Bloomington, Indiana – For four hours Saturday, Switchyard Park will become one of Bloomington’s busiest cultural gathering places, with mariachi, flamenco, salsa, food trucks and community groups sharing the same stretch of park.
The occasion is Bloomington’s 21st annual La Fiesta del Otoño, a free celebration of Hispanic and Latino cultures that has grown from a local observance into an event featuring more than 50 community organizations. This year’s theme is “Unidos, Somos Más / Together, We Are More.”
The festival runs from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St. Admission is free, while food and some vendor items will be available for purchase.
For 2026, activities will spread beyond the Switchyard Park Pavilion and onto the lawn. Performances are planned for the city’s mobile stage, while indoor space will be available for booths and activities if weather becomes an issue.
The entertainment lineup includes Mariachi Internacional de Bloomington, IU Ballet Folklórico, flamenco dancer Sofía Crespo, La Salsoteca, Tortilla Jackson and Los Pablos. Visitors can also expect Zumba, dancing, crafts and lawn games.
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The event’s promotional materials highlight cultures connected to Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Spain, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico and Venezuela.
Music is only part of the afternoon. More than 50 community organizations and partners are expected to offer information, bilingual materials and hands-on activities. Participants include the Indiana University School of Nursing and Monroe County Public Health Clinic, while the FAR Center for Contemporary Arts is supporting family arts activities.
Local food trucks will also be on site, including Pizza Mas.
“Our city is at its best when every resident feels seen, valued, and included,” Community and Family Resources Director Shatoyia Moss said.
“La Fiesta del Otoño is a joyful way to celebrate the rich cultures and traditions of our Hispanic and Latino community while bringing people together and strengthening the connections that make Bloomington a welcoming place to be.”
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The festival is organized by the Community and Family Resources Department’s Latino Outreach staff and the Commission on Hispanic and Latiné Affairs as part of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
Saturday’s celebration ends at 4 p.m., the same time Indiana football is scheduled to kick off against Western Kentucky at Memorial Stadium.
More information is available through the city’s National Hispanic Heritage Month page and Latino Programs Facebook page. Latino Outreach Coordinator Ximena Martinez Ruiz can also be reached at 812-349-3430 or [email protected].
