Hispanic League invites the community to celebrate the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month at the 34th Annual Fiesta Festival, taking place Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Downtown Winston-Salem. A beloved Triad tradition, Fiesta is a vibrant, one-day outdoor street-style festival celebrating the richness and diversity of Hispanic and Latino culture. The event brings together thousands of community members for a day filled with live music and dance, authentic food, cultural performances, family activities, local businesses, and community resources.“We are excited to bring Fiesta back to Downtown Winston-Salem for its 34th year,” said Diane Massas, Executive Director of Hispanic League. “Fiesta is a celebration of culture and heritage, but it is also an opportunity for our entire community to come together, learn from one another, support local businesses, and celebrate the many contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities throughout the Triad.”
What to Expect at Fiesta 2026
With two stages of entertainment, Fiesta offers something for everyone, from families with young children to music lovers and culture enthusiasts. The festival lineup features regional musicians, folkloric ballet, salsa, tropical music, rock, Brazilian samba, and more. The Main Stage lineup includes: Ballet Folklórico Mexican Tradition of Julio Ruiz, Oscar Oviedo’s Band with Salsa and Tropical music, Los Acoustic Guys playing Rock in Spanish, Grupo Son de Guerrero with their Música Calentana, Brazilian Samba with Courtney Feliz and NC Brazilian Arts Project, and Banda Zeta as Headliner! Banda Zeta is an extraordinary exponent of tecnobanda music originating from Nayarit, Mexico. Formed in 1993, Banda Zeta has enjoyed a successful career filled with hits and recognition. The band became widely known for its catchy hit “La Niña Fresa,” which topped popularity charts in Mexico in the mid-1990s. Their high-energy performance will close out Fiesta 2026.
This year’s festival is made possible in part through the generous support of TRIAD AREA CHEVY DEALERS, the 2026 Diamante Sponsor, along with the Arts Council of Winston-Salem, Food Lion, Winston-Salem Dash, Atrium Health Wake Forest, Deuterman Law Group, Novant Health, Truliant FCU, Mia Magazine, Forsyth Tech, La Raza, Sunbelt Rentals, and many other sponsors, partners, vendors, exhibitors, volunteers, and community supporters.
Food lovers can experience authentic Hispanic and Latin cuisine from a variety of food vendors. In contrast, more than 80 vendors and exhibitors throughout the festival’s different zones will offer artisan goods, products, services, and community resources. Families are invited to enjoy an interactive kids’ zone, cultural crafts, face painting, educational activities, and entertainment for all ages. Fiesta also serves as an important hub for the community, with local organizations and service providers offering health screenings, educational outreach, and information on resources available throughout the Triad. Fiesta is an outdoor, street-style festival and will take place rain or shine. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Those looking for a break from the heat can step inside the Arts Council of Winston-Salem building, which will provide a cool indoor space and public restrooms. A digital festival map will be available during the week leading up to Fiesta to help attendees plan their visit and navigate the festival grounds. From traditional flavors and cultural performances to live music and family activities, Fiesta 2026 promises a full day of experiences for the entire community.
A Cultural Spotlight
Throughout the day, Fiesta will showcase storytelling by local schools, cultural performances, and presentations that honor Hispanic and Latino heritage and highlight the community’s contributions to the Triad.
Get Involved
Fiesta would not be possible without the support of dedicated volunteers. Community members interested in helping with the festival are encouraged to sign up through the Hispanic League’s website. Businesses and organizations interested in participating as food vendors or exhibitors can apply through the Hispanic League’s online registration platform. The vendor and exhibitor application deadline is September 10, 2026. Spaces are limited, and previous participation does not guarantee acceptance.Hispanic League welcomes residents and visitors from across the Triad and North Carolina to come together for a day of culture, connection, food, music, and community. For additional information, event updates, vendor opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and the festival schedule, visit the Hispanic League’s website and follow the organization on social media.
Hispanic League is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the Hispanic/Latino community and promoting cultural understanding, education, health, economic development, and community engagement throughout the Triad and North Carolina. Through programs, partnerships, and events such as Fiesta, Hispanic League works to connect and empower communities while celebrating the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Hispanic and Latino residents.
