Celebrate Selena's Birthday in Austin This April

From concerts to art exhibits, the Texas capital honors the Queen of Tejano's legacy all month long.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:07pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering sequins and disco ball fragments, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to evoke the vibrant energy and glamour of Selena's music and cultural impact.Selena's enduring influence on Latinx culture shines through the glitz and glamour of her musical legacy.Austin Today

In Texas, April 16 is Selena Day, a time when Selena fans commemorate the anniversary of her birthday with various celebrations throughout April. This year, Austin is coming together to honor the Queen of Tejano's legacy with a month-long lineup of events, including a Selena-inspired beer release, a drag brunch, a cinematic live music experience, and more.

Why it matters

Selena Quintanilla's influence continues to shape music, fashion, and culture across generations. As the first Selena Day since the passing of her father, Abraham Quintanilla, this year's celebrations in Austin hold special meaning for the local Latinx community.

The details

From a Selena-inspired beer release party to a Selena on Strings cinematic live music experience, Austin is hosting a variety of events throughout April to commemorate what would have been Selena's birthday. The festivities include a Big Gay Selena Drag Brunch, a Painting With A Twist class, and an all-night fiesta at Hotel Vegas & Volstead Lounge.

  • April 10: Selena-inspired beer release party at St. Elmo Brewing
  • April 12: Big Gay Selena Drag Brunch at Brewtorium
  • April 16: Selena on Strings live music experience at Austin Beerworks Sprinkle Valley
  • April 16: Selena-themed Painting With A Twist class at Southpark Meadows
  • April 16: Selena's birthday celebration at Hotel Vegas & Volstead Lounge

The players

Selena Quintanilla

The Queen of Tejano music, whose legacy continues to shape music, fashion, and culture across generations.

Abraham Quintanilla

Selena's father, who passed away in December 2025, making this year's Selena Day celebrations in Austin especially meaningful.

George W. Bush

The former Texas governor who officially declared April 16 as Selena Day in 1995.

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What’s next

The Selena Effect exhibit at The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University will be on display through December 2026, offering a unique look at Selena's lasting influence.

The takeaway

Selena's impact on music, fashion, and Latinx culture continues to be celebrated across Texas, with the city of Austin honoring her legacy through a month-long series of events that bring the community together to commemorate the Queen of Tejano's birthday.