Sept. 2, 2025
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CHANDLER, Ariz. – The city’s Chandler Contigo program returns with a month-long series of educational events and cultural activities for all ages that honor and celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month held Sept. 15-Oct. 15. These programs are supported in partnership by the city’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division, Chandler Public Library, Chandler Center for the Arts, Chandler Museum and The Vision Gallery.
Events will be held at various locations in Chandler with something for all age groups to attend and enjoy. Mark your calendar for the following events:
- Chandler Contigo ¡Día de Fiesta!
Saturday, Sept. 20 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Downtown Chandler Library, 22 S. Delaware St.
Join us for a day of music, dance, art, food and cultural traditions as we kick off the Chandler Contigo celebration at the Downtown Library! Enjoy Mariachi music from Nueva Fusion, crafts and face painting for kids, a Folklórico performance by La Llorona, and more. Create your own Luchador mask before meeting local Lucha Libre masked wrestlers and learning some moves from 1-2 p.m.
Outside of the library at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park: Stage Plaza, the atmosphere will be lively with food trucks, games, vendors selling traditional Mexican artifacts and a DJ playing music. Local nonprofits will have booths to share resources with the community and The Vision Gallery will have a paper terracotta tile art activity. Admission to ¡Día de Fiesta! is free.
- 26th annual Chandler Mariachi and Folklórico Festival
Saturday, Oct. 4 | 7 p.m. | Chandler Center for the Arts (CCA), 250 N. Arizona Ave.
The CCA’s 26th Annual Mariachi and Folklórico Festival is presented in partnership with C.A.L.L.E. de Arizona and Maestra Vanessa Ramirez, creating a rich music and dance experience. Affectionately known as “The Queen of Ranchera Music,” Aída Cuevas has spent 50 extraordinary years as an ambassador of Mexican and Latin American music, captivating audiences worldwide. She remains the only woman in the mariachi genre to win both a GRAMMY and a Latin GRAMMY, cementing her place as a true pioneer and icon. Accompanied by a world-renowned mariachi ensemble, this spectacular performance will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico. Join us to celebrate her unparalleled legacy and honor the rich cultural heritage of Mexico in this once-in-a-lifetime event. Purchase tickets online at Chandler Center for the Arts.
- Contigo Movie Night: “Real Women Have Curves”
Friday, Oct. 10 | 4 p.m.| Chandler Harkins Crossroads Theater, 2980 E. Germann Rd.
“Real Women Have Curves,” starring America Ferrara, is a powerful coming-of-age story that explores the cultural and generational tensions within a Mexican American family in East L.A. With honesty and humor, it follows a young woman balancing her ambitions with family expectations. The film screening will be followed by a special discussion and Q&A panel with stars of the film, including actress Ingrid Oliu. Tickets are free and can be reserved online at EventBright.
- Play Day: Vamos a Celebrar
Sunday, Oct. 12 | 2-4 p.m. | Chandler Museum, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive
Let’s Celebrate! We will be recognizing the history, culture and contributions from our Hispanic and Latin American friends and neighbors through language, art and music. Admission is free.
- Con cariño siempre
Open thru Nov. 8 | The Gallery at Chandler Center for the Arts (CCA), 250 N. Arizona Ave.
Within the Mexican culture, there is believed to be two deaths–the first is when you physically pass away and the second is when you have been forgotten by the living. Wanting to preserve the legacy of the strong women in her family, muralist and artist, Ariana Enriquez set out to tell their stories in the best way she knew how— through her artwork. However, to truly celebrate these women, she would need to first delve deeper into her family’s history. Armed with pen and paper, Enriquez sat down at her Yoya’s (great aunt) table with her relatives. Her family members shared some truly incredible stories about the acts of service, kindness, and compassion that have been passed down through the generations. So often, people want to discuss generational trauma, but what about generational joy and the positivity and unity that can be passed down through the generations? This undercurrent of love and strength is something that Enriquez had felt her whole life but never quite understood how it had manifested in her family. It was then that she realized that these acts of love are the bedrock of her familial bonds.
For Con cariño siempre, Enriquez creates a visual love letter to her family. Drawing from her practice of using fauna and flora as symbolism, Enriquez created large scale installations that not only celebrate the women in her family but also highlight the love languages expressed throughout the years. By visually telling the stories of her ancestors, Enriquez aims to keep their memories alive long after they are gone. Free admission to The Gallery at CCA.
