UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — From mid-September through the end of October, Penn State units at campuses across the commonwealth will hold events in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as a time to honor and celebrate the historic background, culture, heritage and many influences of the Hispanic and Latino communities throughout the years. The unifying theme for this year’s observances is "La unidad es nuestra fuerza" — “Unity Is Our Strength."
In September 1968, the U.S. Congress authorized then President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, observed during the week that included Sept. 15 and 16. The observance was expanded in 1989 by Congress to a monthlong celebration, when the U.S. celebrates the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and 18, respectively.
A list of Hispanic and Latino student organizations at University Park is available on the Hispanic Heritage Month at Penn State website.
Hispanic Heritage Month events are open to all students, faculty and staff regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or any other protected class.
Penn State University Park
Happy Valley Latin Festival
11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12, Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, 127 S. Frazer St., downtown State College.
Celebrate culture, music, food and community at the Happy Valley Latin Festival! Organized by Latin Vibe, a local nonprofit dedicated to uplifting Latinx culture, this daylong event brings together families, friends and neighbors for live performances, local vendors and activities for all ages. Drop by the Hispanic Heritage Month Planning Committee table for swag and information and to learn about Hispanic Heritage Month programs and resources.
The Joyfull: Hispanic Heritage Month Edition
6 p.m., Monday, Sept. 14, Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center.
Joyfull is a free community event that invites attendees to experience the sights, sounds and flavors of a new culture through an intimate, arts-based program. The Joyfull: Hispanic Heritage Month Edition program will celebrate the rich history and contributions of Latinx culture. The event also will feature highlights from the Center for the Performing Arts’ 2026-27 season. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Click the link to register: The Joyfull: Hispanic Heritage Month Edition Registration Form.
The Joyfull: Hispanic Heritage Month Edition is presented in partnership with Penn State Student Affairs, the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, and the Hispanic Heritage Month Planning Committee. Joyfull programs are supported in part through funding from Penn State’s Equal Opportunity Planning Committee in the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity.
Immigration: How the Past Shapes the Present
4-6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 16, Room 202, Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building.
Join distinguished sociologist Nancy Foner for a timely discussion of how America’s immigration history continues to shape present-day policies, public perceptions and immigrant experiences. Drawing on her book "Immigration: How the Past Shapes the Present," Foner will explore the myths, memories, political legacies and recurring patterns that influence contemporary immigration debates. Sponsored by the Department of History and the Latina/o Studies Program.
Community Ofrenda
Noon to 2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, Paul Robeson Cultural Center, 21 HUB-Robeson Center.
The Paul Robeson Cultural Center invites you to take part in a Community Ofrenda. An ofrenda is a ceremonial altar where people come together to honor, remember and celebrate their loved ones who have passed on. Stop by, leave a note of gratitude, and enjoy free food from local vendors. The ofrenda will remain on display through Oct. 9. All are welcome! For more information, contact jmb1040@psu.edu.
The Penn State Dolores Huerta Day of Service
Part 1: Honor Dolores Huerta: Harvest at the Student Farm — 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 27, Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm. Honor Dolores Huerta’s legacy of service by giving back locally. Student volunteers will harvest produce and flowers for St. Andrew’s Community Café. This first part honors Dolores Huerta, a labor leader, civil rights activist, and co-founder of the United Farm Workers — whose organizing work uplifted farmworkers and communities nationwide. Her famous call, “¡Sí, se puede!” — “Yes, we can!” — reminds us that change begins with everyday acts of service and solidarity
Part 2: Serve the Community: St. Andrew’s Community Café — 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, State College. Volunteers will help serve dinner to community members at St. Andrew’s Community Café, which has provided free weekly meals since 2009 to anyone in need, no questions asked. What began as soup and bread has grown into full meals, including vegan options and desserts, and a welcoming space of dignity, care and community.
All are welcome! Together, these two events reflect Dolores Huerta’s vision of building community through justice and hope. By harvesting and serving, Penn State students connect Huerta’s lifelong fight for dignity and justice with today’s work of feeding and caring for our community. To volunteer or learn more, contact vjp111@psu.edu.
Children’s Day
10:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 3, Schlow Library Community Room, South Allen Street, State College.
Bring the family for a fun-filled morning with Penn State student organizations featuring face painting, crafts and games for kids of all ages. Children can enjoy traditional snacks and learn fun facts about Hispanic and Latinx cultures. No prior knowledge of Spanish is needed. Through play, art and food, children will engage with the creativity of another culture. The program is recommended for ages 3 and up and is open to all who want to celebrate and learn.
