Kutztown University Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 2026
KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown University celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. This national, month-long celebration recognizes the diversity of Hispanic/Latino/x/e cultures and commemorates the achievements, contributions and histories of Americans whose ancestry traces to Mexico, Spain, Central and South America and the Caribbean.
The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded in 1988 to a 30-day period under President Ronald Reagan. It was enacted into law Aug. 17, 1988.
Kutztown University recognizes and celebrates cultural heritage throughout the year while using Hispanic Heritage Month as an opportunity to spotlight the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latine communities. Throughout the celebration, the Multicultural Center will host a variety of opportunities for students and the campus community to connect, learn, celebrate and experience Hispanic and Latine cultures.
This year's celebration includes cultural trips, food, music, dance, art, games and community-building experiences. Learn more about KU Multicultural Center events through the Multicultural Center or by contacting 610-683-4807 or multicultural@kutztown.edu.
Hispanic Heritage Month 2026 Events
Registration for events and trips requiring sign-up is available through the Multicultural Center's Instagram and Engage pages.
Dominican Festival Trip 2026
Sunday, Sept. 13
1-8 p.m.
Registration Required
Travel with the Multicultural Center to the Cultural Center in Allentown for a day celebrating Dominican culture, music, food and community. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Sign up through the MCC Instagram or Engage. Sign up early. The first 15 students will receive money to use at the food truck.
Van provided for the first 14 people. Meet at the MCC. Van leaves at 2 p.m. and will return to campus at 8 p.m.
Bienvenidos: Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff
Tuesday, Sept. 15
1-5 p.m.
Multicultural Center Unity Room
¡Bienvenidos! Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with the Multicultural Center. Enjoy music, face painting, student organization tables, free swag and an Agua Fresca Bar. Sample perros calientes inspired by flavors from across Latin America while connecting with friends and celebrating the start of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Colors of Our Culture
Thursday, Sept. 17
5-6 p.m.
Multicultural Center
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through color, creativity and culture! Create your own tie-dye shirt inspired by the colors of your cultural flag while enjoying music, community and good vibes. Come express your heritage, get creative and celebrate the many cultures that make our community unique.
Sponsored by Lambda Sigma Upsilon, Latino Fraternity, Inc. Coba, in collaboration with the Multicultural Center.
Bomba y Plena Trip
Friday, Sept. 18
5-9 p.m.
Registration Required
Travel with the Multicultural Center to the Cultural Center in Allentown to experience Puerto Rican culture through the music, rhythms, dance and traditions of Bomba y Plena. Learn more about the history and cultural significance of these important Afro-Puerto Rican traditions. Space is limited; sign up through the MCC Instagram or Engage. Sign up early. The first 15 students will receive money to use the food truck.
Van provided for the first 14 people. Meet at the MCC. Van leaves at 5 p.m. and will return to campus at 9 p.m.
Cien Latinos Dijeron
Tuesday, Sept. 22
4-8 p.m.
Multicultural Center Unity Room
¡Vamos a jugar! Put your knowledge to the test with a fun, Hispanic-inspired version of Family Feud. Bring your friends, form a team and see who comes out on top. Snacks will be provided, along with chances to win prizes.
Flores Amarillas
Monday, Sept. 21
Tabling Event
Celebrate the tradition of Flores Amarillas (yellow flowers). Stop by to receive a yellow flower, learn about the meaning behind the tradition and share a little joy with someone in our campus community.
Sponsored by the Women’s Center in collaboration with the Multicultural Center.
Noche de Discoteca
Thursday, Sept. 24
8-10 p.m.
Multicultural Center Unity Room
Dance, vibe and celebrate with us. Enjoy an evening of music, dancing and community as we turn the Unity Room into our own discoteca. Come ready to dance and have a good time. Snacks will be provided.
¡Guac, Música y Cultura!
Tuesday, Sept. 29
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
MSU 223
Free guacamole and chips while supplies last. Stop by for fresh guacamole, good music and great company. Join us for a fun, hands-on experience making and enjoying guacamole while celebrating food, music and culture. First come, first served.
Nuestra Cultura, Nuestro Arte
Monday, Oct. 5
5-7 p.m.
Multicultural Center Unity Room
Celebrate our culture, our art with a Paint and Sip night inspired by Hispanic and Latine culture. Create your own artwork while enjoying some Latine sweet treats, music and community. No art experience is necessary, just come ready to create and have fun.
¡Baila Bachata!
Tuesday, Oct. 6
4-9 p.m.
Multicultural Center Unity Room
Come learn some bachata moves, meet new people and dance to the rhythm. No dance experience is needed. Learn the basics while exploring the cultural roots of this Dominican-born dance tradition. Come ready to move, learn and have fun. 6:30-8 p.m.
Tortilla Soup Movie Night
Tuesday, Oct. 13
7 p.m.
Multicultural Center Unity Room
Close out Hispanic Heritage Month with a cozy movie night featuring tortilla soup. Enjoy chicken tortilla soup, a good movie and great company as we wrap up a month of celebrating culture, heritage and community.