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Here are events you can check out for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in New York City

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Traditional Asian attire showcased a parade in Chinatown.
Dean Moses

Asian American and Pacific Islander Cultural and Heritage Month is amongst us, and will be celebrated throughout the month of May. Since 1990, the U.S. government has designated May to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and their contributions, influence, and achievements in the nation.

The “AAPI” term is a broad one, and currently encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).

Below are events in New York City — listed in chronological order — to engage with Asian American and Pacific Islander culture and heritage. 

Krave Beauty Night Market

You are invited to KraveBeauty’s first-ever night market! Swing by and shop some of your favorite AAPI-owned brands. You will be able to shop, eat, drink, and get some freebies while you’re there. All ticket proceeds and a percentage of each brand’s sales will go to Welcome to Chinatown, in support of AAPI Heritage Month.

When: Thursday, May 4, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Where: 516 West 26th St., New York, NY, 10001

Poster House First Friday

This month, the Poster House museum is partnering with Welcome to Chinatown for a series of programming that celebrates the culture, community, and resilience of Chinatown. Stop by and learn more about Welcome to Chinatown and how you can support the organization’s recovery efforts. 

When: Friday, May 5, 10 a.m. – 9 a.m.

Where: 119 West 23rd St., New York, NY, 10011

Lincoln Center’s K-pop Dance Night with DJ CHEN

The evening begins with a short movement tutorial and a dazzling showcase presentation, so bring a friend or meet a new one on the dance floor and prepare to live out all your K-pop dreams. For this celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, DJ CHEN curates a set of songs performed by Korea’s amazing groups with members from various AAPI backgrounds including NCT, SEVENTEEN, and Stray Kids. Iconic K-Pop cover groups led by students from New York University (KNESIS) and Stony Brook University (KBS Dance Team) showcase amazing performances followed by a step-by-step choreography session. 

When: Friday, May 5, 7:30 p.m.

Where: David Rubinstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, 61 W 62nd St, New York, NY 10023

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month: 4 Elements of Hip Hop

The Universal Hip Hop parade, Chinese American Planning Council, Asian American Arts Alliance, RaP CiDy D is 4 Dope, CC 4 Change, and local politicians will kick off a host of activations celebrating Hip Hop beginning in May for Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The Universal Hip Hop Parade is creating several partnerships throughout the city that will help produce activations that is inclusive to family, celebrants, and guests in the Hip Hop space; from Graffiti in the Park, Diversity Hip Hop Pop-Up Museums, and summer S.T.E.A.M. program culminating in the Universal Hip Hop Parade.

When: Friday, May 5, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Saturday, May 6, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. 

Where: Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Plaza, SkyLight Gallery, 1368 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11216

Asian Comedy Fest

Asian Comedy Fest is the biggest national AAPI comedy festival, returning for a fourth year and featuring six comedy shows across two nights. The festival will showcase comedy in various forms, such as stand-up, musical comedy, drag and solo show performances. This year’s fest will feature: Dylan Adler (The Late Late Show With James Corden), Youngmi Mayer (Comedian and Author I’m Laughing Because I’m Crying), Kaneez Surka (Netflix Special “Ladies Up”), Karen Chee (Late Night with Seth Meyers), and Andrea Jin (Juno Award Winner Comedy Album of the Year), to name a few. 

When: Friday, May 5, 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. – Saturday, May 6, 6 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. 

Where: Sourmouse, 110 Delancey St, Lower Level, New York, NY 10002

Glow Community Center’s “Swoonworthy” Screenwriting Workshop

A Korean & Chinese drama-inspired creative writing experience perfect for beginners. Explore the magic behind heart-fluttering moments on screen. Light refreshments served. 

When: Saturday, May 6, noon – 2 p.m. 

Where: Glow Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave 1st Floor, Flushing, NY 11355

Chinatown Canal Street Flea Market

Canal Street Market is a carefully curated retail market, food hall, and community space open year-round.

When: Friday, May 5 – Sunday, May 7, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Where: 265 Canal St., New York, NY, 10013

AAPI 5K Community Run

The AAPI 5K is a community run celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The run will highlight the vibrant Asian American community and organizations that work year-round to create a safe and welcoming space. Proceeds from the run will benefit local AAPI non-profits.