Want to be part of the fun? Student volunteers make this day possible. Representatives from student organizations may contact jmb1040@psu.edu to sign up. All are welcome.
Café con Leche: Unity Across Difference: Let’s Talk About It!
5:45 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6, Flex Theater, 134 HUB-Robeson Center.
Join the Latino Caucus, the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, and the Center for Social Change and Belonging for coffee, sweet treats and meaningful conversation. Together, we will explore how we can bring our communities together across our differences while honoring the diverse experiences and perspectives that make every person and group unique. Complimentary refreshments and hot beverages will be provided. For more information, contact apb6828@psu.edu.
‘Trailblazers of Penn State: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month’
3:30-5 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7, Westgate Building.
Join the Eberly College of Science, College of Health and Human Development, and College of Information Sciences and Technology for a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month featuring a poster gallery showcasing Penn State faculty, students and alumni whose contributions have made a lasting impact. This event is open to all members of the Penn State community. Join us in celebrating the voices and legacies that continue to shape our University and beyond.
Fun Friday at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center
Noon to 3 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9, Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center.
Take a break from the grind and drop by the Paul Robeson Cultural Center for Fun Friday. We’ll have free food, art, games and space to hang out. Fun Friday is a long-standing PRCC tradition of community care, creating space to connect, recharge and celebrate culture together. Expect a welcoming atmosphere, activities and plenty of ways to meet new friends. No RSVP is required. All are invited. For more information, contact apb6828@psu.edu.
Hispanic Heritage Month Cultural Night
6-8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9, Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center.
Celebrate the conclusion of Hispanic Heritage Month with an evening of culture, food and entertainment. Come together as a community to witness a live performance, savor authentic cuisine, and enjoy great company while honoring and uplifting rich traditions, histories and cultures. Dinner, entertainment and enrichment will be provided free of charge. General seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If your department or organization would like to reserve a table, contact jmb1040@psu.edu.
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Performance by the Caliente Dance Team — “Caliente!” is a dance organization focused on celebrating and sharing Latino cultural heritage throughout Penn State’s University Park campus.
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Keynote speaker: Eladio B. Bobadilla — Eladio Bobadilla is a historian of immigration, social movements and the working class. An assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh, he studies how ordinary people have responded to injustice through community organizing, cross-border activism and collective action.
Penn State Berks
Penn State Berks will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of vibrant events, educational presentations and cultural showcases. All events are free and open to the public and most are held at Penn State Berks, except those sponsored by the Berks LaunchBox.
To view the full event list, visit this story: Penn State Berks celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month with free events.
Penn State Brandywine
Hispanic Heritage Month speaker: Gabriel Pulido
Noon to 1:15 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, Tomezsko Lounge.
Gabriel Pulido will present a talk and spoken-word performance. Lunch will be provided.
Penn State DuBois
Grocery Loteria
12:15-1:15 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 16, Hiller Student Union.
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Penn State DuBois IDREAM Team will host Grocery Loteria, giving students an opportunity to enjoy a version of the traditional Mexican game of chance while competing for grocery-themed prizes. This event is open to Penn State DuBois students.
Latin Music Night with Rick Reyes
6-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 16, Hiller Auditorium.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Latin Music Night featuring Puerto Rican musician Rick Reyes and his band. Blending music and storytelling, Reyes will share the sounds, cultures and traditions of Latin America through performances spanning folk, salsa, merengue, Latin jazz and more. The event is free and open to the public.
Penn State Harrisburg
Ballet Nepantla — 'Sin Fronteras'
Thursday, Oct. 1, 7:30-9 p.m., Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre, Student Enrichment Center.
New York City-based contemporary dance company Ballet Nepantla presents "Sin Fronteras," a visually dazzling journey through Mexico and the many spaces between cultures. Fusing Mexican folklórico, contemporary ballet, and West African dance, this powerful program features selections from Valentina, Nacimiento, Mística, and more. Tickets and information for "Sin Fronteras" are available at this link.
Penn State Hazleton
Hispanic Heritage Month celebration
Noon, Tuesday, Sept. 15, Center for Multicultural Engagement (Lower Butler).
Penn State Hazleton's Campus Activities Board will be hosting a celebration of the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month with food, games and educational displays of Hispanic/LatinX culture.