An evening of music, dancing, colorful attire, and family-friendly fun returns to downtown Paris from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19. Salsa on the Square spotlights Hispanic and Latino culture, music, dance, food, and arts during Hispanic Heritage Month.
It’s the fourth year for the event planned by the Paris Main Street Project, community sponsors, and downtown businesses featuring live music and dance instruction. Back again this year, local restaurants and interested individuals will compete to claim the best salsa title in a taste-testing contest for 2026.
“Salsa on the Square was a huge success in 2025 growing to over 1000 attendees says, co-planner Matt Coyle said. “Attendees enjoyed an event of dancing, food, and salsa tasting.
Lara Latin, a DFW Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, and Bachata band, will perform live music for the third year. Kumbala Dance Studio will help lead the crowd for those who are interested in learning the steps. The studio and its owner, Karla Maldonado, have been featured in Voyage Dallas Magazine, Shoutout DFW, and on NBC. Specializing in Salsa and other Latin dance styles, they’ll teach anyone to enjoy the spins, turns, and energetic footwork with Latin flavor.
The title of Best Salsa in Paris will be on the line this year with a salsa-tasting competition between participating Mexican restaurants. Restauranteurs will provide salsa samples for the public vote to name a champion before the end of the evening.
“TaMolly’s Restaurant Operations Manager, Victor Guzman, is coordinating with the restaurants to add this tasty aspect to downtown Paris during Salsa on the Square.” Paris Main Street Coordinator and event co-planner Cheri Bedford said.
Main Street, on the plaza’s east side, will be closed for the event. Brightly colored Fiesta decorations will decorate the whole area around the Culbertson Fountain. Food trucks will be onsite, and seating will be available to enjoy your favorite beverages and take in the sounds and highlights of the evening.
“This will be a fun night for anyone of any age,” Bedford said. Beginners to pro dancers, music lovers, and spectators will enjoy the fiesta atmosphere. Break out your best dancing shoes, grab a dance partner, and come party downtown.”
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ParisTexasMainStreet-promotions.
