National Hispanic Heritage Month is upon us! Many events are happening. President of the Hispanic Women of Springfield Ana Manriquez shares information on the activities and some ISM events.
From the Illinois State Museum website, below:
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026 dnr.pio@illinois.gov
Illinois State Museum invites visitors to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Special events include a cultural festival, Lotería and Taco Nite, Day of the Dead celebration
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Museum and Springfield state historic sites are hosting a series of special events
in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Hecho en Illinois
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Participants from the Mi Casa es Tu Casa Beardstown Project will share their stories about finding a home in
Illinois, including what brought them to the state, their experiences and what makes them feel a sense of belonging.
Festival de la Herencia Hispana (Hispanic Heritage Festival)
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
Join the museum and Hispanic Women of Springfield in a celebration of Latine culture, food, traditions and heritage
during this free community event.
Lotería and Taco Nite
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8
Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site, Springfield
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the state museum, and Hispanic Women of Springfield will host
Lotería and Taco Nite at the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site. Visitors will enjoy a night of games, food and
fun. This event is currently sold out.
Day of the Dead
1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1
Illinois State Museum, Springfield
The Illinois State Museum will honor loved ones who have passed away with an afternoon of dancing, games,
activities and refreshments. The event is free and open to the public.
Learn more about these and other ISM events at illinoisstatemuseum.org. For additional information, email
dnr.ism.events@illinois.gov.
The Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St. in Springfield, is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and
noon to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is always free.
