How to use transit to enjoy Hispanic Heritage Month in the Chicago region

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States from September 15-October 15 to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans. There are plenty of ways to celebrate throughout the Chicago region, from street festivals, to museums, to must-visit neighborhoods, and more. NITA has curated a list of activities you can access via CTA, Metra, or Pace.

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Multicultural neighborhoods

Pilsen

Pilsen is one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its murals, shops, and restaurants—and, of course, its deep history as a strong Latino community. Spend a day exploring the 16^th Street murals, the Pilsen Arts and Community House, and the free National Museum of Mexican Art. Swing down to 18^th Street to enjoy locally owned shops and restaurants, including some of the best tacos you’ll ever have.

How to get there:

CTA Pink Line (18^th Street stop)
CTA Bus Route #18 (between 18^th Street & Ashland and Halsted & 16^th Street stops)
CTA Bus Route #9 and #X9 (Ashland & 18^th Street stop)
CTA Bus Route #8, #18, and #62 (Halsted & 16^th Street stop)
Metra BNSF line (Halsted Street stop)

Little Village

Just a few stops farther west along the Pink Line is Pilsen’s neighbor, La Villita (or Little Village). Be sure to check out the 26^th Street arch, designated an official landmark and marking the gateway to what is often referred to as the “Mexican capital of the Midwest.” Walk along 26^th Street to enjoy one of the most vibrant retail districts in all of Chicago, including locally owned shops, restaurants, bakeries, and more.

How to get there:

CTA Pink Line (Western, California, Kedzie, or Central Park stops)
CTA Bus Route #60 (between 26^th Street & Kostner and 26^th Street & Washtenaw stops)
CTA Bus Route #82 (between Central Park & Ogden and Central Park & 31^st Street stops)
Metra BNSF line (Western Avenue stop)

Humboldt Park

If you’re looking to take in the best Puerto Rican culture Chicagoland has to offer, follow the giant flags. Division Street between Western and California avenues is known as Paseo Boricua and is bookended by nearly 60-foot-tall steel Puerto Rican flags, which were landmarked in 2022. You’re sure to see countless Puerto Rican flags along this corridor waving from cars, in windows, and on the stretch’s many vibrant murals. The neighborhood is also home to the National Puerto Rican Museum. The energy is palpable, and the food is not to be missed.

How to get there:

CTA Bus Route #70 (between Division & Kedzie and Division & Western stops)
CTA Bus Route #94 (between California & North Avenue and California & Division stops)
CTA Bus Route #49 (between North Avenue & Western and Western & Division stops)
Metra MD-N, MD-W, and NCS lines (Western Avenue stop), then take CTA Bus Route #49 north to Division Street.
Metra UP-W line (Kedzie stop), then take CTA Bus Route #82 north to Division Street.

Cultural events and festivals

Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival

Sponsored by the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance, this citywide series showcases the best of Latine performing arts. Including everything from dance, to theater, and solo performances, there is something for everyone in this lineup!

When: September 14-October 11 (multiple events)

Where: Multiple locations across Chicago

Learn More

Chicago Latino Dance Festival

Celebrate latino dance culture at Chicago's 4th annual Latino Dance Festival! Organized by the International Latino Culture Center of Chicago, this free event features styles from across the region including Mexican Folkloric ballet, and contemporary salsa. The festival is taking place over two days, so there are extra chances to get a ticket.

Day 1:

When: 7-9pm, September 29

Where: Reva and David Logan Center for The Arts, 915 E. 60th St., Chicago, Il, 60637

How to get there:

CTA Bus Route #2 (915 E. 60th St. Stop)
CTA Bus Route #4 (60th St. and Cottage Grove stop) Then walk 0.1 miles (2 minutes)
CTA Bus Route #59 (61st and Cottage Grove stop) Then walk 0.2 miles (3 minutes)
Metra South Shore Line (University of Chicago/59th St. station then walk 1 mile (20 minutes)

Day 2:

When: 3-5pm, October 11

Where: Humboldt Park Field House, 1440 N Humboldt Dr, Chicago, IL 60622

1440 N Humboldt Dr, Chicago, IL 60622

How to get there:

CTA Bus Route #72 (North Ave. and Humboldt stop) Then walk 0.3 miles (6 minutes)
CTA Bus Route #70 (Division and Humboldt stop) Then walk 0.4 miles (8 minutes)
CTA Bus Route # 94 (California and Evergreen stop) Then walk 0.7 miles (15 minutes)

Consider rolling to this event! The Humboldt Park Field House is just 0.5 miles or a 4 minute ride from the Bloomingdale trail (aka the 606).

Learn More

Naperville Hispanic Heritage Festival

The Naperville Sister Cities is hosting their annual Hispanic Heritage Festival, featuring a South of the Border Marketplace, Taste of Latin America, and music in Central Park. Other events will be held downtown including a cooking class, art project, coloring contest, story time for kids, Loteria, and more. Participating downtown stores are also featuring special events and food specials.

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, September 13

Where: Central Park, 104 E. Benton Ave., Naperville, IL

How to get there:

Pace Bus Route #530 (Washington St & Benton Ave stop), then walk 0.2 miles (3 minutes).
Metra BNSF line (Naperville stop), then walk 0.4 miles (9 minutes), or take Pace Bus Route #530 south to the Washington St & Benton Ave stop.

Learn more

Find more Chicagoland events, exhibits, and food through Choose Chicago's Hispanic Heritage Month guide.