All four branches of the Chandler Public Library (CPL) will host a variety of free programs and events to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Registration is required for some programs. The four CPL branches are:
- Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive;
- Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St.;
- Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave.; and
- Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Road.
For more information, or to register online, visit Chandler Contigo or Chandler Library.
- Toddler Time:Chandler Contigo
Monday, Sept. 22 | 9:15-9:45 a.m. | Sunset Library
Toddlers will enjoy our Hispanic heritage-themed Storytime where we will read bilingual stories, interactive songs that celebrate connection and togetherness. Join us at Toddler Time for stories, songs and interactive play! This is a 30-minute program appropriate for ages 18-36 months, that uses the elements of Sing, Read, Talk, Write and Play to build early literacy skills.
- Chandler Contigo: Movie Matinee with “Vivo”
Monday, Sept. 22 | 1-3 p.m. | Downtown Library
Join us for our Monday Movie Matinee viewing of Vivo (2021), an animated musical adventure film. Set in Havana, Cuba, a music-loving kinkajou embarks on the journey of a lifetime to fulfill his destiny and deliver a love song.
- Chandler Contigo Family Night
Monday, Sept. 22 | 4-6 p.m. | Sunset Library
Come one, come all! In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, decorate your own sugar skull and learn how to play Lotería, a traditional Mexican game of chance similar to bingo. Then, enjoy a special performance by the Happy Mariachi Trio inside the library!
4-5 p.m.: Sugar skulls and Lotería
5-6 p.m.: Happy Mariachi Trio performance
- Family Time: Celebrate Chandler Contigo
Tuesday, Sept. 23 | 6-6:30 p.m. | Sunset Library
A special Hispanic heritage-themed Storytime at the library, where families with young children can enjoy bilingual stories, songs and fun activities that celebrate togetherness and community. This is a 30-minute program appropriate for all ages that uses the elements of Sing, Read, Talk, Write and Play to build literacy skills.
- Preschool Time: Chandler Contigo
Wednesday, Sept. 24 | 10:15-11 a.m. | Hamilton Library
Join us at Preschool Time for stories, songs and interactive play celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! This is a 45-minute interactive parent-child program appropriate for ages 3-5 that uses the elements of Sing, Read, Talk, Write and Play to build school readiness skills.
- Mexican Tin Folk Art for Teens
Wednesday, Sept. 24 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Downtown Library
One of the most versatile, and most beautiful expressions of Mexican folk art is hojalata (tin artwork), also known in some parts of Mexico as, lamina or lata. Come and celebrate Chandler Contigo and create your very own heart shaped hojalata. While supplies last.
- A.R.T. Now: Frida Kahlo
Wednesday, Sept. 24 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Downtown Library
Art (in) Real Time. Discover in depth, the long lost "A" in S.T.E.A.M.! To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we’ll dive into the bold and colorful world of Frida Kahlo. We'll have fun making our own unique self-portraits inspired by her iconic art.
- Our Stories: Honoring Family Legacy, Journey and Stories
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 10:30 a.m. to noon | Sunset Library
Local author Albert Monreal Quihuis shares his family history in a unique presentation that will inspire you to research your own family stories! In Mexico, the Revolution had begun; in Arizona the Roosevelt Dam was completed and it became the 48th state; and in Europe, World War I was looming. Thousands of families left Mexico to the United States. Did they leave because of the war or seeking new opportunities? This is a story of a descendant’s search for his family’s journey to Arizona, connecting their lost stories, discovering their contributions and honoring their legacy.
Albert Monreal Quihuis is a Multi Award-Winning Author, Arizona Historian, Storyteller and Chandler resident. He is the author of the “Legacy Journal, a Treasure Map to your Life and Heritage,” the historical memoir “Better Than Me,” “Journeys to Authorship” and the “Sofia and Pepe the Parrot Adventure Series.” He is on the board of the Tempe History Society, member of the First Families of Arizona, Arizona Historical Society, Los Descendants of Tucson, Arizona Author Association and ALWAYS.
- Toddler Time: Chandler Contigo
Monday, Sept. 29 | 10:15-10:45 a.m. | Hamilton Library
Join us at Toddler Time for stories, songs and interactive play celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! This is a 30-minute program appropriate for ages 18-36 months, that uses the elements of Sing, Read, Talk, Write and Play to build early literacy skills.
