Midwest Chingona Fest
If interested in becoming a sponsor, email LasChingonasEnt@gmail.com
Who We Are
Midwest Chingona Fest is a cultural festival that centers around celebrating women and Hispanic Heritage Month. The main objective of this festival is to elevate and empower Chingonas. A Chingona is a hardworking, persevering woman, striving to be a better person every day. Though the word has sometimes been seen as derogatory in past generations, Midwest Chingona Fest is leading the movement to embrace the meaning and show future generations that they are surrounded by powerful women in their lives. Founded in 2022, we have provided business opportunities to over 150 business, performers, and artists combined. In 2023, the festival attracted around 7,000 attendees from all over Nebraska and Iowa. While each year brings new and exciting elements, some things you can expect to see each year are:
- A safe, empowering, and cultural event
- Chingona Awards
- Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
- Scholarship Ceremony
- Lowrider Show
- Local musicians and performers
- Highlight on female talent
- Multicultural food truck lineup
- Over 70 vendors
- Live Artists and art booths
- Family activities & Kid Zone
- Fundraising for local non profits
Empowering The Community
Fundraising
Annually, Las Chingonas Committee, a volunteer group consisting of 15 dedicated Latinas, selects a nonprofit organization to support. For 2024, the chosen organization is The Women’s Center for Advancement (WCA)- their mission is assisting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and stalking and their children to achieve safety and empower them to lead self-determined lives.
Scholarships
With the help of generous donors and sponsors, our Committee, Las Chingonas, raises funds for Chingona Scholarships throughout the year, to be awarded to college-bound high school students each year. Applications open in the months prior to the festival; students may nominate themselves and others may nominate a student they feel is deserving of the scholarship. In both instances, students must meet mimimum GPA requirements and applicants submit an essay. Las Chingonas Committee anonymously selects the winners based on the content of the essay submissions.
Visual Culture & Entertainment
Live Art
Midwest Chingona Fest provides a dedicated Live Art space for artists to create new pieces on large easels while guests observe. Artists are also located amongst vendors, displaying and selling their artwork.
Music & Performers
Each year attendees are treated to a diverse lineup including traditional folkloric dancers, a lively violinist, mariachi, local bands, and a DJ, among other performers. 2024 will see an amazing tribute act of famous singer Jenni Rivera, among other great acts
Lowrider Show
2022 started out with a bang, bringing in a lowrider show. Now in 2024, we are bringing it back even bigger! You'll see a long line of beautiful classic cars and be able to vote for your favorites!
Family Fun
Through vendors and sponsors, each year we are able to provide a variety of activities that are fun for all ages. Inflatable bounce houses, face painting, cotton candy and popcorn machines, mechanical bull, and more can be seen on the festival grounds.