Happening at La Casita in October

Community Submission

38 minutes ago

3 min read

Beyond the Dress

Join author Yamile Saied Méndez for an engaging conversation at La Casita exploring how the quinceañera tradition shapes identity, family, memory, and belonging across generations. Drawing on her acclaimed books Dreaming of a Quinceañera and Twice a Quinceañera, Méndez examines the cultural significance of this coming-of-age ritual, followed by an audience Q&A and an opportunity for participants to share their own stories and reflections. A reception with Latin American refreshments concludes the evening, inviting continued conversation and community connection.

This event is part of the 2026 Syracuse Symposium on “Dreams” organized and sponsored by the Syracuse University Humanities Center.

Thursday, Oct. 22@6:00pm

Afterschool Program Reopens!

La Casita’s Afterschool Program is reopening on Monday, October 5th and we are excited to welcome our youth to a new season of programming. This fall will offer workshops in artmaking, piano and guitar lessons, theater production, filmmaking, dance and STEM! Workshops will run weekly from Monday to Friday, 4:00pm to 6:00pm, and a new Teen program is opening on Saturdays, from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

FREE and accessible to children, ages 6 and up.

Enrollment is still open, but spaces are filling up fast!

For details, please call or text La Casita at 315.807.3324.

Creative Arts for Adults

Fall 2026 welcomes a new season of Art as Mindfulness workshops every Thursday from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, focusing on wellness and self-reflection through creative expression.

NEW this fall, La Casita will offer The Story of Us, a creative writing program designed specifically for women, a multilingual workshop series for the Spanish and English-speaking community. These workshops are designed to foster healing by exploring family narratives, specifically focusing on the complexities of mothering, every Tuesday from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.

All programs are FREE. Enrollment is now open!

For details, please call or text La Casita at 315.807.3324.

Quinceañera Dreams Exhibition

Marking its 15th anniversary in 2026, La Casita presents Quinceañera Dreams, a new exhibition that explores one of the most cherished traditions in Latino cultures: the quinceañera celebration. Through community-sourced photographs, video, oral histories, family memorabilia, stunning gowns, and multimedia installations, Quinceañera Dreams explores the history, beauty, and cultural significance of this beloved coming-of-age tradition that connects generations of women.

Open to the public. Guided tours in English and Spanish by appointment.

Gallery Hours:

Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Exhibit on view through April 2027

La Casita is on the ground floor of the Lincoln Building at 109 Otisco St. in Syracuse, NY.

To request accessibility accommodations, please email lacasita@syr.edu or call (315) 443-2151.

Welcome Students!

Are you ready to make a lasting impact in the Syracuse community? We invite you to join our team this Fall! Whether you are passionate about youth education, community-based arts programming, music, dance, language arts, or STEAM, there’s a meaningful place for you at La Casita.

As a volunteer or intern at La Casita, you’ll work alongside a dynamic and diverse team committed to fostering creativity, education, and civic engagement. We have opportunities tailored to a wide range of interests and fields, including:

· Communications

· Graphic Design

· Civic Engagement

· Information & Library Sciences

· Nonprofit Management

· Dual-Language Education

· Music & Arts Education

· Performing Arts

…and much more!

Youth and adult programs run Monday through Friday, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and teen programs on Saturdays, 10:00am to 2:00 p.m.

This is your chance to build valuable skills, expand your professional network, and generate a real, positive impact in the lives of others.

Join us in supporting our community through innovative programs and meaningful engagement.