- Chandler Contigo: Mini Felt Piñata Stuffed Animal
Monday, Sept. 29 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Downtown Library
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by making a mini felt piñata stuffed animal. You will put all the pieces together and learn how to blanket stitch to create this small stuffed animal. Don't know how to sew? No problem! This stitch is very easy, and we will teach you how! Make one for yourself or give it as a gift. Due to the sewing aspect involved in this program, this program is only for adults and teens (13+).
- Chandler Contigo: Preschool Time
Tuesday, Sept. 30 | 9:15-10 a.m. | Sunset Library
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us! Join us at Preschool Time for stories, songs and interactive play! This is a 45-minute interactive parent-child program appropriate for ages 3-5 that uses the elements of Sing, Read, Talk, Write and Play to build school readiness skills.
- Chandler Contigo: Baby Time
Wednesday, Oct. 1 | 9:15-9:45 a.m. | Sunset Library
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us! Join us at Baby Time for stories, songs and interactive play! This is a 30-minute program appropriate for ages 0-18 months that uses the elements of Sing, Read, Talk, Write and Play to build early literacy skills.
- Bilingual Storytime: Chandler Contigo
Wednesday, Oct. 1 | 11-11:30 a.m. | Downtown Library
Broaden your child's horizons through our Bilingual Storytime/Cuentos Bilingues for families! Children of all ages can participate in activities, storytelling and fun, all while learning early literacy skills. This month our storytime will have a special Hispanic heritage theme. Bilingual Storytime is a 30-minute program that uses the elements of Sing, Read, Talk, Write and Play to build literacy skills.
- Celebrating Hispanic Heritage @ LEGO Club
Wednesday, Oct. 1 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Downtown Library
Learn together while having fun! Enjoy several building challenges that celebrate Hispanic Heritage month. Playing with Legos builds skills like creativity, problem solving and teamwork. For ages 6 to 12, and parents are welcome, too!
- Chandler Contigo: Adult Grab & Go: Butterfly Book Art
Friday, Oct. 3 | 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Hamilton Library
Butterflies are considered to have great significance in Hispanic Culture. Most specifically the Monarch butterfly holds a special place in Mexican culture. Monarchs symbolize transformation and renewal and are often seen as messengers between the living and the dead, carrying spirits to the afterlife. Celebrate Chandler Contigo and Hispanic Heritage Month by making folded book art. You will take a gently used library book that has used up its shelf life and fold its pages to make beautiful butterfly art within its page. Kits are available on a first come first serve basis. Adults only please.
- Fiesta de Arte: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage
Saturday, Oct. 4 | 11 a.m. to noon | Basha Library
Step into a world of vibrant colors and rich traditions! Join us for Fiesta de Arte, a special Hispanic Heritage Month family program celebrating Latin American culture through creative, hands-on crafts. Paint your own maracas, decorate ceramic-style pieces and design dazzling scratch paper art together. It’s a joyful opportunity for families to create, learn and explore culture side by side. The library will provide supplies and instruction, while you provide your creative touch!
- Chandler Contigo: Teen Salsa Tasting
Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 2:15-3 p.m. | Basha Library
Join the fiesta and vote for the most mouth-watering salsa at our Chandler Contigo celebration! Savor the flavor with chips and salsa on us. Choose from the finest salsa makers and see who reigns supreme. With games to play and prizes to win, it’s sure to be a spicy good time! Limited to the first 30 participants.
- Preschool Time: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage
Thursday, Oct. 9 | 9:15-10 a.m. | Basha Library
Join us at Preschool Time for stories, songs and interactive play! This is a 45-minute interactive parent-child program appropriate for ages 3-5 that uses the elements of Sing, Read, Talk, Write and Play to build school readiness skills. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’ll explore stories, music and activities that highlight the rich cultures, languages and traditions of Hispanic communities.
- Chandler Contigo: Storytime @ The Makery Passport Activity
Monday, Oct. 13 | 11-11:30 a.m. | Downtown Library
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a special Storytime @ The Makery! Enjoy a song, story and craft. For this edition, you will travel across Latin America with your very own passport and stamps, made by our Cricut and Glowforge! Materials available while supplies last.
For more information about Chandler Contigo (including updated times for events at Chandler Public Library), visit Chandler Contigo. The public also may contact Adrianna Erickson with Chandler’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division at 480-782-2224.