National Hispanic Heritage Month runs though October 15, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate and honor Latinx culture in the area—from a discussion of U.S.-Mexico relations to sipping a cocktail that supports a local food justice organization.
Musical Excursion: International harpist Nicolas Carter plays the Paraguayan harp in this interactive, bilingual song and storytelling session. Bring a blanket and grab a spot on the lawn outside the libraries. // Sept. 23 at 4:15 p.m., Arlington Central Library and Sept. 25 at 1 p.m., Shirlington Branch Library. No registration required. Free.
Symposium: In The Other Slavery: Histories of Indian Bondage from New Spain to the Southwestern United States, the Smithsonian presents an online symposium examining untold narratives about enslaved indigenous peoples, with a concentration on Spanish colonization in Asia and the Americas. // Sept. 24-Sept. 27. Virtual. Free.
U.S.-Mexico Relations: George Mason University Prof. Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera leads a discussion on U.S.-Mexico relations, covering immigration issues, security and energy. // Sept. 28, 7 p.m. Virtual. Free.
Scoops for a Cause: Grab a tasting flight of four specialty flavors—strawberry tres leches, toasted horchata (vegan), Mexican hot chocolate and mango habanero—from Ice Cream Jubilee at Ballston Quarter Market and they’ll hand you a pint to take home for later. Flights are available on given dates for pre-order. Proceeds benefit La Clínica del Pueblo, a D.C.-based nonprofit clinic and advocate for health equity among Latinx immigrants. // Now through Oct. 3. Ice Cream Jubilee, 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. $16 for flight and pint.
In the Cards: Bring the kiddos over to Arlington Central Library after school to play la lotería, a traditional card game that’s similar to bingo and popular in Mexican culture. Prizes will be awarded. Play is open to students in kindergarten through fifth grade and spots are first come, first served. // Oct. 6, 4:15 p.m. Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington. Free.
Traditional Healing: Explore the impact and future of curanderismo—a traditional form of healing common among some Mexican-American communities near the U.S.-Mexico border—through the lens of a New Mexico community in this discussion led by Chantel Rodríguez, an assistant professor of history at the University of Maryland. // Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m. Virtual. Free.
Spin Your Wheels: Head to Bluemont Park for the Hispanic Heritage Bike Ride, a 4.2-mile journey along the Washington & Old Dominion and Four Mile Run trails. At the halfway point, enjoy a free frozen treat from a pit stop staged by Silvia’s ‘Snowie’ Snow Cones. // Oct. 9, 12:30 p.m. Bluemont Park, 601 N. Manchester St., Arlington. Free.
Drink Up: The Freshman, a restaurant/coffee shop/cocktail bar in National Landing, has concocted two specialty beverages for Hispanic Heritage Month. El Almanacer mixes tequila, house-made mango puree, lime and chamoy, while the Dirty Horchata is a latte blending Swing’s coffee with horchata syrup. Proceeds benefit Food Justice DMV, an all-volunteer organization fighting food insecurity. // Now thru Oct. 15 at The Freshman, 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington. Prices vary.