We are thrilled to welcome you to another exciting year of arts, culture, and community at the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA)!
Our 2025 event lineup is a celebration of the vibrant spirit, rich traditions, and artistic excellence of Puerto Rico and the Latinx diaspora.
This year, we are bringing you unforgettable performances, exhibitions, and cultural experiences that honor our heritage while fostering new artistic expressions. From our signature events like the National Cuatro Festival and Coquito Festival to our Desde Mi Barrio concert series, PRAA continues to be a space where music, art, and community come together in powerful ways.
We invite you to mark your calendars, join us in celebration, and help us make 2025 another year of artistic inspiration and cultural pride. Whether you are an artist, musician, supporter, or first-time guest, your presence makes a difference.
Thank you for being part of the PRAA family. We can’t wait to share this journey with you!
¡Nos vemos pronto!
Warmly, Dr. Ignacio López Executive Director
Puerto Rican Arts Alliance
Desde Mi Barrio Concert Series
Latin Music Project Center, 2958 N Milwaukee Ave.
This community concert series features local and national musicians while celebrating rich music of Puerto Rican and Latine cultures inside the Juan and Gladys Mendez Music Hall.
Jonathan Suazo
Saturday, February 15, 2025, 7–9pm
Richard Peña & Sofia Ramos
Saturday, March 15, 2025, 7–9pm
Frido Vargas
Saturday, April 19, 2025, 7–9pm
Felisa Rincón Leadership Awards
Thursday, March 27, 2025, 6–8pm
PRAA Center, 3000 N. Elbridge Ave.
Annually, PRAA honors community leaders for their distinguished community service. We recognize their contributions as role models and advocates who inspire others and the broader community. Through the award ceremony, it is PRAA’s goal to heighten and exemplify Ms. Rincón de Gautier’s impeccable service and commitment to her community, women, and her country. The honorees this year include:
Carmen Hernandez – Legal Trailblazer Award
Nydia Castillo – Arts and Culture Award
Eduardo Camacho – Public Service Award
Nereida Avilés – Community Advocate Award
Adela Cepeda – Entrepreneur Business Leadership Award
La Mudanza Art Exhibit by
Reynaldo Rodríguez
Opening Ceremony April 17, 2025, 6–8pm
PRAA Center, 3000 N. Elbridge Ave.
Experience La Mudanza, the latest evocative exhibit by renowned Puerto Rican artist Reynaldo Rodríguez – known as Guaracibo –presented by the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance. Born in Puerto Rico and celebrated across the diaspora, Guaracibo channels his cultural roots into bold, vibrant works that blend realism with surreal elements. His striking canvases and murals burst with symbols of Puerto Rican heritage – from the national flag and Taíno petroglyphs to Afro-Caribbean influences – while his innovative ventures into sculpture, fashion, and installation art echo themes of ancestry, resilience, and environmental sustainability. Join us in celebrating an artist whose dynamic legacy not only transforms Chicago’s cultural landscape but also inspires the next generation of creatives.
Noche Caribeña at Navy Pier
Saturday, August 23, 2025, 6–9pm
Navy Pier’s Polk Bros Park Lake Stage Lawn
In partnership with Navy Pier, the summertime outdoor dance concert is free and open to the public featuring international and local artists, as well as, up-and-coming musicians.
Baila Conmigo Block Party
Saturday, September 6, 2025, 1–9pm PRAA Center, 3000 N. Elbridge Ave.
Join us on the PRAA Center’s terrace for music from talented local artists. Come solo or bring a partner as we dance under the stars! Each event includes performances by PRAA’s Latin Music Project Ensemble.
27th Annual National Cuatro Festival at Harris Theater
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 7pm Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph
The Emmy-Award Winning Annual National Cuatro Festival is a unique music event the brings the best Cuatro musicians, “Cuatristas”, from Puerto Rico to Chicago for a one-of-a-kind concert experience.
National Coquito Festival
Saturday, December 13, 2025, 6–9pm
The National Coquito Festival celebrates Puerto Rico’s holiday drink, Coquito (translation: small coconut). The event promotes and preserves Puerto Rican heritage through this iconic drink, music, and food. Most Puerto Rican families have a treasured coquito recipe, and they will boast that their coquito is the best! This event gives coquito makers the opportunity to showcase their recipe in hopes of winning our annual contest judged by event participants.
Empowering Chicago’s Youth Through Arts & Culture
Creativity unlocks potential. Our music and arts programs build confidence, discipline, and cultural pride in young people. Annually, over 5,000 Chicago youth engage in hands-on music and visual arts. Our award-winning Latin Music Project serves 700+ students, teaching diverse Puerto Rican music. Partnering with 20+ CPS Schools and other districts, we ensure accessible, relevant arts education. 100% of advanced music students graduate high school, many pursuing arts careers. PRAA ensembles showcase young talent to large audiences. We also develop future sound engineers and artists through workforce initiatives. Our partnerships in Puerto Rico foster cultural exchange. At PRAA, we ignite passion and create pathways to success for Chicago’s youth. Thank you for your support!
