September is one of the best times to experience Bastrop. As Hispanic Heritage Month begins, Historic Downtown Bastrop comes alive with vibrant music, colorful traditions, authentic flavors, and unforgettable cultural experiences. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or looking for a unique day trip from Austin, Bastrop offers two exciting events that celebrate the rich heritage, artistry, and traditions of Hispanic culture.

Start your month with F.A.M.E. Days: Colores y Cultura and return two weeks later for the inaugural ¡Viva Bastrop! Hispanic Heritage Festival, a first-of-its-kind celebration that transforms Downtown into a lively showcase of music, dance, food, art, and family fun.

Kick Off Hispanic Heritage Month at F.A.M.E. Days: Colores y Cultura

The first Friday of the month means it's time for F.A.M.E. Days, and September's theme Colores y Cultura is bursting with creativity and flavor.

On September 4, 2026 from 6PM - 9PM, spend the evening creating colorful crafts, enjoying live music, and tasting some of Bastrop's best homemade salsa as local restaurants compete for bragging rights in the annual Salsa Showdown.

Here's what's happening:

  • DJ SheLow spins popular Hispanic favorites throughout the evening.

  • Create Your Own Succulent Pot and try your hand at Stencil Scratch Art from 6:00–9:00 PM.

  • Craft beautiful Flores de Papel (Paper Flowers) from 6:00–8:00 PM at the Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center.

  • Cool down with Jeremiah's Italian Ice, featuring their spicy mango Italian ice topped with optional Tajín and Chamoy, plus plenty of other refreshing flavors.

Scratch Art Activity for FAME Days in September 2026

7:00 PM: Salsa Showdown Judging

Watch a lively panel of local Bastrop personalities sample and judge salsas from area restaurants. And don't assume every entry comes from a Mexican restaurant... you might be surprised!

7:30 PM: People's Choice Voting

Sample the salsa entries yourself and vote for your favorite.

8:30 PM : Winners Announced LIVE

Tune into the Downtown Bastrop and Bastrop Cultural Arts Facebook pages to see who takes home the title.

It's an evening that blends art, culture, and incredible local flavor, all in the heart of Historic Downtown Bastrop.

Location:

Experience the Inaugural ¡Viva! Bastrop Hispanic Heritage Festival

Continue the celebration with the inaugural ¡Viva Bastrop! Hispanic Heritage Festival, presented by Discover Bastrop and First National Bank.

Historic Downtown Bastrop will transform into a vibrant cultural festival featuring live entertainment, authentic cuisine, artisan vendors, family activities, and interactive experiences celebrating the traditions of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Mariachi Band on balcony in Downtown Bastrop

Entertainment Highlights

The evening kicks off with a stirring Mariachi performance and the National Anthem, followed by an inspiring Ballet Folklórico performance featuring Cedar Creek High School dancers accompanied by mariachi musicians.

Throughout the evening you'll enjoy:

  • Tributo a Selena (Selena Tribute Band)
  • Mariachi en Vivo (Live Mariachi Music)
  • Ballet Folklórico y Baile Huapango (Traditional Dance Performances)
  • Concurso del Grito (Best Grito Contest)
  • Reto de la Chancla (Chancla Throwing Challenge)

One of the festival's most anticipated moments is the Heritage March, led by beautifully dressed quinceañeras and joined by the 512 Cadets, Ballet Folklórico dancers, and flags representing Hispanic nations from across Latin America.

The celebration concludes with a lively Street Dance Celebration featuring the 512 Cadets, Huapango dancers, the crowd-favorite Payaso de Rodeo dance, and more.

Shop, Taste & Explore the Mercado Hispano

Stroll through the Mercado Hispano (Hispanic Marketplace) featuring 15 local vendors offering authentic food, handmade crafts, artisan goods, cultural artwork, and one-of-a-kind finds.

Fun for the Whole Family

Families will find plenty to enjoy in the Kids Zone on Spring Street, open throughout the festival.

Activities include:

  • Bounce houses

  • Face painting

  • Piñatas

  • Rock climbing wall

  • Character meet-and-greets

  • Photo opportunities

  • Bastrop Cultural Arts booth

  • First National Bank booth

Play Lotería Throughout Downtown

The fun begins long before festival day.

Beginning during F.A.M.E. Days on September 4 and continuing through September 18, visitors can play Lotería (Mexican Bingo) at participating downtown businesses.

Complete your card and stop by the Discover Bastrop booth during ¡Viva!Bastrop! to claim an exclusive event prize.

While you're there, be sure to enter for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind ¡Viva!Bastrop! soccer jersey, created exclusively for the inaugural festival.

¡Viva Bastrop! Jersey giveaway!

Make It a Weekend in Bastrop

While you're here celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, spend time exploring everything Historic Downtown Bastrop has to offer.

Browse locally owned boutiques, sip handcrafted coffee, discover Texas-made treasures, enjoy authentic restaurants, stroll along the Colorado River, or extend your stay with outdoor adventures in the Lost Pines.

Whether you're coming for the salsa, the mariachi, the dancing, or simply to experience something new, September is the perfect time to discover Bastrop.

Bring your country's colors. Wear your traditional attire. Wave your flag.

Then join us as we celebrate culture, creativity, and connection at two unforgettable events.

¡Nos vemos en Bastrop!