Monday, September 16, 2024, at Lansing’s City Hall in downtown Lansing, the City will host a celebration recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month. On the agenda will be entertainment, food and speakers. More details to come as they are made available.
Community Events
Latino Business Conexions Opens Registration for Latino Business Expo
The 2nd Annual Latino Business Expo will take place Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Lansing Mall. With the success of last year’s inaugural Expo, the Latino Business Conexion’s of Michigan (LBCM) looks to once again host up to 100 vendors highlighting Latino owned businesses and professionals in the Mid-Michigan community.
Last year over 60 vendors and a few hundred curious people navigated around the Lansing Mall finding not only restaurants, insurance agencies and roofing companies, they found several tables with plenty of would be gifts, barbers, salon owners, and professionals. Credit Unions, Michigan State University and Davenport University were other vendors that provided information.
Are you ready to showcase your business to a vibrant and engaged community? The Latino Business Expo is just around the corner, and the LBCM is looking for dynamic vendors to join them on October 12, 2024.
Items provided include 1 8ft table, table cover, and 2 chairs. Completed form & payment deadline: Monday, September 30, 2024.
Vendor Fee: $50
Venmo: @lbcofmi
CashApp:$lbcofmi
Other: link for payment can be emailed upon request
For questions and more information email lbcofmi@gmail.com You can also contact Elena Herrera at 517-442-3650 or Pedro Gonzalez 517-213-6420 (Hablo Spanish).
Latino Business Conexions of Michigan Facebook Page: Facebook

Orquesta Ritmo to Perform at Jackson Symphony Orchestra Building October 5, 2024
Orquesta Ritmo, founded by Director Michael Eyia in the late 70s, brings vibrant Latin music to American audiences, drawing from Eyia’s Cuban heritage. Starting as a 5-piece group, it has evolved into a ten-piece ensemble, performing alongside renowned artists like Oscar D’Leon and Los Lobos. Recognized for promoting Cuban culture, Ritmo continues to entertain at events across the Midwest.
Come enjoy their music at Weatherwax Hall at the Jackson Symphony Orchestra building in downtown Jackson, Michigan. It is a casual environment with a cash bar and various tables to sit at with friends.
Doors open to the building at 7p.m., Concert begins at 8p.m.
Ticket Price: Before the Saturday of, $20.
Day of event $25.
Get cheaper Tickets by Subscribing!
Music On Tap subscription options:
Flex Pass: choose 4, 5, or 6 shows. The more shows, the bigger the discount!
Full season: Get the maximum discount by doing a full-season Music on Tap subscription
Get Tickets or Subscribe here: https://www.jacksonsymphony.org/…/salsa-night-with…/
Tickets available online
Or buy in person/phone at:
JSO Box Office
215 W. Michigan Ave.
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 782-3221
Seating is first come, first served. There are no assigned seats when you purchase your tickets.
Handicapable access.
Parking Information/Handicap/Wheelchair Accessibility details:
Parking- There is no designated parking lot for the event, but many do not struggle to find parking. Parking on the street is free with no time restrictions in downtown Jackson after 5pm, with free 2-hour parking before 5pm. There are some marked handicapable parking spaces on the street located on Michigan Ave and on Jackson Street within view of the venue. There is no valet parking for this event.
From the car to your seat- Sidewalks are wide in downtown Jackson and gently slope down into crosswalks for easy travelling. Our doors have handicap buttons to open doors automatically. The hallway is wide and easy to maneuver. The distance to travel once in the building is quite short. Weatherwax Hall is on the ground floor so no stairs or elevators are needed to get to your seat. There is a balcony view as well, available only to those who can use the stairs.
Seating- There will be tables set up to sit at, as well as individual seats set up in row formation. A variety of seats to choose from! All seats are moveable so it is easy to adjust and make room for a wheelchair. Flag down a volunteer or JSO member to remove a chair for you if needed. We’re happy to help!
