Sign up for the talent show auditions
Contests
The lineup
Activities
Our Sponsors
First Bank Midwest
NHK Seating of America
BE PART OF THE CELEBRATION
The Raices Festival is organized by the community, for the community and supported by our amazing local businesses and organizations.
Our Mission
Raíces Festival is more than just an event. It is a celebration of identity, tradition, and the vibrant spirit that brings communities together. Founded officially in 2019, Raíces was born from the desire to celebrate, promote, and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic community while also creating a space where everyone, no matter their background, feels welcomed and inspired. Based in Frankfort, Indiana, we have proudly hosted cultural events, educational workshops, and empowerment programs that uplift voices and strengthen community ties. Through music, dance, food, and art, Raíces Festival honors the traditions that connect generations while creating new experiences that invite all people to come together in joy, respect, and unity. Our mission goes beyond preserving culture. We aim to build bridges of understanding between people of all walks of life. Whether you are part of the Latino community or a neighbor curious to learn and celebrate alongside us, Raíces is a place for you. This festival is a powerful reminder that while our stories may be different, our desire for connection, pride, and belonging is shared. Raíces means “roots” and together, we grow stronger.
Be a vendor
📎 Vendor Forms
Schedule by stage
🎸 Farmers Bank Stage
🎸 Hitech Parking Lot
🎸 Small Stage
Frequently asked questions
What is the Raíces Festival?
The Raíces Festival is a community celebration that highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic/Latino community while welcoming people of all backgrounds to join in the fun. Through music, dance, food, art, and family-friendly activities, the festival creates a space where traditions are honored, cultures are shared, and unity is celebrated
When is the festival?
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
How do I get to the festival?
Location: The festival takes place in downtown Frankfort at the Prairie Creek Park located at 260 E Washington St, Frankfort, IN 46041. Google Maps Link
Where can I park?
You’ll find free street parking available around the park and on nearby streets. Please be sure to follow all posted signs and city regulations. Do not park in the lot behind Nickel Plate Apartments, as that area is reserved for residents only.
How can I become a sponsor?
We love partnering with local and regional businesses to make this event possible. To explore sponsorship opportunities, visit our Sponsor Section and scroll to the bottom of the page for package details or contact us for more info.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, we are truly grateful to our sponsors, whose support makes it possible for this celebration to be completely free for our guests to enjoy.
How can I volunteer or get involved?
We welcome community support! Fill out our Volunteer Form to join our amazing team of volunteers. Please submit your completed form to the Purdue Extension Office located at 1111 S Jackson St, Frankfort, IN 4604, Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
People are talking
A festival that unites the community no matter where their roots are from. We are all part of this beautiful community, and it is incredible to be able to share our rich culture with our neighbors and community members. My favorite part of this festival is seeing the whole community together enjoying delicious food and dancing, even if some don't understand the language of the song; music is universal and unites us all. Thank you to everyone who volunteers and donates to make this festival a reality, and thank you to the City of Frankfort for including this festival as part of our community celebrations.
— Rafael Figueroa
Latest from the blog
Talent Show Auditions
Call for Stars! Raíces Festival 2026 Talent Show Auditions The Raíces Festival 2026 is looking for talent! Our highly anticipated Talent Show is back, and we want to see what you've got. If you are a singer, dancer, magician, comedian, or possess any unique skill, this is your time to shine on the big stage! Are you ready to share your passion and compete for cash prizes? Check the rules below and mark your calendar for the first round of auditions! Essential Information: Audition Details (Round 1) The journey to stardom begins at the Encompass Event Center. Don't miss this opportunity to represent Clinton County! Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026 Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Location: Encompass Event Center (260 E. Washington St., Frankfort, IN) Registration Deadline: Monday, July 27, 2026 Important: Audition registration must be completed in advance on the official Raíces website. See the flyers below for full details and rules. Competition Structure and Prizes The competition will consist of three exciting rounds. The top 6-9 performers from Round 1 will advance to the subsequent rounds held during the festival! Round 1 (Auditions): Thursday, July 30 Round 2: Saturday, September 19 (Festival Small Stage) Round 3 (Finals): Saturday, September 19 (Festival Main Stage) Cash Prizes: 🥇 1st Place: $200 🥈 2nd Place: $100 🥉 3rd Place: $50 Key Rules to Remember: Open to all residents of Clinton County, ages 5+. Acts must be 1+ participant and family-friendly. Performance time limit: 5 minutes. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled audition time. Basic sound equipment (speaker and microphone) will be provided. See the detailed rules on the "Talent Show Auditions Flyer_English.png" or "Talent Show Auditions Flyer_Spanish.png" for more information.