When: Saturday, May 6, 9 a.m.

Where: Under Armor Brand House, 185 Greenwich St Space Ll4302, New York, NY 10007

Meditation in Motion at The Red Pavilion

Tune in with the body and slow down with your breath. Learn longevity practices to release tension, breathe deeper, and balance energy. Practice guided qi gong and pranayama breath exercises to calm the mind and arrive in the present moment. Play with mindful movements inspired by tai chi and yoga for stability and grounding, allowing spirit to rise. Please wear comfortable clothing and flat-bottomed shoes.

When: Thursday, May 11, 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Where: The Red Pavilion, 1241 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Asian American Film Thing Show

An Asian American Film Thing is a celebration of Asian American filmmakers by screening their shorts. There will be an array of narrative fiction, docs, animation, music videos, sketches, and experimental films. You will also get to hear what the filmmakers have to say about their work.

When: Thursday, May 11, 7 p.m. 

Where: Caveat, 21 A Clinton Street, New York, NY 10002

Movies Under the Stars: Everything Everywhere All at Once

This summer, NYC Parks and The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment will host family-friendly movie showings across the five boroughs. Movies begin at dusk. This event is free and open to the public. Glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. 

When: Thursday, May 11, 8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Where: 50 Kent Pop-Up Park, Bushwick Inlet Park, Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249

2023 New York Indian Film Festival

The New York Indian Film Festival is the oldest, most prestigious film festival screening premieres of feature, documentary and short films made from, of, and about the Indian subcontinent in the Independent, arthouse, alternate and diaspora genres.

When: Thursday, May 11 – Sunday, May 14

Where: Various Theaters 

Women in Government Talk Series: AAPI Heritage Month

Spectrum is partnering once again with City & State NY to produce another installation of our Women in Government Series in celebration of AAPI Heritage month. Speakers include: Grace Meng (U.S. Representative for New York’s 6th Congressional District), Iwen Chu (State Senator, New York’s 17th State Senate District), Grace Lee (Member, New York State Assembly), Jenifer Rajkumar (Member, New York State Assembly), Wayne Ho (President & CEO, Chinese American Planning Council), and Virginia Zigras (Vice President, Legistlative, Government Affairs, Charter Communications). 

When: Friday, May 12, 11 a.m. – 2 pm. 

Where: Virtual

Museum of Chinese in America: AANHPI Vinyl Listening Session with DJ GIRL WUNDER

In partnership with Bryant Park, get down to the sounds with Vinyl Listening Session as DJ GIRL WUNDER plays a curated selection of AANHPI historical and nostalgic records from MOCA’s permanent collections. Experience what it was like to party in NYC’s Chinatown in the ’70s, ’80s, and 90s when DJs played strictly vinyl. Mandopop, Cantopop, Hokkien pop, Chinese folk – it’s a vibrant, joyful, inclusive listening party and true representation of NYC. Circle through the park and try your hand at different workshops and classes all afternoon and be sure to stick around for the evening showcase featuring New York Chinese Cultural Center. All activities are open to all ages and are first-come, first-served.

When: Friday, May 12, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. 

Where: Bryant Park Upper Terrace, between 5 and 6 Av, W 40 Street and W 42 Street, New York, NY 10018

Museum of Chinese in America Talks — Writing on Queer Experiences, Kevin Chen’s Ghost Town

Renowned Germany-based Taiwanese novelist Kevin Chen (陳思宏) will share his journey of writing Ghost Town, a critically acclaimed novel by the New York Times, Booklist, and Library Journey, among others. Ghost Town is set in a small town in the Taiwan countryside. It follows the story of a family haunted by their ghosts. Keith Chen, the second son of this traditional Taiwanese family, runs away from the oppressive environment of his village to Berlin, hoping to find acceptance for being a young gay man.

When: Friday, May 12, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Where: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., New York, NY 10013

Flushing Town Hall’s CrossCurrent X Presented by Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company

2023 is the 10th Anniversary of the CrossCurrent Dance Festival, a time for the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company and Flushing Town Hall to reflect on the years past and pay tribute to the festival founder, Nai-Ni Chen. This year, the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company will celebrate its own history of cross-cultural collaboration by featuring the preview of a new work in progress by Polish master Jacek Luminski, a pioneer of Polish Contemporary Dance, and PeiJu Chien-Pott 簡珮如 the Company’s Director of New and Contemporary Dance.

