September marks Latino Heritage Month, and to celebrate the contributions Latinos have had, several in-person and online events will take place throughout Los Angeles.

"Los Angeles is home to a wealth of Latinx heritage and history. Whether in the arts or academia, in our businesses or in our neighborhoods, Latinxs have brought invaluable contributions to every corner of our city," Mayor Eric Garcetti is quoted as saying in a guide created by the Department of Cultural Affairs that details the celebrations.

Here's a taste of the numerous festivals, musical events, theatrical performances, films, poetry readings and cultural events happening this month.

Let's Make Music 

Children will be able to recycle plastic containers into colorful percussion instruments, including maracas, guiros, drums and more. The socially distanced program will be held in an outdoor courtyard and all materials provided. The free event will take place at 3 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Alma Reaves Woods - Watts Branch Library, located at 10205 Compton Ave. For more information, visit lapl.org/branches/watts

Día de los Muertos at Grand Park 

Celebrate the holiday at this free event that includes 24 large-scale altar installations that begin with a Noche de Ofrenda or Night of the Offerings (or Altars). The event invites park-goers to contribute to the community altar. The event will take place Oct. 22 at Grand Park in downtown LA, located at 200 N. Grand Ave. For more information, visit Grand Park's Facebook page. 

QFilms 2021 - Latinx Queer Shorts Program

The Long Beach QFilm Festival is the oldest film festival in Long Beach and the only festival dedicated to showcasing the diversity of the LGBTQ community. This LGBTQ cultural event in Long Beach features narrative films, documentaries, shorts and special tributes. This in-person and virtual event will run from Sept. 30 through Oct. 3 at the Art Theatre. For more information on ticket prices and start times, visit qfilmslongbeach.com

Boyle Heights: How a Los Angeles Neighborhood Became the Future of American Democracy

Boyle Heights delves into the in-depth history of the Los Angeles neighborhood. It showcasing the potent experiences of its residents — from early contact between Spanish colonizers and native Californians to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. It also shed light on the hunt for hidden Communists among the Jewish population, negotiating citizenship and belonging among Latino migrants and Mexican American residents, and beyond. This free ongoing event can be streamed online. 

I am: New Afro-Latinx Narratives

This exhibit celebrates the African heritage with its influence in Latin American countries. Through a selection of artworks and artistic perspectives, the exhibit presents an open conversation through art, around important themes like race, power and heritage, revisiting the fight for identity in communities of African descent. The free ongoing event can be streamed on the Museum of Latin American Art website.