Heritage & Culture: Ways to Engage

Tuesday September 29, 2026 | TSC International Lounge
11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

U.S. Congress designated September 15 through October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month. This time period coincides with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, making it a meaningful opportunity to recognize the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic Americans.

Heritage & Culture celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month through its annual event with educational displays and cultural presentations highlighting Hispanic contributions, community values, and traditions.

Friday October 2, 2026 | TSC Ballroom, Pre Event - 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Main Event - 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., | Latin Dance - 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Fiestas Américas is one of Utah State University’s longstanding cultural traditions, originating in 2003 under the name “Salsabration”. Later, in 2014, the name was changed to Fiestas Américas to “help students throughout the community feel included” and show an emphasis on “...celebrating all Latin America”. This annual event brings the richness of Latino culture to the USU campus and surrounding community through a mix of vibrant dancers, talented singers, colorful art displays, traditional foods, and other cultural practices highlighting the vibrancy of life throughout Latin American cultural heritage.

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | TSC Fountain, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

LGBTQ+ History Month celebrates the achievements, contributions, and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. It also promotes education, understanding, and the preservation of LGBTQ+ history and culture.

Heritage & Culture celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month through an educational and interactive event where attendees can connect with USU student organizations, academic units, and subject-matter experts.

Tuesday, November 5, 2026 | TSC International Lounge, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American and Alaska Native communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation.

Heritage & Culture celebrates Native American Heritage Month with an annual event which includes educational displays, guest speakers, and cultural presentations highlighting Indigenous leadership, community values, and traditions.

Friday November 6 | TSC Ballroom, Pre Event - 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Main Event - 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

International Connections Night at Utah State University, previously known as International Banquet, has grown over many decades in to one of the institution’s most cherished cultural traditions. The International Student Association firmly established the event's roots in the early 1980s when it hosted the first documented banquet and accompanying international events on campus.

What began as a gathering focused on cultural exchange, friendship, and community has evolved into a vibrant celebration featuring global cuisine, artistic performances, and enthusiastic participation from students, families, and community members. The banquet has embraced creative themes, immersive presentations, and a broadening range of cultural expressions, becoming a unifying event highlighting the richness of the international connections at USU.

Thursday November 12, 2026 | TSC Ballroom, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Miss Native American USU Pageant is a cultural and educational event honoring the leadership, identity, and traditions of Native American women at Utah State University since 1972. This event celebrates Indigenous representation in higher education while connecting academic achievement with cultural expression. Contestants showcase both modern and traditional talents during the pageant. The title holder of Miss Native American USU serves as Head Woman for the USU annual Echoing Traditional Ways Pow Wow, helping lead one of the university’s most significant Indigenous cultural celebrations.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the official pageant application including proof of enrollment in a federally recognized tribe to participate in the Miss Native American USU Pageant. The application is available through Student Involvement & Leadership. The pageant takes place each year during Native American Heritage Month.

Tuesday, January 19, 2027 | TSC International Lounge, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day honors Dr. King's life and legacy, commemorating the principles which guided his work and leadership. It is a day to serve others and strengthen communities through volunteerism and cooperation.

Heritage & Culture celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day through events designed to inspire reflection on our civic responsibility—both as individuals and as a collective—toward promoting the common good for every member of the Aggie Family, Cache Valley, and the State of Utah.

Friday January 29, 2027 | TSC Ballroom, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Details to come.

Tuesday February 9, 2027 | TSC International Lounge, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Black History Month had its start in 1926 and was federally recognized in February 1986 when Congress designated the month as National Black (Afro-American) History Month. The purpose of Black History Month is to recognize, educate people about, and honor the contributions and achievements of Black Americans and their role in building the United States and influencing the world, from science and the arts to politics, education, and religion.

Heritage & Culture celebrates Black History Month by presenting an annual event with educational materials, resources, and presentations.

March 2027
TBD:

The USU Echoing Traditional Way Pow Wow is an annual celebration of renewal and the arrival of spring through song, dance, drumming, and ceremonial practices, honoring Indigenous traditions. It is a vibrant space for cultural sharing, education, and community connection while uplifting Indigenous presence, history, and continuity at USU.

The USU Pow Wow was initiated in 1971 by the USU student organization Many Eagles Indian Council as they established “Indian Emphasis Week”. It is one of USU's longstanding cultural traditions bringing together students, families, Tribal Nations, and the broader community to learn about and experience powwow traditions.

Friday June 11, 2027 |  Bridger Park, Time TBA

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. It also memorializes the announcement Union Army troops made to the enslaved people they found in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 indicating they were free based on the Emancipation Proclamation issued 2 years previously (January 1, 1863).

Heritage & Culture celebrates Juneteenth by presenting an annual community celebration offering the opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate through educational materials, music, presentations, and family-friendly activities.

July 24th, 2026 | Cache County Fairgrounds

Pioneer Day, celebrated on July 24, is a State of Utah holiday commemorating the 1847 arrival of settlers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Salt Lake Valley, taking shape over time to encompass a larger commemoration of the state and its people. It is a time to honor those who came before and helped build Utah as it is today, and an opportunity to recommit to the pioneer spirit, leaving Utah a better place.

Heritage & Culture celebrates Pioneer Day by hosting a booth at the Logan City Pioneer Day event each year with educational materials and engaging activities tied to the history and legacy of Pioneer Day.