La Fiesta Hispana 2026: A Night to Remember at Port Wentworth’s VyStar Pavilion

On Friday, September 25, the City of Port Wentworth hosted the third annual La Fiesta Hispana, and this year it made history as the first cultural event ever held at the new VyStar Pavilion. The community showed up ready to celebrate. From 5:30 to 9:00 PM, VyStar Pavilion turned into one big family gathering, with music, dance, food, games for the kids and fireworks to close the night.

The event went exactly as planned. It was well organized, the energy stayed high from the first song to the last firework, and most of all, people had fun.

Year three, and a first for VyStar Pavilion

Port Wentworth is growing fast, and the families who call it home come from all over the world. Now in its third year, La Fiesta Hispana is the City’s way of saying that everyone belongs here, and moving it into VyStar Pavilion gave the celebration its biggest stage yet. Held during Hispanic Heritage Month, the festival celebrated the music, food and traditions of Latin America while welcoming neighbors of every background to join in.

And they did. Throughout the evening we saw people from all nationalities sharing tables, trading food recommendations and dancing side by side. Puerto Rico jerseys, “Made in Panama” shirts and flags from across the Americas were all over the Pavilion floor, right next to families who simply came out to enjoy a great Friday night in their own city.

Hosted by two of our own

Keeping the night moving were our emcees, Maria Solesbee and Yanira Salamanca, both Live Like Locals Ambassadors. Switching easily between English and Spanish, they introduced every performer, kept the crowd informed and brought a warmth to the stage that made the whole evening feel like a family party. We are proud to have them represent the Live Like Locals community on a night like this.

Cultural dances from across Latin America

One of the most beautiful parts of the evening was the dance program. Groups representing several countries took the stage in traditional dress, each sharing a piece of their culture through movement and music. The young folklórico dancers were an instant crowd favorite, their bright skirts swirling in every color as families cheered them on.

Los Ex-Adolescentes kept the dance floor full

When Los Ex-Adolescentes took the stage, the floor filled up and stayed full. With a full horn section and percussion, the band played the kind of salsa that makes it impossible to sit still. Couples of every age danced in front of the stage, between the vendor tents and anywhere else they could find a little space.

Food and local vendors

Local vendors lined the Pavilion with food, fresh drinks and handmade goods. Tacos came straight off the griddle, fresh juices and lemonades kept everyone cool, and makers and small businesses offered crafts, jewelry and gifts. Supporting these local entrepreneurs is a big part of what Live Like Locals events are about, and it was great to see so many of them busy all night.

A kids’ zone that never slowed down

The kids’ zone was a hit from the moment the gates opened. Bounce houses, a giant outdoor chess set and plenty of room to run kept the little ones smiling while parents and grandparents enjoyed the music close by. A mechanical bull drew brave riders of all ages and plenty of laughter from the crowd watching.