Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to reflect, observe, and celebrate Hispanic and Latino people and their contributions across the United States of America from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, according to the Hispanic Heritage Month website.
It honors individuals from Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Central America, South America, Spain, and those of Hispanic descent. September is significant as it also marks and honors the independence of Latin American countries, including Mexico, Chile, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Created under President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968, Hispanic Heritage was a week in September but later became a month under President Ronald Reagan’s administration in 1988.
To take part in Hispanic Heritage month, families can watch cultural films or television shows (Encanto, Coco, The Book of Life, Crash, Pan’s Labyrinth, or The Mask of Zorro), find recipes and cook authentic dishes inspired by Hispanics online, support Hispanic-owned restaurants and coffee shops (Q’Chimba, Commixxpress, Healthy Substance, El Patron, or Cup of Joe on Archer), go to museums like the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen, and read books by Hispanic authors. For Hispanic families, this is an opportunity to honor their heritage and keep it alive for the next generations by sharing memories and recipes,
Families can also check out the first Hispanic Heritage Celebration Pop-Up, hosted by the Midway Chamber of Commerce on Sunday, Sept. 20, from noon to 4 p.m.! Join the chamber for an afternoon filled with local vendors, cultural goods, handmade items, and products that honor Hispanic heritage and traditions. Shop local, celebrate community, and support the entrepreneurs who help make Midway Marketplace special.
Midway Chamber of Commerce
The Garfield Ridge Farmer’s Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Archer and Narragansett. Their final market day for 2026 will be Sept. 26! Fresh goods, local vendors, Midway Chamber Marketplace merch, and a new Saturday morning tradition brought to you by the Midway Chamber of Commerce!
The Midway Chamber of Commerce is still accepting applications for the Midway Retail Market Portable Sheds, a new small business incubator located at Archer and Narragansett. This program is designed to help local entrepreneurs test their business ideas, build a customer base, and grow into a permanent storefront within the Midway community. Applications are open for artisan and handmade goods, apparel and retail brands, pre-packaged food vendors, and unique small business concepts.
Veterans/Military Pole Banners are back! The Midway Chamber of Commerce is giving residents the chance to honor their active military, ROTC, or veteran with a personalized photo pole banner. The banners will be displayed on Archer Avenue or 63rd Street! The deadline to order is Sept. 30. The price is $160 per banner. The Chamber’s goal is to have them installed before Veterans Day and keep them up for the remainder of the year. Banner Info needed: Name, Branch of Service, photo. After placing your order, please send an email with the photo and include your invoice number and contact info to the email address midwaychamber@gmail.com. Residents who would like to have their banner from last year rehung must pay the banner fees and bring their banner to Midway Storage to be rehung.
Join the chamber for a Midway Vintage Market Pop-Up at the Midway Marketplace on Oct. 11, noon to 4 p.m. Spend your Sunday browsing a fun mix of vintage clothing, toys, collectibles, home décor, and more from local vendors. Whether you’re hunting for a nostalgic treasure, a unique find, or something a little spooky for the season, you never know what you’ll discover! Interested vendors can register on the chamber’s website.
Join the Midway Chamber of Commerce for an exciting evening of bowling, networking, and community impact at our first-ever Bowling Fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 16, from 7-10 p.m. at Lawn Bowl! This fun-filled event brings together local businesses, professionals, and community members for a night of friendly competition—all while supporting important Chamber initiatives and local programs. Registration is required; it includes team bowling for 6 players, a buffet dinner, and a split-the-pot (50/50) drawing, a poker hand competition with prizes, and goodie bags for participants.
Chicago Parks
Cider with the Sanderson Sisters at Normandy Park is on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 5-7 p.m. Meet and greet the sisters from Hocus Pocus. Bounce house, music, face paint, arts and crafts, best costume contest and bring an already carved Jack O’Lantern for the best carved pumpkin contest! This is a popular event, and registration fills up quickly. So, reserve your spot today at the Chicago Park District Website, under Normandy Park’s events section.
Community Parishes
It’s that time of year again. St. Vincent de Paul Society’s Bundle Clothing Drive is the weekend of Oct. 10-11 at St. Daniel the Prophet Parish. It’s a great way to clear out your clutter and give to others in need. You can bring used and abused clothing to the Parish Center parking lot, where two trailers will be set up. Collection hours are 9 a.m. To 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Please box or bag all clothing. They also accept abused clothing that will be sold by the pound for rags. They will also accept small kitchen appliances.
St. Daniel the Prophet is hosting a food drive on Sunday, Sept. 13. Please consider bringing a can or package of a non-perishable food item to Mulligan Hall between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Two Holy Martyrs Parish is collecting female and adult hygiene products until Sept. 30. Donations include heavy and regular menstrual pads, adult diapers in all sizes, and liners. No tampons will be accepted. Collection boxes will be at St. Symphorosa and St. Rene Goupil-affiliated parishes. All donations will support people aged 25-65 + in need of hygiene products at the Pilsen Food Pantry.
Two Holy Martyrs Parish is hosting a Super Bingo at St. Rene Goupil, 6340 S. New England Ave., on Sunday, Sept. 30. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., and the game starts at 1 p.m. Admission is $20 at the door. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase.