Hispanic Heritage Month -- celebrated from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 gets off to a slightly early start this year with the ¿Que Pasa? Festival Saturday at the Science Museum of Virginia.

"It's a celebration of all the Latino cultures of North America, South America, Central America and Mother Spain," said Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Event Planner Rita Willis.

The Hispanic chamber of commerce is the host for the seventh annual event, which promotes Hispanic art, culture and business. The day kicks off at 11 a.m. with a soccer tournament at the Sports Backers Stadium, followed by the rest of the festival from noon-8 p.m. at the museum.

And even after the festival ends, Ray Acosta and his 17-piece band Oro Sólido, will provide music for dancing into the evening.

As is the case with many ethnic festivals, the event will focus on music, dance, crafts and especially food. The music will be provided by such groups as Ban Caribe, Son Quatro, Samba, Vallenato and Silverbacks. The dance will be performed by Latin Ballet of Virginia and zumba dancer Marcela.

A wide variety of food from arroz con pollo to yucca, from paella to plantains -- will be offered by local restaurants, including La Milpa, Emilio's, Chicken Fiesta, El Toro, La Palmera, Papa Ningo, Croaker's Spot -- and Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. A dozen artists, including painter Lucio Valverde, will exhibit their work in a special art show, while vendors sell crafts.

All-admission tickets to the entire festival, including the Ray Acosta concert, soccer tournament and admission to the museum, are $25. Tickets for the concert alone are also $25. Admission to the festival (which includes the museum) is $10, or free to museum members. Tickets for the soccer tournament are $5.

For more information, call (804) 378-4099.