Pilsen / Little Village Day 2025

As part of our ongoing commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and foregrounding vital cultural narratives, join us as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through a series of Latino-centric programs on September 21 at the National Museum of Mexican Art, one of the nation’s foremost institutions dedicated to preserving and celebrating Mexican and Latino heritage.

This Fall Festival Day seeks to create a space where history, community, and creativity intersect, exploring the richness and complexity of Latino identity, offering a multifaceted examination of artistic expression that bridges historical legacy with contemporary experience. By centering the work of artists, intellectuals, and cultural stewards whose contributions illuminate the lived experiences and enduring resilience of Latino communities, the series highlights the profound role of the humanities in shaping collective understanding.

Join Chicago Humanities, the National Museum of Mexican Art, and Little Village Chicago landmark Apollo's 2000 Theatre for a day of events, conversations, and storytelling exploring Latino creativity and culture — from street photography and cutting-edge food to pop culture.

See below for all Pilsen / Little Village Day details

Festival Day Highlights

Check out distinct programs that embody this mission: a conversation with David De Baca of Teen Angel’s Magazine, whose contributions have been instrumental in shaping the visual and cultural archive of Chicano identity; an intimate exploration with chef Jesse Valenciana — born and raised in Chicago — who brings the language of food and memory to life in conversation with Rick Bayless; and a compelling master class with acclaimed photographer Estevan Oriol, whose lens captures the soul and grit of the urban Latino experience.

Dive into pop culture at Apollo's 2000, where we feature the legendary Cheech Marin on culture, comedy, and Chicano art, and Girls actress Zosia Mamet on girlhood and show business. Each program stands on its own, reflecting Chicago Humanities' commitment to elevating voices and offering unique insights that are both culturally grounded and artistically groundbreaking.

The immersive day of programming will also include guided tours of the National Museum of Mexican Art’s exhibitions, a walking tour highlighting the architectural and public art history of the surrounding Pilsen neighborhood, and outdoor activations that will transform the museum parking lot into a vibrant gathering space. Local artists and community-based organizations will share their work, creating an open-air cultural marketplace celebrating creativity and place-based storytelling.

Art Tours

Pilsen Public Art Tours

Veteran mural guide and Pilsen resident Luis Tubens will take you along the Pilsen Mural Tour, a walking journey through one of Chicago's most visually rich neighborhoods.

Reserve your tickets for the 10:30am tour here. (SOLD OUT - STANDBY AVAILABLE)

Reserve your tickets for the 12:15pm tour here. (SOLD OUT - STANDBY AVAILABLE)

Reserve your tickets for the 3:00pm tour here. (SOLD OUT - STANDBY AVAILABLE)

Gallery Tours at the National Museum of Mexican Art

An expert docent will guide you through the museums’ permanent Nuestras Historias exhibition.

Reserve your tickets for the 12:15pm tour here. (SOLD OUT - STANDBY AVAILABLE)

Reserve your tickets for the 3:00pm tour here. (SOLD OUT - STANDBY AVAILABLE)

Free Parking Lot Activations

Swing by the parking lot at the National Museum of Mexican Art for unique finds from local organizations, hands-on art making experiences with Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange, Instituto Gráfico de Chicago, and Yollocalli Arts Reach, as well as a selection of lowriders. Catch Shady Rest Vintage & Vinyl spinning all day. Grab delicious eats from El Jefe food truck and signature drinks from Chuchaqui Cocktails. And then make sure to capture the moment at Las Primas Photo Booth.

Reserve your ticket for the parking lot pop up here.