Happy Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month! For the month of May, we’re celebrating and honoring Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders in the United States and Canada and reflecting on the histories, accomplishments, and diversity of the APHI community.

APHI Month originally started in 1977, when New York representative Frank Horton introduced House Joint Resolution 540, which proposed proclaiming the first 10 days of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. Then, during the George H. W. Bush administration in 1992, May was designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month and later renamed as AAPI Heritage Month in 2009.

Now, in 2025, we continue to celebrate the many contributions that Asians, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have had on culture and society, such as science, technology, education, and medicine, literature and art, sports and recreation, government, law,  and politics!

As we celebrate our accomplishments, we must continue to break barriers, challenge negative and harmful stereotypes, advocate for legislative change, and inspire the next generation of API leaders.

NAAAP alongside the city chapters, invites you to celebrate and uplift API individuals and communities with us for API Month and throughout the year!

Foodies Picnic and Digestion Walk | NAAAP Baltimore
May 4, 2025 | 6 – 9PM
10000 Clarksville Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042, USA

We’re gathering near Centennial Park in Ellicott City with delicious food from Pepper House (ranked 11th on Yelp’s 2024 all-time list of best Chinese restaurants in the United States)! After the picnic, we’ll stretch our legs and take a digestion walk around the park.

Elevating Impact Together | NAAAP Las Vegas
May 7 2025 | 6 – 9PM
The Wall @ AREA15
3215 S Rancho Dr #100
Las Vegas, NV 89102

Join NAAAP LV for “Elevating Impact Together” on May 7 at the Wall at AREA15! In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, this event brings together AAPI-led organizations to raise funds for educational programs benefiting middle school students. Enjoy karaoke, light bites, and a silent auction. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make an impact! Early bird pricing to save $10 from the regular price of $55 ends April 30. Register now.

Second Thursdays at Asia North | NAAAP Baltimore

May 8, 2025 | 6-8PM
16 W North Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21201, USA

Join NAAAP Baltimore for our monthly AAPI Second Thursdays meet-up at the Exceeds Expectations exhibition! Enjoy food by Chef Sylva Lin of Culinary Architecture + Kitchen, meet fellow community members, and celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month with us!

Taiwanese American Cultural Festival | NAAAP San Francisco
May 10, 2025 | 10am – 4PM

A free and family-friendly festival showcasing Taiwanese culture, food, entertainment, activities and more. Stop by the NAAAP San Francisco booth for free resume reviews, browse the leadership library, and find out how to become a leader in your career or your community.

Rising Asian American Youth (RAAY) | NAAAP Tampa
May 13, 2025 | 6-8PM
137 S Parsons Ave.
Brandon, FL 33511, USA

The RAAY program is designed to empower Tampa Bay’s Asian youth through education, mentorship, and community support. RAAY offers a safe and welcoming space where middle and high school students can freely express themselves, share experiences, and grow into confident leaders.

This local initiative focuses on vital areas like cultural exploration, mental health awareness, anti-bullying efforts, and personal development. By connecting young individuals with mentors, professionals, and volunteers, RAAY nurtures meaningful relationships that inspire leadership and community engagement.

This month, RAAY will spotlight the Philippines as part of our ongoing cultural exploration series. In this session, students will take the lead in sharing presentations, stories, and discussions about Filipino heritage, traditions, and the contributions of Filipino Americans. By empowering our youth to guide the conversation, we not only celebrate culture but also build confidence, public speaking skills, and a deeper sense of identity.

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we will also highlight the importance of recognizing the history, achievements, and diversity within AAPI communities. This special event will take place on May 13th at 6:00 p.m., and we invite students, families, and community members to join us for an inspiring evening. Together, we’ll celebrate identity, leadership, and the power of youth-driven community engagement.

Wellness in motion: NAAAP LV x RUNishED Walk/Run | NAAAP Las Vegas
May 13, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:30PM
450 S Rampart Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89145

Join NAAAP Las Vegas x RUNishED on a 2-4 mile run (or walk) around Angel Park. We will meet outside PKWY Tavern @ Tivoli. Feel free to extend or shorten the route as needed. As always, bring plenty of water, a smile and a friend. All paces are welcome and no one is left behind. Afterwards – stop by for some food/drinks and connect with other NAAAP and RUNishED members! We look forward to seeing you there.

NAAAP Asian American Group Leaders Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration | NAAAP Chicago

May 15, 2025 | 4-6PM
320 S Canal St.
Chicago, IL 60606, USA

In celebration of Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month, NAAAP-Chicago’s Asian American Group Leaders (AAGL) cohort is excited to bring forth an enthusiastic celebration of heritage.

This year’s theme celebrates the unwavering dedication and resilience of Asian and Pacific American leaders who have paved the way for future generations. These trailblazers serve as role models, demonstrating the power of perseverance in overcoming challenges, adapting to change, and thriving in their careers.

Join us as we honor their achievements, share inspiring stories of leadership and resilience, and explore how purpose-driven leadership can empower individuals and communities. Through thought-provoking discussions, networking opportunities, and engaging programming, this event will provide valuable insights to help professionals navigate their career journeys with confidence and determination.

PERMISSION | NAAAP Kansas City

May 17, 2025 | 6-10PM
10815 E Winner Rd.
Independence, MO 64052, USA

Wong’s latest album, PERMISSION, is an honest, personal, and at times uncomfortable look at Wong’s journey as a person of color learning how to take up space in America and exploring what Asian-American music can sound like.

To bring the album to life, Wong has developed a multi-sensory live experience called PERMISSION, which uses food as an on-ramp to his cultural memory.