When: Friday, May 12, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Flushing Town Hall, 37-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing, NY 11354 

Celebrating Mother‘s Day: “Healing in Sound & Drawing” Free Workshop

This workshops begins with therapeutic drawing exercise and meditative sound work, letting you relax and revisit family memories. The second part of the workshop will start with a 15-minute yoga stretch followed with a deep relaxation through sound bath utilizing Himalayan sound bowls. This workshop is for 16 years and older.  

When: Saturday, May 13, noon – 2 p.m. 

Where: 133-29 41st Ave, Flushing, NY, 11355

Red Pavilion Pop-Up Market

Come for a day of shopping, tea, and Traditional Chinese Medicine-inspired bites to support local artists and brands! RSVP to receive 15% off all food & tea on Red Pavilion’s Traditional Chinese Medicine-inspired menu.

When: Saturday, May 13, noon – 4 p.m.

Where: The Red Pavilion, 1241 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Queens Botanical Garden’s Our Sonic Love: Musical Performance

Drop in for Our Sonic Love, a lineup featuring queer, trans, gender-non-conforming performers of Asian diasporic identities connecting heritage, culture, and traditions. Ranging from Asian-pop drag sets to cross-cultural musical performances on traditional Asian instruments, and a guided QiGong healing breath session, this performance event celebrates our visibility, community, and connection to our heritage. 

When: Saturday, May 13, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. 

Where: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St, Queens, NY 11355

Museum of Chinese in America: An Afternoon of Dance and Music with New York Chinese Cultural Center

In partnership with New York Chinese Cultural Center, MOCA presents an afternoon of dance and music, featuring a family-friendly dance workshop led by teaching artists that introduces participants to basic ribbon dance movements, followed by a curated program celebrating AANHPI communities with a taste of traditional and contemporary performances, including Eastern and Western instruments, classical Chinese dance, contemporary dance, and vocal presentation by professional and student performers.

When: Saturday, May 13, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Where: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013

Banana Ketchup: A Comedy Show with Filipino Flavor 

A comedy show celebrating diverse voices in comedy presented by Patricia Dinglasan, Kyle Marian, and Dominique Nisperos. Performances by Dylan Adler (James Corden), Zubi Ahmed (Hulu), Ann Chun (Edinburgh Fringe Fest), Michelle Chan Bennett (Just For Laughs), and Christine Kim (Very Big Very Asian). 

When: Saturday, May 13, 5 p.m.

Where: Noree, 274 Grand St., New York, NY, 10002

Language Justice & Community Interpreting Training

What Can We Do? Micro Grant awardee Roxy Chang hosts a 2-Day Language Justice and Community Interpreting Workshop open to 20 interpreters of Asian Languages including Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Bengali, etc.

When: Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Sunday, May 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Where: MinKwon Center, 133-29 41st Ave Suite 202, Queens, NY 11355

New York Film Academy’s Screening of “The Girl Who Left Home”

In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the New York Film Academy is hosting a free screening and Q&A session of “The Girl Who Left Home,” live-action musical feature film about an Asian American working-class family who must face the past— in order to face their futures. RSVPs are required. 

When: Wednesday, May 17, 6:30 p.m. 

Where: New York Film Academy, 17 Battery Place, 1st Floor Theater, New York, NY 10004

Lincoln Center’s Drag Artist Jasmine Rice LaBeija — Birthday Presence

The International Godmother of the Royal House of LaBeija—recently shouted out by Beyoncé in the “Break My Soul (Queens Remix)”—summons her family uptown for a birthday kiki destined for legendary status. Drag artist Jasmine Rice LaBeija is a Juilliard trained tenor possessed of a devastating wit, razor-sharp timing, and a commanding voice; all of which is on full display in her new cabaret extravaganza.

