Aug. 21, 2026
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 Connection & Impact Division, Chandler Public Library, Chandler Center for the Arts, Chandler Museum and 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. 12 | 4-10 p.m. | Dr. A.J. Chandler Park: Stage Plaza, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave.
Join the city and the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for an evening of music, dance, art, food and cultural traditions as we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month in Downtown Chandler! Experience the powerful tradition of El Grito, a special celebration honoring Mexican heritage and history, with the Mexican Consulate of Phoenix.
Get ready for an incredible lineup of live music, featuring Reina Ley, De Cajon Latin Music and Elijah Ezequiel y Los Conjunto AddictZ. Feel the excitement of live Lucha Libre wrestling, enjoy the beauty of Folklórico dance performances and taste the delicious flavors of the many food vendors.
The event offers family-friendly activities including a photo booth, bounce houses and a hands-on art experience from the Vision Gallery. Participants can create their own canvas using stencil designs that celebrate the rich cultures of Hispanic and Latino cultures, guided by local artist Adrian “AWER” Garcia. Admission to Día de Fiesta is free.
- Museum Helpers: De Colores
Wednesday, Sept. 30 | 10:30-11:15 a.m. | Chandler Museum, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive
Sing songs, play music and learn your colors in Spanish as we engage in crafts celebrating artisans from Chile, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico and all Spanish-speaking countries. For ages 3-6.
- Vision Kids: Cositas
Saturday, Oct. 10 | 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. | Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St.
Participants will create their own Cosita—a small, personalized world made from everyday materials—helping them express themselves, build confidence and explore creativity. Led by teaching artist Jaxinta Shaffer. For ages 6-16. Registration is required and opens Sept. 19.
- Entre Dos Mundos: A Día de Muertos Celebration
Sunday, Nov. 1 | 12:30-3:30 p.m. | Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave.
Join us for Entre Dos Mundos: A Día de Muertos Celebration, a free, family-friendly event on the Chandler Center for the Arts terrace. Enjoy local vendors, a food court, live music, storytelling, cultural activities, art and a community altar as we honor the connection between the living and those who have passed. RSVP online.
- CCA & C.A.L.L.E de Arizona Present the 27th Annual Chandler Mariachi and Folklórico Festival
Sunday, Nov. 1 | 4 p.m. | Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave.
After the free community celebration, continue the festivities with the 27th Annual Chandler Mariachi and Folklórico Festival. This ticketed performance features Arizona artists Mariachi Pueblo Viejo, Mariachi Nueva Fusion, Evelyn Ozuna and C.A.L.L.E. de Arizona Folklórico Dancers in a vibrant Día de Muertos celebration of Mexican culture through live music and dance. Tickets start at $49 and can be purchased online.
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.
- Chandler Contigo: Baby Time
Tuesday, Sept. 15 | 10:15-10:45 a.m. | Basha Library
This 20-minute parent-child engagement program incorporates the five early literacy practices: Sing, read, talk, write and play to help your baby develop important early literacy skills. Remember, you are your child’s first teacher! We encourage all caregivers to actively engage with their children throughout the program. Please note: To ensure a quality experience, each library branch may limit capacity. For ages 0-18 months.
- Library Café: Salsa Taste Test
Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Basha Library
Library Café is a monthly hangout for teens (ages 13–17) where we create and enjoy a different food-related activity. Join the fiesta and vote for the most mouth-watering salsa at our Contigo celebration! Savor the flavor with chips and salsa on us. Choose from Arizona’s 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 25 participants.
- Preschool Time: Chandler Contigo!
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 9:15-10 a.m. | Basha Library
This 45-minute, parent-child engagement program incorporates the five early literacy practices: Sing, read, talk, write and play to build school readiness skills. It also includes a craft activity. Remember, you are your child’s first teacher! We encourage all caregivers to actively engage with their children throughout the program. Please note: To ensure a quality experience, each library branch may limit capacity. For ages 3-5 years.
- Chilean Folklore Music and Dance
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 11 a.m. to noon | Basha Library
Experience the music and dance traditions of Chile in this lively cultural showcase by Chilenos Sin Fronteras. This talented group will share traditional Chilean folk dances, music and stories that celebrate the country's rich heritage and bring its culture to life. Learn how these traditions have been passed down through generations and continue to be an important part of Chilean culture today.
