United Festival 2026 — Cumbia en el Río: Memphis' free Hispanic Heritage Month festival at Beale Street Landing, September 13, 2026
2026
Live music, cumbia, authentic Latin food, prizes & pura buena vibra on the banks of the Mississippi. Rain or shine — everyone's invited.
THIS IS UNITED FESTIVAL
Watch the official trailer — music, food, culture and family on the riverfront.
Join thousands of Memphians for an unforgettable evening of music, dance, food, art, and fun for the whole family. United Festival brings people together from every background to celebrate the rich cultures that make Memphis unique — proudly honoring Hispanic Heritage Month on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Live Music & Performances
Cumbia Dance-Off with Prizes
Authentic Latin Food Vendors
Local Artisans & Community Booths
Children's Art Contest
Kids Zone & Family Activities
Giveaways, Prizes & Fun
Burrito Eating Contest
SCHEDULE SEPT 13
From the first cumbia beat to the last river sunset — here's how the day flows. Lineup details drop soon.
State of the Community — Networking & Music
Jairo Arguijo (La Prensa Latina) and Alex Piña (Piña Elite). Music by Ana Delgado.
Olé Studio — Flamenco Cumbia
Featuring Valeria Rincón.
Children’s Magic Show
With Mago Lucio.
Opening Remarks & DJ Bambino Cumbia Set
The main stage kicks off.
Children’s Art Contest — “Draw Your Favorite Animal in its Favorite Environment”
Local artists recognized. Judging and awards by City of Memphis Stormwater.
Burrito Eating Contest
10 contestants — sponsored by Emilio’s.
Performances by DLR Studio
DLR and other guest dance groups.
Cumbia Dance Lesson
Audience participation — everybody dances.
Remarks & Recognitions
La Prensa Latina, local government officials and the Consulate of Mexico reflect on Hispanic Heritage Month.
Grito de Independencia
Led by the Consulate of Mexico.
Hernando de Soto Bridge — Mighty Lights Show
The bridge lights up in the colors of each country, one by one. Latin dance and cumbia on stage.
Cumbia Dance Competition
Prizes and Grizzlies gifts for the winners.
Closing Remarks
¡Hasta el próximo año!
THE BRIDGE LIGHTS UP
Starting at 7:30 PM, the Hernando de Soto Bridge lights up in the colors of each country, one by one. Find yours.
Times subject to change. Tap a country to preview the bridge.
VENDORS & MARKET
A riverside mercado of flavors, crafts and community. Want a booth? Applications are open.
LATIN FOOD
Tacos, pupusas, arepas, elotes, aguas frescas and more — authentic dishes from across Latin America, cooked with amor.
ARTISANS
Handmade jewelry, art, textiles and crafts from local Latino makers and creators. Take a piece of the fiesta home.
COMMUNITY
Local organizations and resources serving the Mid-South — connect with services, schools and community partners.
GET INVOLVED
Whether you're a vendor, sponsor, performer, or volunteer — there are many ways to help make United Festival 2026 a success.
BECOME A VENDOR
Serve your food or sell your craft to thousands of festival-goers at the riverfront mercado.
Apply TodayBECOME A SPONSOR
Put your brand in front of Memphis' fastest-growing community at its biggest celebration.
View PackagesVOLUNTEER WITH US
Join the crew that makes the magic happen — from setup to stage to smiles at the gate.
Email UsVENDOR APPLICATION
Tell us about your business and our team will follow up with next steps.
OUR PARTNERS & SPONSORS
United Festival is possible thanks to partners who believe in community, culture and connection.
FAQ
Everything you need to know before the fiesta.
¡Es GRATIS! United Festival is 100% free admission for everyone. No tickets, no registration — just show up ready to dance.
The festival takes place at Beale Street Landing on the Memphis riverfront (251 Riverside Dr). Public parking is available in nearby downtown garages and lots along Riverside Drive.
The show goes on — United Festival happens rain or shine! Only severe weather would affect programming; check our social media day-of for any updates.
Absolutely — it's built for families. Kids Zone, children's art contest, face painting, games and family activities run throughout the day.
Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. Outside food, drinks and coolers are not permitted — support our amazing food vendors instead. Leashed, well-behaved pets are welcome in open areas.
We'd love to have you! Head to the Get Involved section or contact us at jairo@laprensalatina.com and our team will follow up with details.
CONTACT US
Presented by La Prensa Latina