When: Wednesday, May 17, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse, 10th floor of the Rose Building, 65 West 65th St, New York, NY 10023

Columbia University’s Asian Alumni Association AAPI Heritage Month Celebration

Come celebrate with ACAA at The Chai Spot. Meet new friends and catch up with old buddies. Ticket includes: Chai (traditional, double, coconut rose), Samosas (Vegetarian), Shrimp Dumpling, Siu Mai, Biryani (Chicken, Vegetable), and Cookies with South Asian spices, Fried Sesame Ball (Vegetarian).

When: Thursday, May 18, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. 

Where: The Chai Spot, 156 Mott Street, New York, NY 10013

Museum of Chinese in America Performs – An Evening with Letters, Stories, and Narratives

Inspired by the Marcella B. Chin Dear Collection, MOCA will host a performance evening of letters, stories, and narratives. In this performance, the audience can listen to the letters from the Marcella B. Chin Dear family, who came to New York in the 1800s and established a series of successful business ventures in Chinatown. An ensemble of performers will guide the audience into the life of Chinese Americans between the 1940s and 1950s and learn how the political dynamics and the integration into American society shaped our identity nowadays.

When: Thursday, May 18, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. 

Where: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., New York, NY 10013

Breaking Barriers: An AAPI Heritage Month Event

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and Assembly Member Grace Lee are thrilled to invite you to a joint celebration in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. At the event, they will acknowledge the exceptional work of remarkable individuals and groups within the community who have made significant strides in breaking barriers and promoting equity. The celebration will conclude with a showcase of outstanding performances and an array of refreshing treats for attendees to enjoy.

When: Friday, May 19, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Where: Manny Cantor Center, 197 East Broadway, New York, NY 10002

Second Annual AAPIHM Sunset Celebration

Last year we had such a blast with our friends at Lunar, Gold House, and Chelsea Market. Like last year, they’ll be offering bites and drinks from some of favorite AAPI restaurants and food and beverage brands, as well as showcasing fun products from AAPI entrepreneurs from Gold House’s Founder Network. But this year, the setting is getting a glow up: the gorgeous indoor space at the top of Chelsea Market.

When: Friday, May 19, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Where: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue New York, NY 10011

Saturdays NYC x Moon Collective AAPI Heritage Month Celebration 

Moon Collective and Saturdays NYC are partnering up again this year with Sesame Market and Welcome to Chinatown to spotlight the AAPI global and NYC community through stories, experiences and contributions. The Moon Collective x Saturdays NYC collaboration launches on this day.

When: Saturday, May 20, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: 31 Crosby St, New York, NY 10013

Food & Conversations: an AAPI Heritage Month Celebration

Join Vietnamese Boat People Podcast for Vietnamese food, stories, music and fun in this free event. Food and specialty cocktails will be available for purchase. Learn about Vietnamese Boat People podcast and nonprofit and explore diaspora stories from the community.

When: Saturday, May 20, noon – 4 p.m. 

Where: Nhà Mình, 915 Wyckoff Avenue Queens, NY 11385

Museum of Chinese in America — Create with Teaching Artist Yu Rong: Illuminating AANHPI History with Mosaics

Join teaching artist Yu Rong in creating mixed-media mosaic portraits of Asian Americans who inspire you— from those on the walls of the museum to those in your everyday life. Arrange beads, gemstones, beans, and more on clay to design your luminous portrait. Inspired by the museum’s exhibitions and local artists, MOCACREATE explores different themes every month. 

When: Saturday, May 20, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., New York, NY 10013

Coalition for Asian American Children and Families/Assemblymember Steven B. Raga Celebration

CACF is partnering with the Office of Assemblymember Steven B. Raga to host their first-ever Asian American and Pacific Islander Celebration and Award Ceremony on Saturday! Join them and fellow community partners to honor the AAPIs in public service this weekend.

When: Saturday, May 20, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: The United Sherpa Association, 41-01 75th St, Queens, NY 11373

Asian Creative Festival 2023

Asian Creative Festival is a space to celebrate AAPI culture and creatives. This year the theme is Be Colorful. Hear from all-star speakers by ACF, shop AAPI artists/small businesses marketplace by ACE, and watch an AAPI directed film screening by Mixed Asian Media and East Side Stories. The festival will close with an exclusive afterparty hosted by Asian Creative Network.

