Everything you need to know about Festival Latino de Lexington

The annual Latin festival returns to Robert F. Stephens this weekend for two days of fun, music, food, and celebration.

A woman dances on stage next to a man.

Every year, the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza transforms into a celebration of all aspects of Latin culture. | Photo taken by Parry Barrows

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Downtown Lexington will come to life this weekend with the return of the Festival Latino de Lexington, hosted by Lexington Parks & Recreation + the Foundation for Latin American and Latino Culture and Arts.

For 20+ years, the Latin festival has been a love letter to our local community, celebrating all aspects of Latin American art and culture. While this event certainly runs parallel with National Hispanic Heritage Month, it also serves as a chance for the public to learn + immerse themselves into a culture that shapes Lexington every single day.

Participants dressed in classic Indigenous clothing performing a dance.

Festival Latino at the Courthouse Plaza Sept. 18, 2017 | Photo by Emily Greene

On Friday and Saturday, you can head downtown to experience live music (think: DJs, Mariachi bands, and Bachata), dance + visual arts performances, as well as delicious, authentic foods. The weekend will also have informational booths and local artisans so visitors can shop, eat, and learn about Lexington’s Hispanic culture.

The details

Here’s everything you need to know for the festivities:

  • Where: Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza, 120 N. Limestone
  • When: Friday, Sept. 22, 5-11 p.m. + Saturday, Sept. 23, 4-11 p.m.
  • Watch for: Road closures on Short Street from Limestone to Martin Luther King Blvd.

Pro tip: Know your best practices for parking downtown.

Feria de la salud

On Sunday, the education continues at Masterson Station Park for the festival’s coinciding Health Fair.

From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the community will have access to various health resources — such as eye screenings, flu shots, and Narcan training. Here, there will be an opportunity to meet with professionals in a setting that eliminates the stress that can come from having a language barrier in a healthcare setting.