City of Bloomington to Host 2026 La Fiesta del Otoño for National Hispanic Heritage Month

The City of Bloomington will host the 2026 La Fiesta del Otoño from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St. The free event is open to the public and will feature music, dance, community organizations, activities, and food vendors. This year’s theme is “Unidos, Somos Más / Together, We Are More.”

Now in its 21st year, La Fiesta del Otoño is a long-standing Bloomington tradition that brings families, students, community organizations, local businesses, and visitors together during National Hispanic Heritage Month. Hosted by the Community and Family Resources Department’s Latino Outreach staff and the Commission on Hispanic and Latiné Affairs, the event recognizes Hispanic and Latiné cultures and provides an opportunity for residents to connect with local organizations and resources.

For 2026, La Fiesta del Otoño is expanding across the Switchyard Park lawn and Pavilion, creating more space for community activities, live performances, games, arts and crafts, health and educational resources, and opportunities to connect with local organizations. Performances will take place on the City’s Mobile Stage on the park lawn, while the Pavilion will provide additional space for participating organizations and indoor activities.

“Our city is at its best when every resident feels seen, valued, and included,” said Shatoyia Moss, Community and Family Resources Director. “La Fiesta del Otoño is a joyful way to celebrate the rich cultures and traditions of our Hispanic and Latino community while bringing people together and strengthening the connections that make Bloomington a welcoming place to be.” 

What to Expect This Year:

• Music and dance performances from La Salsoteca, Mariachi Internacional de Bloomington, IU Ballet Folklórico, Sofía Crespo, Tortilla Jackson, and Los Pablos. 
• More than 50 community organizations and partners providing information, resources, and activities.
• Arts and crafts and family activities, including activities provided by the FAR Center and Contemporary Arts.
• Health and educational organizations, including the Indiana University School of Nursing and the Monroe County Public Health Clinic, offering information and activities for the community. 
• Food available for purchase from local food trucks.
• Lawn games and other activities for children and families.

La Fiesta del Otoño is part of the City of Bloomington’s observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. The City has held the event for more than 20 years in partnership with community organizations, performers, sponsors, and volunteers.

For more information about the event, please contact Ximena Martinez Ruiz, City of Bloomington Latino Outreach Coordinator, at  812-349-3430 or [email protected].

Additional details are also available online on the City of Bloomington’s Latino Outreach webpage at bloomington.in.gov/latino/nhhm and Facebook page at facebook.com/LatinoBTown.