Stirred, not shaken

The Aurora Historical Society will present the mini-exhibit, “Flavors of Aurora — Stirred, not shaken,” at the Pierce Art and History Center, 20 East Downer Place, Aurora from 5-8 p.m. on Sept. 7. Admission is free. The exhibit runs through Sept. 29 and highlights Hispanic contributions to the development of the city. A reception with authentic foods and beverages, live music and dancing will also be held. Visit www.aurorahistory.net for details.

Viva Mexico!

Cortez Bakery and Shining Light present “Viva Mexico!” a celebration of Mexican Independence Day by West Chicago residents from 10-6 p.m. on Sept. 16 at 123 Fremont Street, West Chicago. The celebration includes live music, food, family fun, clowns, moonwalks and an appearance by Vicente Serrano.

Latino fest

The 8th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration “Global Latino Fest” (Formerly, Viva La Hispanidad) will take place from 6 -10 p.m. on Oct. 12 at the Museum of Broadcast Communications, 360 N. State Street, Chicago. It will highlight Latino cultural awareness: music, dance, visual and culinary arts from various Latino countries. It also benefits two nonprofit organizations: International Latino Cultural Center and The Resurrection Project. visit LatinoCulturalCenter.org for tickets and details.

Taste of heritage

At Elgin Community College, Hispanic Heritage Month include: “A Taste of Our Heritage Cookbook Sale,” “Third Annual Latino Diaries,” a spoken word and poetry slam, “Graffiti: Art vs. Vandalism” seminar and discussion, “Projecto 7,” featuring an Elgin-based salsa and Latin jazz band, the “Sixth Annual “ECC’s Got Talent,” an educational musical and interactive program, “Aztec Stories,” a “Latin Comedy Hour,” and more. All events are free and open to the public. For details contact the Student Life Office at (847) 214-7370.

Hispanofest

Melrose Park Hispanofest Parade will take place Sept. 7-9 at the Grounds of Village of Melrose Park Civic Center, 1000 N. 25th Ave. The festival and parade is the largest Hispanic festival in the Western Suburbs. It fundraises for scholarships and brings culture, ethnic foods and entertainment from all around Latin America. Visit hispanofest.org for details.

Hecho en Chicago

The International Latino Cultural Center presents Dominizuelan’s updated critically acclaimed play “People in the City” as part of the “Hecho en Chicago” series running Sept. 13th through Oct. 14th at Luna Central, 3914 N. Clark St. in Chicago. Tickets can be purchased at http://peopleinthecity.eventbrite.com/. For details, visit www.LatinoCulturalCenter.org or call (312) 431-1330.

A Lunada

Teatro Luna presents “Lunada,” a celebration of 12 years of original work by Pan-Latina artists featuring excerpts from Teatro Luna’s classic witty plays including “Lunátic (a)s,” “S-e-x-OH!” and “Crossed.” From 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Sept. 21 at the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th Street in Chicago. Admission is free. For details call 312-738-1503.

Pintoras mexicanas

Local Chicago women artist group Pintoras Mexicana’s; Carmina Cortes, Ivonne Cruz, Alma Dominguez, Lucia Herrera, Laura Gomez, Karina Gomez and Karla Guzman will display their artwork at the 10th Anniversary 18th St. Pilsen Open Studios Oct. 20 and 21 at the Al Teatro Ristorante, 1227 W. 18th Street, Chicago. Call (312) 784-9100 for details or visit www.facebook.com/pintoras.mexicanas.

Día de los Muertos

The 26th Annual Day of the Dead at the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th Street in Chicago, will feature the 2012 Mayan-themed exhibition entitled “Hanal Pixán: Food for the Souls.” The public preview is Sept. 14 from 6-8:30 p.m. RSVP by calling (312) 433-3922. It runs from Sept. 15 through Dec. 16. Visit www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org for details.

Crossing the border

The Instituto Cervantes of Chicago, 31 W. Ohio Street, will project four Spanish films, “Habana Blues” by Benito Zambrano, “American Visa” by Juan Carlos Valdivia, “Martin Hache” by Adolfo Aristarain and “Chico and Rita” by Fernando Trueba. All of them received awards in various international festivals. Admission is free and doors open at 5:45 p.m. RSVP at www.brownpapertickets.com or call 312-335-1996 for details.

Cultivating culture

The Mexican Film Festival of the Americas runs from Sept. 20-28 at Logan Theater, 2646 N. Milwaukee Ave. It includes an appearance by Demian Bichir from “A Better Life,” and screenings of “Perdida,” by Viviana Garcia-Besne, “Dias de Gracia” by Everardo Gout, “Mosquita y Mari,” by Aurora Guerrero, and “Mission Park,” by Bryan Ramirez. The MFFA is an exhibition, performance and educational event dedicated to cultivating cinema by Mexican nationals and those of Mexican descent. Visit www.mexicanfilmfestival.org for tickets and details.

Agua Dulce

Raue Center will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with “Agua Dulce Fusion,” a celebration of food, drinks, music and diverse cultures of the world. There will be a DJ, cash bar, food buffet and tequila tasting 7- 8 p.m. in their upstairs bar, 26th N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake, on Sept. 15. Admission is $30. For more events at the center visit raucenter.org or call (815) 356-9212.

Latin-inspired

Jewel-Osco’s 5th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration is taking place at the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th Street, from 6-9 p.m. on Sept. 27 to honor Hispanic business and community organizations. This year’s event includes Latin-inspired cocktails and cuisine, charitable contributions, a special celebrity appearance by actress Adamari Lopez and entertainment by DJ Omarcillo and DJ Nurotic. RSVP to sabor@supervalu.com.