When: Saturday, May 20, 11 a.m – 5 p.m. – Sunday, May 21, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. 

Where: Industry City, 220 36th Street Brooklyn, NY 11232

A Day Off: Yoga & Meditation in Prospect Park in honor of AAPI Month

In honor of both AAPI Heritage Month & Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to join Now You See Us for a restorative event focused on rest & rejuvenation. Led by Desiree Wolfarth, the yoga and meditation workshop provides a peaceful space where you can slow down, unwind, and prioritize your well-being. Come and connect with like-minded individuals in the AAPI community, and take part in a collective effort to promote mental health and wellness.

When: Sunday, May 21, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Where: Long Meadow area of Prospect Park, enter through Garfield Place, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Second Annual Asian American Pacific Islander Cultural and Heritage Parade

To celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in May, Better Chinatown is organizing the second annual Asian American Pacific Islander Cultural and Heritage Parade in Midtown Manhattan. The parade will take place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Lineup will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 11:30 a.m. followed by the opening ceremony from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

When: Sunday, May 21, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: 6th Ave., between 44th St. and 53rd St., New York, N 10036

Queer Asian Babes’ Inaugural Mixer 

Don’t Tell Scarlett, QAB’s inaugural mixer for Queer and Trans Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in Arts and Entertainment, will be a guided and intentional gathering space for the community with food, drink, and live performances provided! There will be a drag artist as one of our performers. 

When: Monday, May 22, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. 

Where: Manhattan, Chinatown (Exact location disclosed to attendees)

Asian American Arts Alliance’s May Town Hall on Intimacy

This Town Hall examines how the AAPI community has looked at and fostered connection to the self, and to each other, whether it be through friendship, family, community, parenthood, sex, or romance. Learn about the diverse and exciting creative arts projects and opportunities coming out of the Asian American community during Town Hall’s rapid-fire line-up of pitches, and meet featured presenters artists Ani Liu and Parissah Lin.

When: Tuesday, May 23, 6:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. 

Where: Asian American Arts Alliance, 29 West 38th St 9th Floor, New York, NY 10018

All-Asian Drag Dinner Kickoff at Piggyback

Piggyback by Pig & Khao will be hosting a Drag Dinner starring NYC drag diva, Hibiscus. This fierce and fabulous event will feature a show-stopping performance from an all-Asian cast of local drag queens paired with Piggyback’s signature cocktails – guests will receive two drink vouchers with the purchase of a ticket. A specially curated menu of Filipino-American fusion dishes by Asian-American chef Leah Cohen will be available for purchase a la carte.

When: Wednesday, May 24, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. 

Where: Piggyback by Pig & Khao, 140 West 30th St, New York, NY 10001

Brooklyn BP Antonio Reynoso’s AANHPI Heritage Month Event

Join Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso for this cultural event, where they will pay special tribute to Southeast Asian traditions, music, dance, and more.

When: Thursday, May 25, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Where: Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

AAPI Heritage Month: Doyers St. Block Party

In celebration of Artbean Coffee Roasters’ first birthday and AAPI Heritage month, they are collaborating with Welcome to Chinatown and local AAPI brands to throw a block party in front of the coffee shop on Doyers plaza. This is a full day event with free giveaways and full of activities: mahjong games, silent art auction, free giveaways, gift box raffle with prizes, and a celebratory toast.

When: Saturday, May 27, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Where: 19 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013

All about MOXA at the Red Pavilion

MOXA, also known as moxibustion or ai jiu (艾灸),is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique that involves burning an herb called Mugwort, to promote healing of many different kinds of illnesses. It has been used in China, Japan, and Korea for thousands of years. During this workshop, TCM practitioner Zoey Gong will teach you the history, different techniques, tools, and treatment protocols of MOXA. In-person ticket includes 1 MOXA stick and a sample of dried mugwort for you to take home. 

When: Saturday, May 27, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: The Red Pavilion, 1241 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Soar Over Hate’s Mini AAPI Care Fair

Join Soar Over Hate for a care fair with a healing circle, crochet flower workshop, puppy therapy, and snacks and refreshment. RSVP on the bio for required entry. Due to limited space available for the crochet workshop, Soar Over Hate has opened a ticket lottery. 

