Family Activities, classes, & workshops
Cooking & Culture: Colombian Empanadas with Limmy Mercado
Discover the flavors and traditions behind one of Colombia’s most beloved foods! In this interactive cooking demonstration, you’ll learn how to make traditional Colombian empanadas—from preparing the corn-based dough and savory filling to shaping and frying them to golden perfection.
Along the way, we’ll explore the role empanadas play in Colombian food traditions, family gatherings, and everyday life, as well as some of the regional variations you might encounter throughout Colombia.
Come hungry for knowledge (and maybe a taste!) and leave ready to try making Colombian empanadas in your own kitchen. 9:00AM Pavilion Stage
Cooking & Culture: Peruvian Ceviche with Christian Moya
Discover the fresh, vibrant flavors of Peruvian ceviche! Learn how this iconic dish brings together fresh ingredients, citrus, spice, and tradition—and why ceviche holds such an important place in Peruvian food culture. Come watch, learn, and enjoy a taste of Peru at ¡Viva Montana! 10:15 AM on the Pavilion Stage.
Cooking & Culture: Huancaína Sauce with Claudia Medina
Huancaína is one of Peru’s most beloved classic sauces. Traditionally made with ají amarillo, a vibrant Peruvian yellow chili, it has a beautiful balance of creamy richness, gentle heat, and a slightly tangy, savory flavor. It’s most famously served over papas a la huancaína—potatoes topped with this bright, velvety sauce—but it’s also delicious with vegetables, meats, seafood, and grains. In this demo, we’re going to make our own version and experience what makes ají amarillo such an essential flavor in Peruvian cuisine. 11:30 AM on the Pavilion Stage.
Shake It Up! Kids’ Shekere-Making Class at Viva Montana!
Kids, get ready to create, shake, and move in our Shekere-Making Class at Viva Montana! In this fun, hands-on workshop, children will decorate and assemble their own mini shekeres using shaker eggs, beads, and colorful materials.
Once their instruments are ready, they’ll learn how to play lively Latin rhythms or use them to dance along with their families. It’s the perfect way for young festival-goers to explore music, creativity, and movement—all while having a blast!
Join us and let the rhythm shake things up! All Day at the Kids Corner in the Pavilion.
Paint, Play & Dance: Flamenco Fans
A fan is more than a way to keep cool—it’s an expressive part of dance traditions around the world! Decorate your own fan, then learn how flamenco dancers use the abanico to add movement, drama, and personality to Guajiras, a playful flamenco style with Cuban influences. A colorful, hands-on activity for the whole family!
Bloom with Creativity: Paper Flower Making Class at Viva Montana!
Celebrate the vibrant colors of Latin culture in our Paper Flower Making Class at Viva Montana! In this hands-on workshop, participants of all ages will learn how to craft beautiful, traditional paper flowers—an art form seen in Latin American celebrations, altars, and festivals.
With simple materials and easy-to-follow techniques, you'll create stunning blooms to take home, wear, or share with loved ones. No experience needed—just bring your creativity and get ready to add a splash of color to the festival!
Join us and let your creativity blossom! All Day at the Kids Corner in the Pavilion.
Feel the Beat: Brazilian Bateria wih Missoula Samba
Feel the rhythm with Missoula Samba! This high-energy community percussion ensemble brings the infectious sounds and rhythms of Brazilian samba to ¡Viva Montana!. Following their performance, the group will share a little about samba and its cultural traditions—then you get to join in!
Missoula Samba will lead an interactive community procession through the festival grounds, bringing everyone together with rhythm, movement, and plenty of energy as we make our way to the Main Stage.
Listen. Learn. Move. Join the procession! 3PM Pavilion Stage.
Paint the Culture: Viva Montana! Community Mural
Be part of something beautiful at Viva Montana! Join us in creating a community mural that celebrates the rich diversity, heritage, and spirit of Latin culture. Throughout the festival, artists and attendees of all ages will collaborate to bring this vibrant artwork to life—one brushstroke at a time!
No artistic experience? No problem! Whether you add a small detail or a bold splash of color, your contribution will help tell a collective story of tradition, unity, and joy.
Come make your mark and be a part of this lasting festival masterpiece! All Day Live Mural in the Pavilion.
¡Fútbol is coming to ¡Viva Montana!!
Visit ¡Viva Montana! FC, our pop-up fútbol pitch on the green next to the Pavilion. Fútbol is woven into the culture and community life of countries throughout Latin America, bringing together neighborhoods, families, generations, and fans around the world.
Throughout the festival, kids and families can stop by to kick the ball around, practice their skills, join an informal game, or simply play. No team and no experience necessary—just come ready to move!
Christian Moya will be coordinating ¡Viva Montana! FC and helping keep the fútbol going throughout the day.
Find us on the green beside the Pavilion. ¡Vamos a jugar!