How to use transit to enjoy Hispanic Heritage Month in the Chicago region

September 11, 2024

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States from September 15-October 15 to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans. There are plenty of ways to celebrate throughout the Chicago region, from street festivals, to museums, to must-visit neighborhoods, and more. To get you in the spirit, the RTA has curated a list of activities you can access via CTA, Metra, or Pace.

Multicultural neighborhoods

Pilsen

Pilsen is one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its murals, shops, and restaurants—and, of course, its deep history as a strong Latino community. Spend a day exploring the 16^th Street murals, the Pilsen Arts and Community House, and the free National Museum of Mexican Art. Swing down to 18^th Street to enjoy locally owned shops and restaurants, including some of the best tacos you’ll ever have.

How to get there:

• CTA Pink Line (18^th Street stop)
• CTA Bus Route #18 (between 18^th Street & Ashland and Halsted & 16^th Street stops)
• CTA Bus Route #9 and #X9 (Ashland & 18^th Street stop)
• CTA Bus Route #8, #18, and #62 (Halsted & 16^th Street stop)
• Metra BNSF line (Halsted Street stop)

Little Village

Just a few stops farther west along the Pink Line is Pilsen’s neighbor, La Villita (or Little Village). Be sure to check out the 26^th Street arch, designated an official landmark and marking the gateway to what is often referred to as the “Mexican capital of the Midwest.” Walk along 26^th Street to enjoy one of the most vibrant retail districts in all of Chicago, including locally owned shops, restaurants, bakeries, and more.

How to get there:

• CTA Pink Line (Western, California, Kedzie, or Central Park stops)
• CTA Bus Route #60 (between 26^th Street & Kostner and 26^th Street & Washtenaw stops)
• CTA Bus Route #82 (between Central Park & Ogden and Central Park & 31^st Street stops)
• Metra BNSF line (Western Avenue stop)

Humboldt Park

If you’re looking to take in the best Puerto Rican culture Chicagoland has to offer, follow the giant flags. Division Street between Western and California avenues is known as Paseo Boricua and is bookended by nearly 60-foot-tall steel Puerto Rican flags, which were landmarked in 2022. You’re sure to see countless Puerto Rican flags along this corridor waving from cars, in windows, and on the stretch’s many vibrant murals. The energy is palpable, and the food is not to be missed.

How to get there:

• CTA Bus Route #70 (between Division & Kedzie and Division & Western stops)
• CTA Bus Route #94 (between California & North Avenue and California & Division stops)
• CTA Bus Route #49 (between North Avenue & Western and Western & Division stops)
• Metra MD-N, MD-W, and NCS lines (Western Avenue stop), then take CTA Bus Route #49 north to Division Street.
• Metra UP-W line (Kedzie stop), then take CTA Bus Route #82 north to Division Street.

Cultural events and festivals

¡Viva! Festival Oak Park

Oak Park Village will host their second annual ¡Viva! Festival. The outdoor celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month will feature food, entertainment, activities for kids, and more. Trabuco Salsa Band will perform from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m.

When: 12-3 p.m. Saturday, September 28

Where: South lawn at Village Hall, 123 Madison Street Oak Park, IL 

How to get there:

• CTA Green Line (Austin stop), then walk 0.8 miles (18 minutes).
• CTA Blue Line (Austin stop), then walk 0.6 miles (13 minutes).
• Metra UP-W line (Oak Park stop), then take Pace Bus Route #313 to Lake Street & Kenilworth Ave stop. 

Learn more

Naperville Hispanic Heritage Festival

The Naperville Sister Cities is hosting their annual Hispanic Heritage Festival, featuring a South of the Border Marketplace, Taste of Latin America, and music in Central Park. Other events will be held downtown including a cooking class, art project, coloring contest, story time for kids, Loteria, and more. Participating downtown stores are also featuring special events and food specials.

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, September 14

Where: Central Park, 104 E. Benton Ave., Naperville, IL

How to get there:

• Pace Bus Route #530 (Washington St & Benton Ave stop), then walk 0.2 miles (3 minutes).
• Metra BNSF line (Naperville stop), then walk 0.4 miles (9 minutes), or take Pace Bus Route #530 south to the Washington St & Benton Ave stop.

Learn more

Commemorative Day | Latine Heritage Month

Join the Chicago History Museum as they celebrate Latine Heritage Month with fun and engaging opportunities to learn more about the many cultures and peoples of Latin America. Enjoy hands-on arts activities, explore the Museum galleries, and learn from CHM curatorial staff in a public talk about Latine history studies and our Aquí en Chicago project.

When: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, September 28

Where: Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 

How to get there:

• CTA Bus Route #36 (Clark & North Ave stop).
• CTA Bus Route #156 (LaSalle & Eugenie stop), then walk 0.2 miles (4 minutes). 
• CTA Bus Route #151 (Lake Shore & North Ave stop), then walk 0.4 miles (9 minutes). 
• CTA Bus Route #22 (Clark & North Ave stop). 
• CTA Bus Route #72 (North Ave & Clark Terminal stop), then walk 0.1 miles (2 minutes). 
• CTA Brown or Purple Line (Sedgwick stop), then walk 0.5 miles (12 minutes). 
• Metra UP-N or UP-NW lines (Clybourn stop), then take CTA Bus Route #72. 

Find more Chicagoland events, exhibits, and food through Choose Chicago's Hispanic Heritage Month guide.