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National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Barrio Arts Fest

  • Writer: Team Acacia
    Team Acacia
  • Jun 24
  • 3 min read

 Enjoy Star-Studded Lineup, Local Talent, and Family Fun July 12 -13 


CHICAGO, Illinois (June 24, 2025)­ – The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture today announced the full lineup of performers, vendors, and activities featured at the 25th Anniversary of the Barrio Arts Fest. This milestone anniversary celebration honors 25 years of presenting and preserving the arts and culture of Puerto Rico with a weekend full of music, food, community, and joy. Admission is free and open to the public Saturday, July 12, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on the historic grounds of the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, 3015 W. Division St. in Chicago’s Humboldt Park.


“This year, we are bringing together extraordinary talent from Puerto Rico, and showcasing the vibrant voices of our local Chicago-based artists, making this our most exciting Barrio Arts Fest yet,” said National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture CEO Billy Ocasio. 


Headlining Performers from Puerto Rico


Calma Carmona (@calmacarmona) 

An internationally celebrated singer-songwriter blending soul, Latin soul, and powerful bilingual storytelling, Calma has opened for Beyoncé and was named MTV Iggy Artist of the Week.


Hermes Croatto (@hermescroatto)Known for reimagining traditional Puerto Rican music, Hermes brings his soulful jíbaro and plena rhythms to Chicago in honor of his legendary father, Tony Croatto.


Los Pleneros del Callejón (@lospleneros.delcallejon)Hailing from Yauco, Puerto Rico, this high-energy plena group composed an original song for NMPRAC’s 25th Anniversary and will perform both days of the festival.


Showcasing Incredible Local Talent

Chicago’s vibrant Puerto Rican music scene takes center stage with performances by spoken word artist and musician Flaco Navaja, who blends salsa, soul, and poetry; Boricua futurist, singer, and percussionist Lester Rey; Piraguas y Piropops, a unique theatrical and musical project full of sabor and storytelling; Chicago’s own Afro-Caribbean steel drum band La Zafra; Caribe Project, a dynamic ensemble showcasing Puerto Rican roots and modern flair; and DJ Gloria, spinning anthems of resistance and celebration throughout the weekend. 


Celebrating Art and Culture With Activities for Everyone

The 25th Anniversary Barrio Arts fest features more than 50 artisans and vendors offering handmade art, crafts, and cultural goods, alongside Puerto Rican food vendors serving traditional dishes such as lechón, alcapurrias, and arroz con gandules. Throughout the weekend, the Fest offers live art workshops for all ages, face painting, and Museum tours. Also on offer are trolley tours taking guests on a journey to learn about the legacy of Chicago's Puerto Rican community; and a domino tournament, bringing generations together in friendly competition. 


Sponsors

The 25th Anniversary Barrio Arts Fest is made possible by The Angell Foundation, The City of Chicago’s Dept of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, The Miranda Family Fund, Anonymous, Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, Senator Omar Aquino, Representative Lilian Jimenez, The Illinois Arts Council, The MacArthur Foundation, The Chicago Community Trust, and The Donnelly Foundation’s Broadening Narratives Initiative.


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ABOUT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PUERTO RICAN ARTS & CULTURE

The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture (3015 W. Division St. in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood) is the only national museum outside of Puerto Rico dedicated to interpreting the arts and culture of the Puerto Rican people. Founded in 2000, it is housed in the historic landmark Humboldt Park Stables and Receptory, near the Paseo Boricua. For more information: https://nmprac.org/

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