Juntos de Nuevo: Austin Reunites to Celebrate the Grand Reopening of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center

The City of Austin’s Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) is honored to celebrate the long-awaited reopening of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC)—a space deeply rooted in community, culture, and the vibrant traditions that shape Austin.

Juntos de Nuevo: Grand Reopening Celebration
Saturday, June 6 | 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. 
600 River Street, Austin, TX 78701

After nearly three years of thoughtful renovation and expansion, the ESB-MACC welcomes the community back with Juntos de Nuevo—a day of reconnection, celebration, and cultural expression. This family-friendly event is open to all, with no tickets or RSVPs required.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony with welcome remarks from City Councilmember José Velásquez will kick off the celebrations at 11 a.m. Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy live music and performances at the Zócalo’s outdoor stage, tours of the new and renovated spaces, and hands-on workshops for all ages. The event will also feature children’s art activities in the new youth classrooms, exhibitions in the Community Gallery and the Sam Z. Coronado Gallery, and a Community Resource Fair. An artisan market will highlight local Latino/a/e entrepreneurs along with an array of food trucks offering Latine bites and refreshments.

Phase 2 of this project expands the facility to include new music rehearsal rooms, a teaching kitchen, and updated galleries, offices, and classrooms. Renovations also focus on enhancing the visitor experience through increased natural light and a more functional, contained Zocalo Plaza. This central gathering area now features a large shade structure to support extended daytime use for diverse public programming, all set within an inviting, eco-friendly atmosphere of drought-tolerant native plantings.

“With a well-defined, inviting Zocalo and additional spaces for new cultural programs, ESB-MACC will be a welcoming institution for all Austinites to come together to celebrate the city’s rich Hispanic heritage,” said Juan Miró, FAIA LEED AP at Miró Rivera Architects.

“I’m thrilled with the upgraded resources and facilities these renovations will provide for the community, and I’m certain they will be as well,” added ACME Director Angela Means. “Nearly 20 years after it first opened, the new ESB-MACC will be instrumental in our mission to preserve, create, and promote the vibrant cultural arts of Mexican and Latine Americans for the next 20 years and beyond.”

The reopening coincides with the reopening date for the neighboring Confluence Park with Waterloo Greenway, making June 6 a landmark day for Austin.

For event updates, including performance schedules, parking, and logistics, visit the Grand Reopening webpage and follow the ESB-MACC on Facebook and Instagram.

We hope you will join us in celebrating this meaningful moment for the community and the City of Austin.

About Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment
Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME) is committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive creative ecosystem that celebrates and supports Austin's artists, musicians, entertainment venues, and cultural institutions. ACME is a centralized hub offering resources, funding opportunities, and strategic programs that promote local talent and drive economic growth.

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