Santa Monica will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the city's 150th anniversary with Vamos Al Parque! (Let's Go to the Park) on Sunday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Palisades Park.
The free, family-friendly event will highlight Indigenous and Latine heritage through performances, hands-on workshops and cultural activities. Attendees can enjoy lounging areas, all-ages artmaking, an Aztec dance performance, Native music, craft vendors and fresh fruit bowls.
Mayor Lana Negrete will host rounds of lotería in a segment called "Lotería con Lana," with prizes including gift certificates to Latine-owned local businesses.
Featured artists and contributors include Grupo Folklórico de West Los Angeles, showcasing traditional Mexican dance, music and culture; LA VACAcicleta, presenting an all-day cyanotype workshop, free seed library, zines and prints; and Lazaro Arvizu, a Native musician offering music and storytelling rooted in Gabrielino traditions.
Yayala Ceramics will blend Indigenous Oaxacan earthenware traditions with contemporary artistry. Cheyenne Green, city of Santa Monica Camera Obscura Art Lab artist in residence, will lead a hands-on workshop with natural materials inspired by Indigenous heritage. Maribel Reveles, known as Patchouli Nomad, will bring color, culture and upcycled art to the community.
The event is one of many community-driven celebrations honoring Santa Monica's 150th anniversary. Residents, artists, nonprofits and neighborhood groups can apply for microgrants of $500-$5,000 through Nov. 10 to host their own public anniversary events.
Go As If produces the event, made possible by the city of Santa Monica's Art of Recovery program. The celebration takes place at Palisades Park on Ocean Avenue, near the historic Camera Obscura.
For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vamos-al-parque-lets-go-to-the-park-tickets-1485148462029.
Edited by SMDP Staff