Elevators- There are no elevators needed since Weatherwax Hall, the bar, and the bathrooms are located on the ground floor. If you would like a balcony seat, this can only be accessed using the stairs.
Latin Jazz Night Concludes Hispanic Heritage Weekend at the Lansing Shuffle
Close out the weekend with our Hispanic Heritage Latin Jazz Night, featuring the legendary Orquesta Ritmo. Join us on Lansing Shuffle’s patio, overlooking the Grand River, as we dance the night away to the captivating sounds of Latin jazz.
In 2023, Orquesta Ritmo packed the upper and lower patios so get there early as this free event will be well attended as the 2024 version of the Hispanic Heritage Weekend comes to an end.
If you are interested in being involved:
As a vendor: 517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend 2024 – Taste of Hispanic Heritage (Vending Opportunity) (google.com)
As a volunteer: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZS6sLkOqr8V8-GCKyUvfm_5wgGRadm_QtvLkwoi2l7dEstQ/viewform
Hispanic Heritage Weekend website: Home — 517 Hispanic Heritage
Ourspace Foundation website: Ourspace (517) — OURSPACE FOUNDATION
Dance Class & Mixer: Bachata and Salsa Set for September 20, 2024
Get ready to move and groove at our second annual Hispanic Heritage Dance Class & Mixer! Held on Lansing Shuffle’s patio, overlooking the Grand River and Downtown skyline, you will learn the steps of bachata and salsa. This is a perfect opportunity to connect with others and enjoy a beautiful evening.
This will take place at the Lansing Shuffle which is located at 325 Riverfront Dr. Lansing, Michigan 48912.
If you are interested in being involved:
As a vendor: 517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend 2024 – Taste of Hispanic Heritage (Vending Opportunity) (google.com)
As a volunteer: (VOLUNTEER) 517 Hispanic Heritage – Application (google.com)
Hispanic Heritage Weekend website: Home — 517 Hispanic Heritage
Ourspace Foundation website: Ourspace (517) — OURSPACE FOUNDATION
Kick off the weekend with a Health & Wellness Seminar focused on promoting well-being within the Hispanic community. Gain valuable insights and resources to enhance your health journey.
In what will be an inspiring evening of conversation, wisdom and ideas on how to live life, five individuals from the Hispanic Latino community gather to share their strategies for successful health and wellness.
Location will be at Lansing Community College in the Michigan Room. 422 N. Washington Sq. Lansing, Michigan 48933.
If you are interested in being involved:
As a vendor: 517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend 2024 – Taste of Hispanic Heritage (Vending Opportunity) (google.com)
As a volunteer: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZS6sLkOqr8V8-GCKyUvfm_5wgGRadm_QtvLkwoi2l7dEstQ/viewform
Hispanic Heritage Weekend website: Home — 517 Hispanic Heritage
Ourspace Foundation website: Ourspace (517) — OURSPACE FOUNDATION
The annual 517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend takes place during Hispanic Heritage Month with a weekend of fun, education, and entertainment in the Downtown District of Michigan’s State Capital.
Every year, National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15th – October 15th through events, the celebration of culture, and educational opportunities. As Hispanic Heritage Month honors Hispanic and Latinx communities, Ourspace seeks to highlight the diverse cultures represented as Hispanic/Latinx in Michigan.
Connecting Hispanic-led organizations, initiatives, and businesses, Ourspace works as a bridge that supports the celebration of diversity, amplifies culture, and promotes economic growth for Hispanic communities in the 517 and beyond through the consumption of Hispanic history, art, cuisine, and much more. The 517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend seeks to honor and recognize all cultures and contributions of American citizens who originated or whose ancestors originated from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Spain.
Come out to Lansing’s Downtown this September for the largest display of Hispanic culture, art, music, food, dancing, education, and much more.
