Whether you're into Latin pop, mariachi, merengue or salsa, Latin music can move your soul and your soles. From Birmingham, Alabama to Orange County, California, Latin music is celebrated year round at an assortment of fantastic fiestas nationwide. These festivals showcase the best of undiscovered Latin street music, as well the hit songs that get radio play. Pick a festival (or two) and recruit a few friends to take time off for an unforgettable road trip through some of the country's most scenic spots — and don't forget to make your own Latin-inspired playlist of music for the drive too!
L Festival, Orange County, CA
Big stars like Enrique Iglesias, Gloria Trevi and Juan Gabriel have all made appearances at the late October Latin music fest that takes place in the OC. Expect the tunes to take over the street — from regional Mexican, urban, tropical and pop, every form of Latin music is showcased.
iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina, Miami, FL
Beat the winter blues in November at the iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina where the biggest stars in Latin music (JLo, anyone?) celebrate the rich, cultural heritage of Miami through music. You can always get an earful of Latin music on the streets of this city, where it's not uncommon for impromptu performances to take over Ocean Drive, spilling out onto the street from Cuban cafes.
Rock Fiesta, Quartzsite, AZ
Every spring, this spot comes alive as Latin music lovers flock in for the festival affectionately known as "Latin Coachella." The lineup always features the coolest acts on the cutting edge of Latin street music and the location is easily drivable from spots like Los Angeles, Phoenix, Lake Havasu and Las Vegas.
Latin Alternative Music Conference, New York City
This four-day event in late June showcases non-mainstream, Spanish-language music in a variety of genres (rock, pop, hip-hop and dance), including a live showcase right in Central Park. The LAMC has emerged as the top event for up-and-coming Latin acts, so if you want to explore the Big Apple and get your groove on at the same time, this is the festival for you.
Mariachi USA, Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles' Mariachi USA party has grown so big, it's gone from street to stadium! Set inside the Hollywood Bowl, in this mid-summer party (early July) the biggest and best in music and dance all hit the stage to celebrate in one of the country's most famous open-air venues. Plus enjoy some amazing fireworks too!
Main Street Latin Festival, Columbia, SC
Situated right in the heart of the city, this Latin American cultural celebration is one of the largest Hispanic festivals in the Midlands. The festival, which takes place annually in late August, was created to showcase the culture and vitality of Colombia's Latin community. The celebration here is grande. Think live bachata music and dancing in the street plus performances from contemporary Latin hip hop artists like Orlan and old-school salsa singer Patty Padilla.
Fiesta, Birmingham, AL
Alabama's largest celebration of Latino culture is a party you don't want to miss. Every year in early October, Latin music fans get together to enjoy music, dancing, food and art from more than 20 represented countries.
Latin Food & Music Festival, Sacramento, CA
Hispanic Heritage Month (October) is celebrated in Sacramento with a giant, day-long street party that honors the community's rich and culturally diverse heritage. Music starts at noon and continues until the sun sets! Mariachi bands play all day and performances from dancers including Calidanza — the dynamic California-based Mexican folk and contemporary dance company — are ongoing to the beats of the music. Local music favorite Dinorah and the Crosswinds is a fun addition to the lineup.
Planning your own music-themed road trip? The 2016 Buick Envision is a joy to drive and a joy to share, so grab some friends and hit the road for a journey that's just as memorable as the destination.
Image ©iStock.com/moomusician
