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# Downtown Wheaton to host Hispanic Heritage Festival Saturday
- URL: https://www.themontgomerybrief.org/downtown-wheaton-to-host-hispanic-heritage-festival-saturday/
- Published: 2026-09-17T11:53:33.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-17T11:53:33.000Z
- Author: Cristina Caicedo Smit
- Tags: Events

Attendees can expect live music from Orquesta Manplesa, face painting, piñata making, and more

Montgomery County kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month this weekend, bringing live music, authentic food, and family activities to downtown Wheaton for the Hispanic Heritage Month Unity Festival.

The free event, held at Marian Fryer Town Plaza (2425 Reedie Drive), runs from noon–4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19\. It brings together local families, businesses and community organizations to celebrate the traditions and contributions of the county's Hispanic and Latino residents.

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed nationally each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15\. 

Hispanic and Latino residents make up 21.7 percent of Montgomery County's population, more than one in five residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey.

Attendees can expect live music from Orquesta Manplesa, face painting, piñata making, and food vendors including El Rey Chicken, Los Cobanos Restaurant and Trippy Tacos. 

Council President Natali Fani-González, whose district includes Wheaton, said the festival highlights what makes the area distinct.

"Wheaton's incredible diversity is reflected in its food, art and vibrant local businesses, making it a great place to rejoice with orgullo in our Latino heritage," Fani-González said.

Several community partners are coordinating the event, including the Mid-County Regional Services Center, the Latino Economic Development Center, Montgomery College and the Latino Health Initiative.

The festival is located near the Wheaton Metro station, and organizers urge attendees to take Metrorail, Metrobus or a Ride On bus rather than drive, though street parking is available nearby.