DES MOINES, Iowa — This years theme for Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival is “Ritmo Latino – Latin Rhythm.” The Iowa Latino Heritage Festival invites you to the rhythm of Latin America!

The annual celebration of Iowa’s 22 represented Latin countries will be on September 27 and 28 at Western Gateway Park in Des Moines. This festival is the best way to experience Latino culture from multiple different countries, right here in Iowa. Offerings from our two dozen plus food vendors include options like Mexican paletas to Colombian empanadas—there is so much food to taste and experience! And there is a lot to learn from the various cultural booths and artists on display all weekend long.

The festival falls in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and celebrates and highlights diverse cultures, traditions and contributions of Latin ancestries that trace back to the Caribbean Islands, Central America, Mexico, South America and Spain.

Iowans will get to hear and feel the rhythm at the concert stage this year, with musical sets from Selekto Show, Los Llaneros, Sons of Bossa and Son Peruchos. 40 sponsors have contributed to bring this festival to the people of Iowa! Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 27 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, September 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Location: 1330 Grand Avenue in downtown Des Moines. Free parking is available on the Nationwide ramp at 1100 Walnut Street, and tickets are $5 for adults; children 12 and younger are free. For more information, visit the Iowa Latino Heritage Festival website.