The 21st Annual Latin American Festival

Event Details

Charleston’s hottest festival returns for its 21st year! North Charleston Wannamaker County Park will host the Latin American Festival on Sunday, October 7 from noon – 6pm. This celebration of Latin American culture, food, dance, children’s activities, and music in a fun, family-oriented environment is a true cultural experience for everyone to enjoy.

Grab some dancing shoes and groove to live music by Latin sensations Bachaco and Orquesta Mayor. The high-energy Miami band Bachaco blends dancehall, reggae and cumbia with a dash of ska and hip-hop to create their own type of spicy global music. Returning for its second Latin American Festival performance, Bachaco has been touring across the country over the past year, including playing at Miami’s Hard Rock Cafe, at New Orleans’ Bayou Boogaloo, and the Ska Festival in Victoria, British Columbia. Multi-cultural Orquesta Mayor was formed in Charlotte in 2006 and is made up of 12 musicians, ranging from trumpet to piano to bongo players, all of varying nationalities. The band’s music features sounds from many different genres including salsa, meringue, bolero and others.

The festival’s stage will also feature high-energy dance presentations and demonstrations. One of the dynamic performances is by Capoeira Charleston, a captivating Brazilian martial arts group. This ensemble’s folkloric presentation uses 500-year old acrobatic movements, personal interaction, and cultural musical instruments to engage the audience and teach the art form of Capoeira. DJ Luigi of Latin Groove is guaranteed to spice things up and keep dancers on their feet by spinning the hottest salsa, merengue, cumbia, bachata and reggaeton hits.

While enjoying the entertainment, festival-goers can treat themselves to refreshing cold beverages and cuisine from Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Stations for recycling and composting will be provided throughout the festival grounds where patrons can deposit their waste in support of the park agency’s conservation efforts.

A popular family area for the little niños is the kids’ zone. Children can enjoy jump castles, rides, and creating crafts from various Latin regions. The Charleston County Public Library will also present a fun educational area at the park’s Cypress Hall.

Event admission is $10 or 10 Greenbax at the gate. Gold Pass holders and children ages 12 and under receive free admission! Additionally, military personnel and college students will be able to purchase a $5 ticket when showing a valid ID. No outside food, alcohol, or coolers permitted. No dogs allowed. Wannamaker County Park is located at 8888 University Boulevard in North Charleston, SC (Hwy 78). For more information, call (843) 795-4386 or visit www.ccprc.com/laf. This event is brought to you by Piggly Wiggly and your Charleston County Parks.

Main Stage Schedule
12 – 1 p.m.: Orquesta Mayor
1 – 1:30 p.m.: Buen Ache Dance Company
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.: Bachaco
2:45 – 3:15 p.m.: Capoeira Charleston
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Orquesta Mayor
4:30 - 5 p.m.: DJ Luigi’s Salsa Dance Contest
5 – 6 p.m.: Bachaco