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Essay Contest
✍️ Share Your Voice: Raíces Festival 2026 Essay Contest! 📝 Attention Clinton County high schoolers! Are you in grades 9–12 and ready to express your thoughts, creativity, and perspective? The Raíces Festival 2026 Essay Contest is officially open, centered around the theme Las Posadas: Light & Hope! Whether you love writing or just have an impactful story to share, this is your chance to shine and win cash prizes! 📌 Who Can Participate? Open to all high school students (Grades 9–12) in Clinton County. 💡 Choose ONE Essay Prompt: Option 1: Reimagine Las Posadas as a metaphor for a modern social issue. Who is searching for shelter, and what barriers stand in their way? Option 2: Las Posadas symbolizes a journey seeking shelter and belonging. Describe a time in which you or your family experienced the generosity of a stranger. What significance did this have in your life, and what lessons do you carry from it? 📝 Formatting & Submission Guidelines Word Count: Up to 500 words Format: Double spaced, Times New Roman (Size 12), 1-inch margins Required Info: Must include your name, submission date, grade level, school name, and the prompt you chose. How to Submit: Email your completed essay to Esmeralda Cruz at cruze@frankfort.k12.in.us Deadline: Wednesday, August 26, 2026, by 5:00 PM 🏆 Prizes & Scoring Rubric The top 3 contestants will be awarded their prizes on stage on September 19: 🥇 1st Place: $200 🥈 2nd Place: $100 🥉 3rd Place: $50 📊 Rubric (100 Points Total): Stay on topic (15 pts) Fully answer the prompt (15 pts) Connect with the reader (15 pts) No grammatical errors (15 pts) Effectively express thoughts (15 pts) Meaningful message (15 pts) Follow essay guidelines & include all required info (10 pts) Sponsored by The Frankfort Lions Club. ✍️ Comparte tu Voz: ¡Concurso de Ensayo del Festival Raíces 2026! 📝 ¡Atención estudiantes de preparatoria del Condado de Clinton! Si estás en los grados 9 al 12 y tienes una historia o perspectiva que compartir, ¡el Concurso de Ensayo del Festival Raíces 2026 ya está abierto! Este año el tema central es Las Posadas: Luz y Esperanza. ¡Escribe, expresa tus ideas y gana premios en efectivo! 📌 ¿Quién Puede Participar? Abierto a todos los estudiantes de preparatoria (Grados 9 al 12) del Condado de Clinton. 💡 Elige UNA Opción de Ensayo: Opción 1: Reimagina Las Posadas como una metáfora de un problema social moderno. ¿Quién está buscando refugio y qué obstáculos se interponen en su camino? Opción 2: Las Posadas simboliza un viaje en busca de refugio y pertenencia. Describe un momento en el que tú o tu familia experimentaron la generosidad de un extraño. ¿Qué significado tuvo esto en tu vida y qué lecciones llevas contigo? 📝 Pautas de Formato y Entrega Extensión: Hasta 500 palabras Formato: Doble espacio, letra Times New Roman (tamaño 12), márgenes de 1 pulgada Información Requerida: Debe incluir tu nombre, fecha de envío, grado académico, nombre de tu escuela y la pregunta que contestaste. Dónde Enviar: Envía tu ensayo por correo electrónico a Esmeralda Cruz: cruze@frankfort.k12.in.us Fecha Límite: Miércoles, 26 de agosto de 2026 a las 5:00 PM 🏆 Premios y Rúbrica de Calificación Los premios se entregarán a los primeros 3 lugares en el escenario el 19 de septiembre: 🥇 1er Lugar: $200 🥈 2do Lugar: $100 🥉 3er Lugar: $50 📊 Rúbrica de Calificación (100 Puntos En Total): Enfocado en el tema (15 pts) Responde la pregunta (15 pts) Conecta con el lector (15 pts) Sin errores gramaticales (15 pts) Expresa sus pensamientos eficazmente (15 pts) Mensaje valioso (15 pts) Sigue las pautas e incluye toda la información (10 pts) Patrocinado por The Frankfort Lions Club.
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