When: Sunday, May 28, noon – 3 p.m.

Where: Manhattan Chinatown, RSVP for exact location

Passport to Taiwan Festival: Celebration of Taiwanese American Heritage Week 

Since 2002, Passport to Taiwan Festival has been at the Union Square Park celebrating Taiwanese American Heritage Week.  Join the day of festivities to celebrate Taiwan and Taiwanese American through food, arts and crafts, vendors and exhibitions, music performances, and Taiwan tourism information.

When: Sunday, May 28, noon – 5 p.m.

Where: Union Square North, 17th Street & Broadway, New York, NY 10003

An Evening with Stephanie Chou Quintet – Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month

The show will feature a mix of Asian-influenced jazz and folk songs, with vocal music in Mandarin/English and instrumentals including fresh takes on Chinese folk music (from Asymptote), excerpts from the “Comfort Girl” song cycle/jazz-opera, songs exploring math and literature, and some new tunes. While there’s a strong element of Chinese culture, it’s meant to reach all audiences and invite people to think about music as a unifying force.

When: Monday, May 29, 7:30 p.m.

Where: The Loft, 25 11th Avenue, New York, 10011

Asian Women Giving Circle Celebration: A Poem, A Parade, A Community

Join the Asian Women Giving Circle for our their in-person celebration in four years  — enjoy drinks, dumplings, raffle prizes, and performances. AWGC is an all-volunteer grantmaking group of AAPI women who believe in the transformative power of arts, culture, and narrative to build a just and equitable world. Performances by puppet theater and dance web series Woori Show and dance theater group Finding Sindaw. They’ll be honoring author Min Jin Lee, visual artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, and more grantees.

When: Wednesday, May 31, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Where: Downtown Community TV Center, 87 Lafayette Street, New York, NY, 10013

Urban Hawker Movie Night: “Crazy Rich Asians”

Join Urban Hawker in celebrating the end of AAPI Heritage month with a movie night. The first 100 people to RSVP and check in will receive $30 in Urban dollars to spend on food and drinks to enjoy during the movie. 

When: Wednesday, May 31, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. 

Where: Urban Hawker, 135 West 50th Street,  New York, NY, 10020

Chelsea Market: “Corridor Glance” Exhibitions

In Chelsea Market in the Meatpacking District is a companion exhibition showcasing Arlan’s own works. Presented in partnership with the Asian American Arts Alliance, this exhibition of Huang’s abstract paintings was inspired by Wong Kar-wai’s classic film, “In the Mood for Love.” Set in 1960s Hong Kong, the film is about romantic longing and fleeting moments, meaningful glances and unheard secrets.

When: Monday, May 1 – Wednesday, May 31 

Where: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Pearl River Mart: “Just Between Us” Exhibition

In partnership with Think!Chinatown, Pearl River Mart Gallery will present “Just Between Us: From the Archives of Arlan Huang.” Curated by Howie Chen and Danielle Wu, “Just Between Us” is on view and narrates both historic and deeply personal moments. His collection traces his time in the Asian American arts network, Godzilla, and the Chinatown-based collective Basement Workshop. An opening reception will be held on May 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Attendance is free but registration is required.

When: Thursday, May 4 – Sunday, August 27, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Where: Pearl River Mart Gallery, 452 Broadway, New York, NY 10013

Museum of Chinese in America: Sour, Sweet, Bitter, Spicy: Stories of Chinese Food and Identity in America

Sour, Sweet, Bitter, Spicy: Stories of Chinese Food and Identity in America is an exhibition exploring how Chinese food is defined and interpreted through the personal stories of 33 Chinese and Asian American chefs. The exhibition invites the audience into a conversation about the meaning of Chinese food as a platform for experimentation, a test of authenticity, a means of immigrant survival, and a microcosm of Chinese culture. Sour, Sweet, Bitter, Spicy explores how food represents not only a cultural form of expression and identity, but how it is influenced through personal stories and geographical landscapes.

When: March 17, 2023September 10, 2023 (Exhibition hours: Tuesday – Thursday, noon – 5 p.m., Saturday – Sunday, noon – 8 p.m., Monday: closed)

Where: Tangram, 133-33 39th Ave, Queens, NY 11354