Translate

Wednesday, June 03, 2026

Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Grand Reopening—Saturday, June 6 from from 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Friends,

What a joy to welcome the grand reopening of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center—Juntos de Nuevo—this Saturday, June 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Home to Academia Cuauhtli (meaning "Eagle Academy" in Nahuatl), this reopening is more than a celebration of a beautifully renovated building. It is a testament to our resilience as a community, the strength of our cultural memory, and the ongoing vitality of Mexican American, Latina/o/e, and Indigenous arts, music, dance, food, and storytelling in Central Texas.

At a time when so-called “culture wars” seek to divide us—and when some would have us believe that honoring our histories somehow diminishes others—the MACC reminds us of a deeper truth: we are not at war with anyone. Our culture is not a threat. It is a gift. It is life-giving, bridge-building, future-making, and beautifully ascendant.

The reopening of the ESB-MACC signals real progress in the life of an important community institution. It points to a more inclusive and prosperous future—not only for our communities, but for all of Austin and Central Texas.

May this be a day of reconnection, celebration, and joy.

¡Juntos de nuevo! Together again!

—Angela Valenzuela

Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Grand Reopening
June 6th from 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
600 River St, Austin, TX 78701

RSVP on Facebook or Eventbrite!

The ESB-MACC welcomes the community back to our newly renovated facility with Juntos de Nuevo -a day of reconnection, celebration, and cultural expression. This free family-friendly event is free and open to all.

This reopening is more than a milestone. It is a celebration of identity, creativity, and the enduring cultural legacy of Austin’s communities. The City of Austin’s Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment department is honored to invite you to visit the renovated Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center.

Get Involved
Upcoming Events 
RSVP on Eventbrite




Arrival and Parking

  • The address of the ESB MACC is 600 River Street, at the intersection of Rainey Street and River Street.
  • The ESB MACC parking lot will be closed to the public from Thursday, June 4th to midnight on Saturday, June 6th. There is no public parking on-site for the Grand Reopening on June 6th.
  • Parking is free in the Holly Street neighborhood. Parking is also available at the Austin Convention Center Parking Lot 5th St. Garage (601 E. 5th St) with a special flat rate of $5 from 10:00am-2:00pm.
  • There will be a free shuttle bus giving rides from the Sanchez Elementary parking lot to the ESB MACC and back from 10:30am-10:00pm. Please look for the "shuttle stop" signs.
  • The ESB MACC building is accessible from Rainey Street and the Ann and Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail. For an exact location to the entrance of the ESB MACC on the Hike & Bike trail, type in "Trail of Tejano Legends" on Google Maps.
  • Ridesharing and public transit are encouraged. Bicycle parking is available on site.
  • The June 6th Reopening coincides with the reopening of the Waterloo Greenway's Confluence
View the MACC on Google Maps

Featured Artist & Performance Times on June 6th

Performance TimeFeatured ArtistLocation within the MACC 
10:45am-11:45amMariachi SuroesteRibbon Cutting Ceremony at the Gran Entrada (Puerta 3)
11:45am-2:30pmDJ Mira Mira (Xochi Solis) Main Stage, Outdoor (Zocalo)
1:45pm-2:30pmBallet Folklorico de AustinAuditorium, Indoor 
2:30-3:30pmFuzion (Mariachi) Main Stage, Outdoor (Zocalo)
4:00-5:00pmAndrea DanielaMain Stage, Outdoor (Zocalo)
5:00pm-5:30pmLos Fandangueros de AustinSnakepath Head, near Trail (outdoor)
5:30-6:30pmLa Moña LocaMain Stage, Outdoor (Zocalo)
6:30-7:00pmBallet Folklorico MaricruzMain Stage, Outdoor (Zocalo) - dancers in front of stage
7:00pm-8:15pmLos Sabrosos de La CumbiaMain Stage, Outdoor (Zocalo)
8:40pm-9:00pmDanza Azteca GuadalupanaMain Stage, Outdoor (Zocalo) - dancers in front of stage
Event Highlights- June 6th
  • 3 stages with live music under the Zocalo. The main "Zocalo Stage" is outside on our plaza. There will also be an outdoor stage at the edge of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, at the head of the "snake path". There are also performances in the Auditorium, inside.

  • Tours of newly renovated indoor & outdoor spaces. Tour times are 12:00pm, 12:30pm, 1:00pm, and 1:30pm. Anyone can join the tour- meet at the purple MACC tent which is in the middle of the Zocalo plaza.

  • All-ages arts, dance, music, theater, and culinary workshops. See workshop schedule below.

  • Free children’s art activities in the new youth education classrooms

  • Art exhibits on view in the NEW Community Gallery (1st floor), Sam Z. Coronado Gallery (2nd floor), and Auditorium Atrium (1st floor)

  • Community Resource Fair featuring local nonprofits.

  • Artisan Vendor Market supporting local Latino/a/e entrepreneurs.

  • Food trucks on site.

RSVP to the Grand Reopening

No comments:

Post a Comment