. Play games, join breakout conversations, and connect with others. RSVP here.

Lotería & Nacho Bar

• Wednesday, September 24 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Riverside Campus, Student Life Lounge
• Join El Centro and Student Life for a lively afternoon of food, games, and prizes. Enjoy a nacho bar and play lotería for a chance to win Student Life and El Centro swag.

Golden Age Film Screening: Victims of Sin

• Tuesday, September 30 | 12–2 p.m. | Riverside Campus, El Centro
• Experience a classic film from the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Free pizza provided.

Cafecito with The Tiarras

• Friday, October 10 | Time TBD | Riverside Campus, El Centro
• Meet local Latina rock band The Tiarras for an intimate cafecito conversation about growing up in Austin, navigating the music industry, and their time at ACC.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Film Screening: The Windigo

• Monday, October 13 | Time TBD | Riverside Campus, El Centro
• Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a screening of “The Windigo,” directed by Cuban American filmmaker Gabe Torres. The film explores an Indigenous horror legend and the power of cultural storytelling.

In addition, ACC’s Art Galleries (TAG) will spotlight “The Necessity of Truth: A Contribution to the National Day of Racial Healing,” a bilingual publication featuring artwork and interviews by Central and South Texas artists on themes of racial healing, social justice, and cultural awareness. Edited by Peter Louis Bonfitto, director of TAG, the publication is available online as a digital preview.

ACC Hispanic Heritage Month events are sponsored by El Centro/Latin American Cultural Center, along with Student Life, The Art Galleries (TAG), faculty partners, and student organizations.

For the most up-to-date schedule and additional opportunities, visit austincc.edu/hhm. 

To find support year-round, visit ACC’s Latin American Cultural Center, El Centro, at the Riverside Campus. El Centro, which serves as a permanent hub for community, culture, and celebration, celebrates 30 years of serving the community this year. 

ACC also offers Ascender––celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Ascender is a free academic mentor program dedicated to empowering students through transferable, contextualized courses in a small-class setting with personalized mentoring and a designated advisor who helps students navigate their first year of college.

Tags: Art Galleries, HHM, Hispanic Heritage Month