517 hispanic heritage weekend
save the dates
September 17th - September 20th, 2026
517 hispanic heritage weekend (2026)
Join us in Downtown Lansing, September 17–20, for a weekend of culture, community, and celebration!
Saturday’s main festival takes place right in front of the Capitol Building, featuring 70+ vendors and food trucks, live music, luchador wrestling, and more.
All weekend long, Downtown comes alive with events, including a Wellness & Financial Empowerment Seminar, Latin Dance Class & Mixer, and a soulful Jazz Night—activating the corridor with energy, pride, and cultura.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
Latino Business Conexión of Michigan
Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Lansing City Hall | 124 W. Michigan Avenue | Downtown Lansing, MI
In partnership with Latino Business Conexión of Michigan
The 517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend begins with the Business Seminar & Mixer, bringing together entrepreneurs, small business owners, professionals, and community leaders for networking and a conversation focused on the connection between personal wellness and business success.
The evening's Wellness & Small Business Panel will feature:
Mando Gutierrez | MMA Fighter, Artist & Small Business Owner
Discussing physical and mental wellness, discipline, recovery, and leadership.
Luis Martinez | Martinez Financial & LAFCU
Discussing financial wellness, cash flow, financial literacy, access to capital, and resources for small businesses.
Justin Hidalgo | Owner, Premier Cleaning & Restoration Services
Discussing entrepreneurship, leadership, spiritual wellness, and lessons from building a business.
Moderator: Arianna Ridderbusch | Vice President of Community Impact, MSU Federal Credit Union
The program will also feature Gift of Life Michigan, sharing the stories of Mike Lopez and Omar Garcia and discussing preventative care, healthy habits, and overall wellness.
Schedule:
5:30 PM | Networking & Refreshments
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM | Seminar & Panel
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Business Mixer & Networking
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
HISPANIC HERITAGE DANCE CLASS & MIXER
Friday, September 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Lansing Shuffle Patio | Downtown Lansing, MI
FREE Admission
Join us on the riverfront for the 517 Hispanic Heritage Dance Class & Mixer, featuring free Merengue and Salsa lessons led by Lorenzo Lopez and Yesenia Murillo.
After the lessons, stay for an open Latin dance mixer with music, dancing, and DJ entertainment through 10:00 PM on the Lansing Shuffle patio overlooking the Grand River.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase inside Lansing Shuffle.
Event Features:
Bachata • Salsa • Open Dancing • Latin Music • DJ Entertainment • Food & Drinks • Riverfront Patio • Free Admission
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
A TASTE OF HISPANIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Capitol Avenue | Downtown Lansing, MI
FREE Admission
The A Taste Of 517 Hispanic Heritage Festival takes over Capitol Avenue in front of the Michigan State Capitol with a full day of Hispanic and Latino culture, food, music, dance, entertainment, and small businesses.
The festival will feature 70+ vendors and food trucks, live music, DJs, folklórico dancers, cultural performances, a Kidz Zone, and live lucha libre wrestling from Lucha Boom! with matches at 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Featured Entertainment:
Gabriel Burciaga y Grupo Animo • CasArt Foundation • DJ E-Nyce • DJ Dolo • Thay • Mexi Cuba • R-Papi • Lucha Boom!
Attendees can shop local businesses, enjoy Hispanic and Latin American food, experience live performances throughout the day, and take part in family-friendly activities.
Featured Sponsors:
LAFCU • MSU Federal Credit Union
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
LATIN JAZZ NIGHT FT. ORQUEST RITMO
Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Lansing Shuffle Patio | Downtown Lansing, MI
Featuring Orquesta Ritmo
Close out the 517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend with Latin Jazz Night, featuring a live riverfront performance by Orquesta Ritmo and sounds by DJ E-Nyce.
Enjoy Latin jazz, live instrumentation, food and drinks available inside Lansing Shuffle, and views of the Grand River.
Sponsors:
LAFCU • MSU Federal Credit Union