- Toddler Time: Chandler Contigo
Monday, Sept. 28 | 9:15-9:45 a.m. and 10:15-10:45 a.m. | Sunset Library
Celebrate Contigo (togetherness) with a special Puerto Rican story time full of colorful tales and playful movement. Kids and families will discover the sounds, animals and traditions that make Puerto Rico shine! This 30-minute parent-child engagement program incorporates the five early literacy practices: Sing, read, talk, write and play to build early literacy skills. Remember, you are your child’s first teacher! We encourage all caregivers to actively engage with their children throughout the program. Please note: To ensure a quality experience, each library branch may limit capacity. For ages 18-36 months.
- STEAM Club: Puerto Rican Masks
Monday, Sept. 28 | 4-5 p.m. | Sunset Library
During Hispanic Heritage month, kids ages 6-12 years old are invited to join us for a special STEAM Club to celebrate Puerto Rican culture! Sunset celebrates Contigo in style making traditional vejigante masks, featuring vibrant colors and dramatic horns using a mix of recycled cardboard and materials. Each month, kids ages 6-12 explore a new STEAM theme. Our hands-on projects provide a fun way to practice following directions, explore basic science and learn concepts in technology, engineering, art and math. Children build confidence while problem solving, collaborating and expressing their creativity. Registration opens Monday, Sept. 14 at midnight.
- Puerto Rican Showcase with the Carlos Rivas Music Trio
Tuesday, Sept. 29 | 5-7 p.m. | Sunset Library
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are showcasing Puerto Rican culture with the Carlos Rivas Trio, family activities and a Puerto Rican food truck. Enjoy music in the Monsoon Room, then join us on the patio for food and activities. This free event is for all ages.
- Flores de México
Saturday, Oct. 3 | 10 a.m. to noon | Basha Library
Kids, come celebrate Chandler Contigo and Hispanic Heritage Month with us by making your own colorful Mexican paper flowers! This simple, hands-on craft is a fun way to explore Mexican culture while creating something beautiful to take home. Use your finished flower as a decoration, an accessory or a thoughtful handmade gift. For ages 6 to 12.
- Toddler Time: Chandler Contigo
Monday, Oct. 5 | 10:15-10:45 a.m. | Hamilton Library
Celebrate Contigo (togetherness) with a special Puerto Rican story time full of colorful tales and playful movement. Kids and families will discover the sounds, animals and traditions that make Puerto Rico shine! This 30-minute parent-child engagement program incorporates the five early literacy practices: Sing, read, talk, write and play to build early literacy skills. Remember, you are your child’s first teacher! We encourage all caregivers to actively engage with their children throughout the program. Please note: To ensure a quality experience, each library branch may limit capacity. For ages 18-36 months.
- Chandler Contigo: “Encanto” Movie
Monday, Oct. 5 | 2-4 p.m. | Hamilton Library
Come celebrate Contigo with us for a movie and FREE popcorn. We will feature “Encanto” (2021). In this story, Mirabel learns that the family is losing their magic, she sets out to find out why and save the family and house. Encanto is rated PG and runs for 1 hour 42 minutes.
- Chandler Contigo: Bookmark Weaving
Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 5-6 p.m. | Hamilton Library
Come celebrate Contigo at Hamilton Library by weaving your own bookmark. Weaving is a traditional art style used in many Hispanic cultures. Colombia is best known for their Wayuu Mochila bags full of bright colors and intricate patterns. Supplies will be provided. Registration is required and opens Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 8 a.m. Adults only.
- LEGO Club: Chandler Contigo!
Wednesday, Oct. 7 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Downtown Library
Learn together while having fun! This month at LEGO Club, we'll do some creative builds celebrating Hispanic heritage as part of Chandler Contigo! Playing with LEGOs builds skills like creativity, problem solving and teamwork. For ages 6 to 12, and parents are welcome, too! We will have monthly challenges that will test your building skills.
- Quinceañera Fashion Show & Musical Fiesta
Saturday, Oct. 10 | 1:30-3:30 p.m. | Hamilton Library
As part of Hispanic Heritage month, Hamilton Library is celebrating South American cultures. Our event begins with a Quinceañera Fashion Show, where local teens will take to the runway to showcase their beautiful gowns and share the meaning behind this special milestone.
