Dozens of Chandler ‘Contigo’ events in September, October

INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA

Chandler Contigo — meaning “Chandler With You” — is the city’s month‑long celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, featuring a series of family‑friendly, cultural and educational events.

From mid-September to mid-October, libraries, museums and arts center will offer a range of programs that honor the traditions, stories and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community.

Supported by the city’s Connection & Impact Division, the libraries, Center for the Arts, Vision Gallery and Chandler Museum, Contigo provides ways for residents to learn, celebrate and engage with Hispanic culture across the city.

Below are all of the September events and the Oct. 17 finale. There are several children’s and all-ages events in early October. Find the entire calendar by clicking here.

Featured Event: Dia de Fiesta

4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, Dr. A.J. Chandler Park’s stage plaza, downtown Chandler

Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with a celebration of culture, community and traditions. Watch the traditional El Grito ceremony, Lucha Libre wrestling matches, Folklrico dance performances and live music throughout the late afternoon and evening.

Enjoy a variety from food trucks, browse merchandise vendors, and bring the family for face painting, bounce houses, and fun activities for all ages.

Chandler Contigo: Baby Time

10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15, Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive, Chandler

This 20-minute parent-child engagement program incorporates the five early literacy practices: sing, read, talk, write, and play, to help babies develop important early literacy skills. Caregivers will be encouraged to actively engage with children throughout the program.

Note that each library branch may limit capacity. For ages 0-18 months.

Library Café: Salsa taste test

3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive, Chandler

Library Café is a monthly hangout for teens ages 13-17 in which a different food is created each month and there’s a related activity.

Join the fiesta and vote for the best salsa on Sept. 23. Choose from among Arizona salsa makers and see who reigns supreme.
There are also games to play and prizes to win. Limited to 25 participants.

Preschool Time: Chandler Contigo

9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive, Chandler

This 45-minute, parent-child engagement program incorporates the five early literacy practices — sing, read, talk, write, and play — to build school readiness skills.

It also includes a craft activity. Caregiver engagement is encouraged throughout.

Note that each library branch may limit capacity. For ages 3-5.

Toddler Time: Chandler Contigo

9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Monday, Sept. 28, Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Road, Chandler

Celebrate Contigo, (togetherness) with a special Puerto Rican story time that involves playful movement. Kids and families will discover the sounds, animals, and traditions that make Puerto Rico what it is.

This 30-minute parent-child engagement program is for ages 18-36 months. Caregiver engagement is encouraged.
Note that each library branch may limit capacity.

STEAM Club: Puerto Rican masks

4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 28 Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Road, Chandler

As part of Hispanic Heritage month, children ages 6-12 are invited to join staff for a special STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) club event to celebrate Puerto Rican culture.

Sunset celebrates Contigo by making traditional, colorful vejigante masks with horns using a mix of recycled cardboard and materials.

The monthly exercise is meant to help children build confidence while problem-solving, collaborating and expressing their creativity.

Registration is required for this event and can be done by clicking here.

Puerto Rican Showcase with the Carlos Rivas Music Trio

5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 29, Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Road, Chandler

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, staff are showcasing Puerto Rican culture with the Carlos Rivas Trio, family activities, and food from a Puerto Rican food truck.

Enjoy music in the Monsoon Room, then join everyone on the patio for food and activities at this all-ages event.

Chandler Contigo Finale Fiesta

9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 17, Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware Street, downtown Chandler

This all-ages free wrap of Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of Chandler’s Mexican-American culture.

A performance by Ballet Folklórico, photos with Lucha Libre personalities and lowrider-themed exhibits — provided by the Tempe History Museum — are scheduled.

All-ages hands-on activities, such as paper flower making, lowrider-themed art activities, and Día de los Muertos-inspired creations are planned.

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