Historic Downtown Bastrop will come alive with music, dance, food, and cultural traditions during the inaugural ¡Viva Bastrop!, presented by Discover Bastrop and First National Bank. The free Hispanic Heritage Month celebration takes place Friday, September 18, 2026, from 6 to 10 p.m. along North Main Street and Spring Street.
Created to celebrate the Hispanic cultures and traditions that have helped shape Texas, ¡Viva Bastrop! will bring together live entertainment, cultural performances, authentic food, local vendors and family-friendly activities for an evening in the heart of Bastrop.
The celebration begins at 6 p.m. with a mariachi performance and the National Anthem, followed by Ballet Folklórico featuring Cedar Creek High School dancers accompanied by mariachi musicians. Mariachi performers will also stroll through Historic Downtown Bastrop, bringing traditional music into the streets throughout the evening.
Festival highlights include the Best Grito Contest, a Chancla Throwing Challenge, and Tributo a Selena, a live tribute honoring the Queen of Tejano. The Selena tribute is scheduled from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.
At 8:45 p.m., the festival’s Heritage March will move through downtown, led by quinceañeras dressed for the occasion and joined by the 512 Cadets, Ballet Folklórico dancers, and flags representing Hispanic nations throughout Latin America.
The evening wraps up with a Street Dance Celebration from 9 to 10 p.m., featuring the 512 Cadets, Huapango dancers, the popular Payaso de Rodeo dance and additional entertainment.
Festivalgoers can explore the Mercado Hispano, featuring 15 local vendors offering authentic food, handmade crafts, artisan goods and unique finds.
Families can visit the Kids Zone on Spring Street, featuring bounce houses, piñatas, face painting, a rock-climbing wall, character meet-and-greets and photo opportunities. The Bastrop Cultural Arts Booth and First National Bank Booth will also be part of the festivities.
The celebration starts before festival day with Lotería, or Mexican Bingo, at participating downtown businesses. The activity begins during F.A.M.E. Days on September 4 and continues through September 18. Participants who complete their Lotería card can redeem an exclusive ¡Viva Bastrop! prize at the Discover Bastrop booth during the festival.
Guests will also have the opportunity to enter a giveaway for a one-of-a-kind ¡Viva Bastrop! soccer jersey created exclusively for the inaugural celebration.
Attendees are encouraged to wear their country’s colors, traditional attire, or bring a flag as Historic Downtown Bastrop celebrates Hispanic music, dance, food, traditions, and heritage.
¡Viva Bastrop! Event Details: Friday, September 18, 2026, from 6 to 10 p.m. in Historic Downtown Bastrop along North Main Street and Spring Street. Admission is free.
For the complete entertainment schedule and additional event information, visit the Discover Bastrop ¡Viva Bastrop! event page.