Following the fashion show, enjoy the vibrant sounds of Los Waukis Andinos, a Phoenix-area group specializing in traditional folk and Indigenous music from the Andes Mountains of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and surrounding regions. They will perform on authentic wind, percussion and stringed instruments. While enjoying the music, the whole family can participate in hands-on crafts and activities that showcase South American cultures. No registration is required. This is a fiesta you won't want to miss!
- Bilingual Storytime: ¡Hola, México!
Monday, Oct. 12 | 10-11 a.m. | Downtown Library
Join us for a special bilingual story time during Hispanic Heritage Month honoring Mexico's vibrant culture. Experience stories, songs, rhymes and movement activities in both English and Spanish as we explore Mexican traditions and more. Children and caregivers will learn new words, develop early literacy skills and enjoy celebrating language and culture together. Ideal for families with young children; no Spanish background required!
- STEAM Club: Contigo Science Adventures
Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 4-5 p.m. | Hamilton Library
Let's celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with science! Kids will complete building and science tasks each related to different landmarks around Central and South American countries. Each month, kids ages 6-12 explore a new STEAM theme. Our hands-on projects provide a fun way to practice following directions, explore basic science and learn concepts in technology, engineering, art and math. Children build confidence while problem solving, collaborating and expressing their creativity. STEAM Club meets every second Tuesday each month. Supplies are limited.
- Mexican Monsters and Myths: El Cadejo Craft Night
Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Downtown Library
Come celebrate Hispanic Heritage month by creating a special craft based around El Cadejo, the mythical dog spirit of Hispanic folklore. El Cadejo comes in two forms. The White Cadejo protects travelers and offers protection and guidance, while the Black Cadejo leads people astray and is associated with bad luck. The two forms show the interplay between good and evil in Mexican folklore. Come make one (or both) forms of El Cadejo to display. While supplies last. Anyone under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Chandler Contigo: Baby Time
Wednesday, Oct. 14 | 10-10:30 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m. | Downtown Library
Join us for a special Baby Storytime honoring Mexico's vibrant culture! Experience stories, songs, rhymes and movement activities in both English and Spanish. Children and caregivers will learn new words, develop early literacy skills and enjoy celebrating language and culture together. No Spanish background required! For ages 0-18 months.
- Chandler Contigo: “Book of Life”
Thursday, Oct. 15 | 2-4 p.m. | Sunset Library
Come celebrate Chandler Contigo at Sunset Library with a movie! We will feature the film “Book of Life” (2014). In this story, a young man is caught between fulfilling family expectations and following his heart. He goes on an adventure that takes him to three fantastical worlds. There he must face his fears, learn to celebrate his past and become a hero to defend his hometown. This movie is rated PG and runs 1 hour 41 minutes.
- Our Stories: Barrio Bakery – Bread Without Borders
Thursday, Oct. 15 | 6-7 p.m. | Downtown Library
In this special after-hours program, James Beard Award-winning baker Don Guerra presents the history of the Barrio Bread bakery in Tucson and his journey from Tempe to opening two popular bakeries as part of Arizona's local grain movement. He will cover the development of Southern Arizona’s local grain economy, and how “Bread Without Borders” has built lasting relationships across communities, cultures and countries while strengthening the movement for heritage grains and artisan bread. Presentation includes some tasty samples. This is an after-hours event, so registration is required.
- Chandler Contigo Finale Fiesta
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 9 a.m. to noon | Downtown Library
We're wrapping up Hispanic Heritage month with a celebration of Chandler's rich Mexican American culture at this free, family-friendly event. Guests of all ages can enjoy a captivating performance by Ballet Folklórico La Llorona, snap photos with Lucha Libre personalities and check out lowrider-themed exhibits provided by the Tempe History Museum. We'll have all-ages, hands-on activities such as paper flower making, lowrider-themed art activities and and Día de los Muertos-inspired creations.
For more information about Chandler Contigo (including updated times for events at Chandler Public Library), visit Chandler Contigo. The public also may contact Dara Gibson with Chandler’s Connection & Impact Division at 480-782-2221.
Media contact:
Betsy Lizer
Public Information Officer
480-782-2225