The inaugural ¡Viva! Bastrop!, presented by Discover Bastrop and First National Bank, will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. in Historic Downtown Bastrop. This free festival celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with an evening of live entertainment, cultural performances, authentic cuisine, interactive activities, and family-friendly experiences. Designed to honor the rich traditions and cultures that have helped shape Texas, ¡Viva Bastrop! invites guests to experience the sights, sounds, flavors, and artistry of Hispanic heritage throughout North Main Street and Spring Street. The evening begins at 6:00 p.m. with a Mariachi performance and the National Anthem, followed by a Ballet Folklórico performance featuring Cedar Creek High School dancers accompanied by mariachi musicians. After the mariachi performers will stroll Historic Downtown, filling the streets with traditional music. Festival highlights include the Best Grito Contest (Yelling Contest), the crowd-favorite Chancla Throwing Challenge, and Tributo a Selena, a live tribute performance honoring the Queen of Tejano from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. One of the evening’s signature moments will be the Heritage March at 8:45 p.m., led by beautifully dressed quinceañeras and featuring the 512 Cadets, Ballet Folklórico dancers, and country flags representing Hispanic nations across Latin America. The celebration concludes with a lively Street Dance Celebration from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m., featuring performances by the 512 Cadets, Huapango dancers, the beloved Payaso de Rodeo dance, and more. In addition to live entertainment, festivalgoers can enjoy: Mercado Hispano (Hispanic Marketplace) featuring 15 local vendors offering authentic food, handmade crafts, artisan goods, and unique finds. Kids Zone on Spring Street featuring bounce houses, piñatas, face painting, a rock climbing wall, character meet-and-greets, photo opportunities, the Bastrop Cultural Arts Booth, and the First National Bank Booth. The celebration extends beyond festival day with Lotería (Mexican Bingo) taking place at participating downtown businesses beginning during F.A.M.E. Days on September 4 and continuing through September 18. Participants who complete their Lotería card can redeem an exclusive ¡Viva Bastrop! prize at the Discover Bastrop booth during the festival. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enter a giveaway for a one-of-a-kind ¡Viva Bastrop! soccer jersey, created exclusively for the inaugural event. Guests are encouraged to wear their country’s colors, traditional attire, or proudly wave their flag while celebrating the music, dance, traditions, and heritage that make Bastrop a vibrant destination. For more information and a complete entertainment schedule, visit www.discoverbastroptx.org/events/viva-bastrop.