National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15, 2025) is quickly approaching, and there are so many ways to celebrate right here in Dutchess County! Experience the centuries-old Hispanic traditions and customs, the vibrant, colorful artwork and the savory, authentic flavors. Examine the important events that have shaped Hispanic history and the Spanish language that serves as a common thread in a proud multicultural tapestry.
Here is a list of some Dutchess events and attractions you don't want to miss. Be sure to take lots of photos, and feel free to share them here or by tagging @DestinationDutchess on social media.
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Friday, Sept. 5, 7:05 p.m., at Heritage Financial Park, Wappingers Falls
Begin your Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with the Hudson Valley Renegades baseball team, a Class-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. In true "lucha libre" style, the Renegades will take the field as the Fenomenos Enmascarados del Valle de Hudson (the Masked Phenoms of the Hudson Valley) when they host the Greensboro Grasshoppers in a South Atlantic League game. Stick around after the game for the fireworks display!
Click here for ticket options, including the Family Four Pack ($99 gets you four tickets, four hats and four meal vouchers) and the WMCHealth Club Lounge premium experience for groups of 10–100 (for less than $100 per ticket, you get free parking in the Legends Lot, an all-you-can-eat upscale buffet, unlimited soft drinks and water, a full-service bar, private restrooms, and indoor and outdoor seating).
Related: Top 10 Places to View Fall Foliage
Every summer at Waryas Park, Poughkeepsie
Oaxaca Week in Poughkeepsie culminates each summer with La Guelaguetza festival, a day-long celebration featuring traditional Oaxacan dances and costumes, artwork, crafts, live music, kids' activities and a whole lot of authentic Oaxacan food! Click here for updates.
What is a celebration without food?! Here are some of our top authentic restaurants you absolutely must try!
Hailing from the state of Oaxaca — the food capital of Mexico — La Cabanita: Cocina de Oaxaca in Poughkeepsie has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine right here in the Hudson Valley since 2003. Staying true to tradition, La Familia Pinelo-Cardenas captures a unique part of Oaxaca in each plate by using traditional slow-roasting techniques with only fresh herbs and spices. Bring your family and friends and try one of their delicious dishes made fresh from the griddle or a specialty cocktail! After a big plate of savory Oaxacan goodness, head over to El Chapulin Colorado in Poughkeepsie for authentic Mexican desserts. Choose from fresh fruit salads drizzled with chamoy (a spicy, honey-like sauce) or a pina loca, which is a whole pineapple stuffed with chunks of fruit!
For the perfect empanada or dessert to go with a hot cup of coffee, visit Los Hornitos Bakery and Restaurant, a warm and welcoming Chilean shop in Wappingers Falls. Named after the famous Chilean restaurant where owners Hector and Monica first met, Los Hornitos pays tribute to their roots and nostalgic memories. Freshly baked bread and custom cakes are also available.
"Bringing visitors La Isla Del Encanto (The Island of Enchantment) Inland One Dish At A Time," Cafe Con Leche is a family-owned and operated, authentic Puerto Rican eatery in Wappingers Falls. Chefs/owners Phil and Melodie serve up traditional plates from mofongo, pastelillos and pernil to new American concoctions like coquito latte and iced Bustelo coffee. One trip is not enough! Cafe con Leche was recently awarded Hudson Valley Magazine’s "Best of the Hudson Valley for Latin Cuisine and Best Caribbean Cuisine!"
Also in Wappingers Falls, the Flores Tapas Bar brings a taste of Spain to the Hudson Valley with its flavorful tapas, shareable paellas and entrees and signature craft cocktails! Order the Flores Experience off the Chef's Menu and enjoy a sampling of Chef Austin Flores' signature dishes, including the Jamon Iberico. Muy delicioso!
While in the area, quench your thirst at Casa Ortega, located in Wappingers Falls. A must-try is the refreshing Paloma made with tequila, grapefruit liqueur, freshly squeezed grapefruit, lime and passionfruit juice. If you want a bit of a kick, try the Kiwita made with vodka, peach liqueur, homemade kiwi marmalade and lime juice and served in a chili-powder-rimmed glass. This family-owned also specializes in modern and traditional Mexican cuisine, as chef Fermin Ortega cooks up lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
If you’re hungry for more Puerto Rican flavors with a perfect balance of savory and sweet, stop by Izla in Fishkill. This casual dining restaurant offers made-to-order food with complex flavors but no processed ingredients. They strive to create dishes that have a feels-like-home taste using traditional preparation methods rooted in Caribbean and Spanish cuisine.
The Coyote Flaco Mexican Bistro in Stanfordville offers a host of savory options for lunch and dinner, including a variety of fajita dishes for every palate (veggies, chicken, steak, shrimp and salmon) and plenty of grilled chicken and steak entrees.
Head over to La Puerta Azul in Millbrook for a tasty variety of Mexican dishes, including an assortment of tacos, fajitas and burritos. Seafood lovers may want to try the blackened mahi-mahi tacos with cucumber, red onion and lime aioli or the camarones enchipotaldo, which is sauteed shrimp with a chipotle lime salsa, sweet corn rice, avocado and black beans.
Keep in mind that each restaurant has its own business hours and some are closed on certain days. Be sure to check ahead!
