May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. This month is dedicated to celebrating the cultures, traditions, and achievements of this community as well as their contribution and influence on the history of our country.

There are more than 25 million people of Asian or Pacific Islander descent in the United States, according to a recent census, and over 50 individual ethnic groups that are a part of the AANHPI community. This community consists of people from a region that covers one third of the Earth—including the Far East, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Pacific. From places like India, China, Japan, Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Polynesia, Guam, to name a few. 

Let us take this opportunity to learn more about this community and celebrate their resilience and strength as we reaffirm our commitment to standing with them in the face of the challenges that they continue to experience.

5 Ways to Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month

Virtual Museum Tour

The Smithsonian has wonderful online exhibits specifically devoted to AANHPI history and culture. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn more about this community here.

Traditional AAPI Cuisine

One of the best ways to learn about a new culture is through its food. A fun way to learn more about this community is to cook a traditional dish as a family and talk about this celebration. You can find recipes on Tasty.com

Celebrate AAPI Art

The history of Asian art includes a vast range of arts. It is famous for its ceremonial bronzes, exquisite pottery, jades, fabrics, decorated vistas, garden design, intricate goldwork, magnificent structures, printmaking, shadow puppetry, and calligraphy. You can visit your local museum or art gallery, or look online to find virtual museums or exhibitions of Asian art.

Read a book from an author of AANHPI Heritage

There are many great books written by AANHPI authors that you can choose from. This is a great way to learn about new cultures and perspectives and to promote AANHPI Heritage Month. You can find a list of 25 books from AANHPI authors here.

Listen to AANHPI Podcasts

This month listen to some innovative AANHPI podcasts. There are many great podcasts out there that feature AANHPI voices and stories. Here is a list of 31 podcasts to get you started.

AANHPI Celebrations Across California

Los Angeles and Orange counties:

• Irvine Korean Cultural Festival

Saturday, May 13^th; Irvine Civic Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine; 12-7 p.m.

Enjoy Korean arts and culture, food, music and more at the 12th annual event. Information: irvinekoreanfestival.org

• Japanese American National Museum

The museum is hosting virtual events throughout the month of May. This includes the May 13 event Nikkei Uncovered, a virtual poetry reading, as well as the “Detention/Resistance” Zoom panel on May 20, and Art Break Sculpture Workshop on May 25.

Visit their website for more information: Events | Japanese American National Museum (janm.org)

• Los Angeles Public Library

The library’s calendar is chock full of virtual events throughout the month of May to honor AANHPI Heritage Month. This includes livestreaming music performances, film screenings, book clubs, author chats, Asian language classes, and more.

Visit their website for more information: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month | Los Angeles Public Library (lapl.org)

• LACMA Exhibition

In May, LACMA is hosting the exhibition Yoshitomo Nara, to allow guests to view the Japanese artist’s work. The exhibition will stay on display for an extended period through July 5. The museum is also hosting a free YouTube cooking demo with Sonoko Sakai, author of the award-winning cookbook “Japanese Home Cooking,” on May 25.

• Asian American Pacific Islander Festival

Saturday, May 27; Heritage Square 715 South A Street Oxnard, CA 93030 United States; 12 – 5pm

With performances from LA Musical Artist, Gingee to local Chinese Lion Dancers, a calligraphy art workshop, to an educational historical reenactment, we are so honored to bring this event to you again in 2023 as a donation-based event. We will have a sliding scale donation of $15-$25.

Get you tickets: AAPI Asian American Pacific Islander Festival Tickets, Sat, May 27, 2023 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite

Find more events at: Community Events — Asian Pacific Community Fund (apcf.org)

San Diego County

• Ikebana: Japanese Art of Flower Arranging

Saturdays, May 13, 20, & 27th, 2023 | La Jolla Library | Advanced Class 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. & Intermediate & Beginner Class 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 
Free to observe. Participation: $25 per class to cover the cost of materials and $45 for two classes and $60 for three consecutive classes. Contact Jackie Zhang directly at (858) 337-5671 or jzhana@hotmail.com to sign up.  Registration for the class is required at least three days in advance.

For more information visit: Ikebana: Japanese Art of Flower Arranging | San Diego Public Library (librarymarket.com)

• AAPI Cultural Festival

Saturday, May 20, 2023 | 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Ocean Beach Library

Celebrate the unique culture and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) at the library on Saturday, May 20 from 2pm-5pm. This celebratory festival will include crafts, special story times, dance and music performances, educational activities, and a whole lot more!

For more information visit: AAPI Cultural Festival | San Diego Public Library (librarymarket.com)

• Asian American Joy

Saturday, May 20, 2023 | 12:00 p.m. to 3:25 p.m. | North University Community Library

Following anti-Asian racism experienced during the pandemic, our communities move towards healing and celebrating the joy of Asian American identities and cultures. Join us for a celebration of Asian American heritage at the North University Community Library.  Carpooling is encouraged. For more information visit: Asian American Joy | San Diego Public Library (librarymarket.com)

Bay Area

• AAPI Fest 2023 by Over the Fog

The fifth AAPI Fest will be held inside Classic Bowling Center in Daly City on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

We’re excited to announce the return of our festival celebrating local Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) culture and contributions. Some of our featured events and activities will include arts and crafts booths, kids zone with games and activities, art exhibit, photo booth, live performances and FREE BOWLING. For more information visit: AAPI Fest 2023 – Over the Fog