Merengue Star Miriam Cruz to Headline New York State's 2026 Hispa...

New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced that the legendary merengue singer and actress Miriam Cruz will headline the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Celebration. This highly anticipated, free community event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center.  

“Come enjoy an evening of great music, food, and community in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, as we close out our 2026 Summer at the Plaza Series,” Commissioner Moy said. “This celebration is an opportunity to gather together to recognize the many contributions of Hispanic and Latiné New Yorkers to our state.” 

New York State’s annual celebration of Hispanic and Latin cultures will feature a stellar lineup with headliner Miriam Cruz, an opening performance by Alex Torres and His Latin Orchestra, and music by the extraordinary Latin freestyle band TKA and Albany’s very own DJ Boy Boy. 

In addition to world-class musical performances, attendees can savor a delicious variety of traditional and modern Hispanic cuisine from local food vendors, including empanadas, arepas, chicken and rice, and sweet plantains. Community outreach organizations, including Capital District Latinos, will also be on site to provide resources and information on the services they provide. 

Miriam Cruz is a celebrated Dominican merengue singer and actress who rose to international fame in the 1980s as a member of Las Chicas del Can, the legendary group founded by Dominican singer/songwriter, trumpeter, and producer Wilfrido Vargas. Cruz took over lead vocals for the group's second album, “Chicán,” in 1985, leading the band through a decade of yearly album releases and international hit singles. 

In 1993, she made a spectacular solo debut with the album “Nueva Vida” billed as Miriam y las Chicas, which included smash hits "Tómalo Tú," "La Loba," and "Te Propongo." After establishing herself as an accomplished actress during the mid-to-late 1990s, Cruz mounted a triumphant return to the music scene in 2011, releasing hit singles "Es Cosa de Él," "Es Necesario," and "La Carnada." 

Tentative Performance Schedule 

5:00 p.m.         DJ Boy Boy 
5:45 p.m.         Alex Torres and His Latin Orchestra 
6:35 p.m.         DJ Boy Boy 
6:45 p.m.         TKA 
7:45 p.m.         Miriam Cruz 
9:00 p.m.         End 

The following bag policy is in effect for indoor events: 

• Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" will be allowed. 

• Small clutch bags no larger than 6" x 9" will be allowed and do not need to be clear. 

• For patrons with young children in attendance, diaper bags are allowed and are subject to search. 

• Larger and other types of bags will not be allowed. There is no storage or check-in for prohibited bags. 

Sponsors of the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Celebration include NYSTEC, Market 32 and Price Chopper, New York State of Health, and JAMZ 96.3. 

Free parking will be available in Madison Avenue lots and in the East Garage at the corner of Madison Avenue, Eagle Street, and Philip Street. Paid parking is available in the visitor lot underneath the Empire State Plaza. 

For event updates, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @plazaevents on Instagram or call (518) 474-4759.