Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: 5 Seattle Spots to Explore, Support, and Learn From
From delicious arepas to vibrant art galleries, Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15–Oct 15) is the perfect time for families to celebrate culture, creativity, and community in Seattle. Supporting Hispanic-owned businesses is also a great way for kids to connect with history, learn new traditions, and see how culture is carried forward through food, art, and storytelling.
Here are 5 local businesses and community spaces worth visiting this season:
1. Arepa Venezuelan Kitchen (University District)
Tucked inside a cozy mint-green cottage, Arepa Venezuelan Kitchen was founded in 2016 by Mariangela Tirelli and family with a dream to share the beloved Venezuelan arepa with Seattle. Today, owners Felix Valderrama and Ismary (Isa) Herrera continue that tradition, serving authentic arepas, empanadas, plantains, and Colombian coffee. Inside, a portrait of Isa by Venezuelan artist Alex Siniscalchi proudly celebrates Venezuelan identity and artistry. Food is history on a plate! Trying arepas is a way to learn how Spanish, Italian, and French influences come together in every bite. Families can also talk about how art, like Isa’s portrait, tells a story of heritage and pride.
2. BooSH Nursery (Central District)
booSH (pronounced bush) is a Black- and Latino-owned plant shop that opened on Juneteenth 2021. Co-owners Shawn and Julissa created booSH to spread joy through plants, offering affordable greenery, free potting, and community-centered service. Visiting booSH is a lesson in care and responsibility. Choosing and nurturing a plant helps children practice patience and appreciate the beauty of nature. It’s also a chance to see how family businesses grow strong roots in their community.
3. Latino Town (White Center Street Fair)
Every Saturday and Sunday, White Center transforms into Latino Town, a bustling street fair filled with vendors, music, food, and crafts from across Latin America. It’s a celebration of small businesses, cultural exchange, and neighborhood spirit.
Street fairs are hands-on classrooms. Children can hear new rhythms, taste new foods, and meet entrepreneurs who bring their heritage into everyday community life. Supporting vendors also shows kids the importance of shopping local.
4. Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery (Delridge)
Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery is a Chicana/o Latinx arts hub offering monthly exhibitions, free workshops, and a gift shop. Beyond the gallery, Nepantla also hosts the popular Lowrider Block Party, blending cars, music, dance, and blessings rooted in cultural traditions.
At Nepantla, kids can see how culture is expressed through murals, prints, and performances and even take part in workshops to learn new skills.. It’s a reminder that creativity is a powerful way to preserve and celebrate heritage.
5. The Sea Mar Museum of Chicano/a/Latino/a Culture (South Park)
Opened in 2019, the Sea Mar Museum tells the story of Chicano/a and Latino/a communities in Washington with exhibits ranging from historic farmworker cabins to oral histories and photographs. Its mission is rooted in social justice, cultural pride, and education.
Museums help children connect the past and present. Exploring Sea Mar is an opportunity to talk about resilience, immigration, and community contributions, while building empathy and understanding.
Hispanic Heritage Month is about celebration and connection. These businesses offer kids and families a chance to learn, reflect, and engage. By supporting them, we’re not just enjoying delicious meals or fun outings; we’re nurturing a community where every culture is honored and every story is valued.
So grab an arepa, pick out a plant, stroll a street fair, paint at a gallery, or wander a museum. Seattle’s Hispanic-owned gems are waiting to welcome you.
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