Where to Celebrate Selena’s Birthday in Austin
As Selena fans worldwide celebrate the anniversary of her birthday on April 16, Austin hosts various celebrations throughout April 2023. Check out some ways you can honor the Queen of Tejano's legacy.
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, known as just Selena, quickly rose to stardom in the male-dominated Tejano music genre. Selena won the hearts of many people across the U.S. and Mexico, not only with her music, but also with her charisma.
“Selena Live!” won the Best Mexican/American Album at the Grammy Awards in 1994, making Selena the first female Tejano artist to win. Selena’s legacy continues to live on nearly three decades later. Her songs such as “Amor Prohibido,” “Como La Flor,” and “Dreaming of You,” continue to be played at parties and on the radio.
Selena has become an icon for many young Latinos around the world. In 2020, Billboard magazine named her third on the list of “Greatest Latino Artists of All Time.”
LISTEN: AUSTIN VIDA & KUT 90.5 FM TEAM UP TO TALK ALL ABOUT SELENA
The Queen of Tejano Music would have turned 52 on April 16. What does that mean for us? It means that we get to keep her memory alive and celebrate her at these local and area events:
April 8: Keep Selena’s legacy alive at the Noche de Cumbia, with live music by Las Chicas 512 and DJ Bigjatx. The event also includes a cumbia dance lesson with Liliana Beverido. No partner or previous experience required. Be ready to dance at Esquina Tango from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tickets cost $15-20.
April 13: Head to Tuezgayz at Swan Dive where DJ Jon-Erik Garcia aka the Glitoris brings back the popular annual Selena Night tribute. The Queen of Tejano tribute band Bidi Bidi Banda headlines the 13th annual Homo La Flor celebration starting at 10:30 p.m. Door tickets cost $10.
April 15: Remember Selena’s journey by attending a special birthday screening . The 1997 movie “Selena” will show at Flix Brewhouse in Round Rock at 7 p.m. You can also eat birthday cake at this screening! Tickets cost $7.
April 15: Show off your best Selena look at the “Anything for Selena” celebration hosted by LoteriaFest. Head to Cuauhtemoc Hall in San Marcos for an artist market, food, music, a photo booth, loteria games, and more from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Advance tickets cost $8 and door tickets cost $10.
April 16: Have you ever wanted to learn how to paint? At Painting with a Twist, you can paint the Tejano legend, Selena Quintanilla--Pérez with instructor Ginger Dixon. The class runs from 5 to 7 p.m. at 1401 S. I-H 35, Suite 140 Round Rock. Registration costs $39 per person.
April 16: Celebrate the late singer with DJ’s, drag performances, and vendors at the Anything for Selenas Market, hosted by Las Ofrendas at the Brewtorium. Dress up as Selena for a contest.
April 16: Join Lulu’s in South Austin in South Austin for Selena’s birthday party, a day filled with Selena-themed Lotería, a purple margarita special, and music by DJ Manoloblack. Want to win a prize? Show up in your best Selena costume. Celebration runs from 2 to 6 p.m.
April 16: Here’s a chance to celebrate Selena while supporting a good cause. Head to Taquero Mucho ’s downtown location (507 W. Ave) for a Selena-themed drag brunch that benefits Vivent Health, which works to stop the spread of HIV in Central Texas. Feel free to wear your own Selena-inspired outfits. Brunch starts at 11 a.m. with drag performances starting at 1 p.m. Special cocktails will honor the Queen at Tejano music. Admission is free.
Know of other Selena birthday tributes? Let us know at news@austinvida.com.
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