The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will bring Frida Kahlo’s legacy to life April 5,with a community celebration. From 1 to 7 p.m., ¡FridaFest! will mark the opening of the museum’s “Frida: Beyond the Myth” exhibition, offering visitors an experience filled with music, art, food and culture.

Kahlo’s life and heritage will be front and center as attendees explore the museum’s Robins Sculpture Garden and Cochrane Atrium. The free event will include live music performances, artist demonstrations, a photo booth and other activities.

“The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts welcomes Virginians and visitors to the Commonwealth to enjoy this wonderful celebration of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo,” said Alex Nyerges, director and CEO of VMFA. DJ Ray-Ray will play traditional Mexican sounds and Latin genres such as salsa, bachata and cumbia, while live performances will feature Bio Ritmo, Mariachi America RVA, Mexican Folk Jaroch and Miramar.

Artist demonstrations include Jeannine Diego and VCUarts students weaving on a backstrap loom, Michelle Israel painting on canvas and Diego Sanchez creating murals. There will also be a screen-printing workshop with Studio Two Three artists at the museum’s mobile print truck. 

Food trucks will line Grove Avenue offering Mexican cuisine, with options from Con Salsa Venezuela, La Doña Cocina Mexicana, La Guelaguetza and Taqueria Panchito. Sweet treats, such as paletas, will be available from Dulceria Minilandia and La Michoacana. Inside the museum, the Best Café will serve specialty menu items.

VPM News journalist Keyris Manzanares will emcee the event, and the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is the official community partner.

“¡FridaFest! and ‘Frida: Beyond the Myth’ will offer unique opportunities to engage with Frida Kahlo’s art and heritage and to see the profound impact she’s had across the globe,” said Michel Zajur, VHCC’s founder and CEO.

“Frida: Beyond the Myth,” will be on view from April 5 to Sept. 28, and features over 60 works by Kahlo, as well as photographs of the artist taken by renowned photographers.

Tickets are available at VMFA.museum.