If you are interested in being involved:
As a vendor: 517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend 2024 – Taste of Hispanic Heritage (Vending Opportunity) (google.com)
As a volunteer: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZS6sLkOqr8V8-GCKyUvfm_5wgGRadm_QtvLkwoi2l7dEstQ/viewform
Hispanic Heritage Weekend website: Home — 517 Hispanic Heritage
Ourspace Foundation website: Ourspace (517) — OURSPACE FOUNDATION
The 517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend is back in Downtown Lansing this summer!!
We’re so excited to be back for our 2nd annual celebration. A whole weekend of culture, education, and entertainment.
Events are starting on:
-Thursday, Sept 19th, 2024: Hispanic Heritage Wellness Seminar
– Friday, Sept 20th, 2024: Hispanic Heritage Dance Class & Mixer (Salsa & Bachata Dance Class)
– Saturday, Sept 21st, 2024: A Taste of Hispanic Heritage (Festival – Orquesta Ritmo, Luchador Wrestling, Motivo (Tejano)
– Sunday, Sept 22nd, 2024: Hispanic Heritage Latin Jazz Night (Ft. Orquesta Ritmo)
If you are interested in being involved:
As a vendor: 517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend 2024 – Taste of Hispanic Heritage (Vending Opportunity) (google.com)
As a volunteer: (VOLUNTEER) 517 Hispanic Heritage – Application (google.com)
Hispanic Heritage Weekend website: Home — 517 Hispanic Heritage
Ourspace Foundation website: Ourspace (517) — OURSPACE FOUNDATION
LLEAD Announces 2024 Statewide Conference Set for November 1, 2024
Honoring Legacy, Merging Generations or Honrando El Legado, Uniendo Generaciones will be the theme of the 2024 Latino Leaders for the Enhancement of Advocacy and Development (LLEAD) Conference.
TO REGISTER: Honoring Legacy, Merging Generations: LLEAD 2024 Biannual Conference (google.com)
The purpose of this one-day conference is to bring together members of the Latino community and
their supporters interested in exploring issues related to civil rights, women’s issues, immigration,
LGBTQ+, senior citizens, education, criminality and our community. Come and learn about how LLEAD is
working with the Michigan Historical Center by creating processes to collect Latinx historical
information and make it available for our future generations.
The conference will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the Okemos Events Center/Comfort Inn,
2187 University Park Drive, Okemos 48864.
Non-student Registration is $35
Student Registration is $15
Scholarships are available for students and retired senior citizens upon request.
Join us to connect with old friends and make new ones.
TO REGISTER: Honoring Legacy, Merging Generations: LLEAD 2024 Biannual Conference (google.com)
LLEAD Website: (LLEAD) Latino Leaders for the Enhancement of Advocacy and Development
For more information please contact: Al Flores at 517-515-9800.
Immerse yourself in the pulsating beats of Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata on our Latin Rhythms Dance Cruise, featuring Lansing’s renowned DJ, Adrian “Ace” Lopez. This vibrant event stands out among ‘things to do in Lansing MI’, offering a lively mix of music for an unforgettable evening of dance on the Michigan Princess.
As the go-to ‘fun thing to do in Lansing’, our dance cruise is a celebration of Latin heritage and modern melody, making it the perfect answer to ‘things to do near me this weekend’. Whether you’re looking to learn new steps or just want to enjoy the rhythm, this cruise is a top ‘thing to do in Lansing’, where the energy of Latin music creates an electric atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this ‘fun place to go’ for an authentic Latin dance experience right here in Lansing.
Purchase Tickets Here: https://www.michiganprincess.com/Buy-Tickets
Saturday 7/6/2024
DJ Sauve
Hosted by Adrian ACE Lopez
We Sail Dancing : SALSA,MERENGUE BACHATA and More
3 Hour Boat ride
Drink Specials all night
18 older welcome
$30.00 cover
Tickets in advance call 517-627-2154 credit & debit cards welcome
Cash at door.
More info call 517-626-2154
Purchase Tickets Here: https://www.michiganprincess.com/Buy-Tickets