Attendees will be treated to a first-of-its-kind listening and tasting performance, enjoying 3 songs from Wong’s newest album that are each paired with a Chinese-inspired dish sharing a common emotion. The event will close with a set by Wong including a mix of music from PERMISSION and previous records.

Wichita Wind Surge Game: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Night | NAAAP Wichita
May 17, 2025 | 3:05PM
Equity Bank Park
275 S McLean Blvd.
Wichita, KS 67213

Join us for the Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Night Wichita Wind Surge Game on May 17th! Gates open at 3:05pm and game starts at 4:05pm. Use links buttons to purchase tickets and to nominate community leaders for the first pitches!

Book Club – The DallerGut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee | NAAAP Baltimore

May 18, 2025

Each month, we will meet to discuss a different book by an Asian diaspora writer or about Asian diaspora issues.

The book for May is The DallerGut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee.

What if there was a store that sold dreams? Which would you buy? And who might you become when you wake up?

We will meet at good neighbor cafe in Ham

AANHPI Heritage Month: Spring Social 2025 | NAAAP Atlanta

May 22, 2025 | 6:30-9:30PM
Umbrella Bar
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30308

Join us on Thursday, May 22 from 6:30–9:00 PM at Umbrella Bar at Ponce City Market for our annual Spring Social! We’re celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with an evening focused on community, connection, and culture. Come network with fellow professionals, meet new faces, and reconnect with NAAAP Atlanta members.

Exploring the Asian Minority Myth: Breaking Stereotypes, Building New Narratives | NAAAP Toronto

May 22, 2025 | 7:30-8:30PM
Online

We’ve all heard the phrase “model minority”—but what happens when a myth becomes a limiting box? Join us for an eye-opening, energizing and spicy conversation as we debunk the Asian minority myth and dive into the complex realities that define our communities today. This event isn’t just about breaking stereotypes—it’s about building new, authentic narratives that reflect the richness, resilience, and diversity of Asian identities with…

Real Talk – Unfiltered conversations on career, culture, and community challenges
Beyond the Label – Candid conversations about identity, representation gaps and redefining and reshaping the narrative of worth and impact
Breaking the Box – Why the “model minority” myth limits us—and how we can break free from it with courage and clarity
Culture, Code-Switching & Calling It Out – From quiet rooms to boardrooms, let’s talk about what we’ve navigated and what’s next
Actionable Insights – How to champion representation by dismantling harmful assumptions

Whether you’ve questioned the “model minority” label, lived in its shadow, or want to amplify authentic AAPI stories—you won’t want to miss this celebration of truth, strength, and possibility.

Wichita Asian Night Market | NAAAP Wichita 

May 24, 2025 | 5-11PM
Equity Park
275 S McLean Blvd.
Wichita, KS 67213

A collaboration event between the Wichita Asian Alliance, LLC and NAAAP
Wichita. Inspired by the late night bazaars of Asia, residents of the Greater
Wichita area come together to enjoy the many local eats, drinks, and arts of
Asian culture. The annual event includes at least 60 different food, drink, and
art vendors to serve night market attendees at Equity Bank Park. The Asian
Night Market aims to unite and empower the community by serving as a
platform for showcasing local talent including chefs, entrepreneurs,
performers, and fun for all ages.

Reset Your Nervous System & Rewire Your Brain with Qigong | NAAAP Chicago & Toronto 

May 27, 2025 | 8-9:30PM
Online

Take a deep breath, release what no longer serves you, and experience the transformative power of Qigong—a centuries-old practice that blends breathwork, movement, and mindfulness to promote healing, energy, and resilience. In this unique and interactive online workshop, you’ll be guided through gentle Qigong movements and Tapping techniques designed to:

Reduce stress and deeply relax the nervous system

Improve emotional clarity and balance

Strengthen your mind-body connection

Restore your energy and vitality

Boost your immune function and overall well-being

More than a physical practice, Qigong is a gateway to greater self-awareness and inner calm. Whether you’re new to this modality or looking to deepen your wellness tools, this session offers an opportunity to reset from within—and gain practical skills you can use daily. As we celebrate Asian Heritage Month, this event also serves as a tribute to the rich traditions of Asian healing arts and the cultural wisdom that continues to inspire modern well-being practices around the world.

Leading Unapologetically: AAPI Women Redefining Power | NAAAP Baltimore

May 27, 2025 | 6-8PM
315 W Fayette St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

What does it mean to lead unapologetically? Three AAPI women will show us the way. Join the Baltimore Chapter of the National Association of Asian American Professionals and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs for a candid conversation with Kiko Fejarang (Head Chef of The Duchess), Kimi Yoshino (Editor in Chief of The Baltimore Banner), and Siu Cheung Rossmark (Executive Director of Asian American LEAD and Vice Chair of the Governor’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs) on Tuesday, May 27, from 6-8 P.M. at Everyman Theatre.

This discussion will explore how each speaker has challenged the status quo, taken bold risks, and redefined power and success on their own terms. A must-attend evening for aspiring and current leaders ready to lead with their own authentic voice.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for networking and light fare. Panel begins at 6:30 p.m.

Soul of Heritage: Celebrating Values, Tradition, & Community | NAAAP NY

May 28, 2025 | 6-9PM
Korean Culture Center
122 E 32nd St. 
New York, NY 10016

NAAAP NY (National Association of Asian American Professionals, New York Chapter), in partnership with Sky Well, the ERG of Turner Construction Company, is honored to present our annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month event, Soul of Heritage: Celebrating Values, Tradition, & Community, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 6:00 PM– 9:00 PM EST at Korean Culture Center. This distinguished event commemorates AAPI Heritage Month by bringing together Asian professional networks across New York City to celebrate cultural heritage, leadership, and community. By uniting corporate and nonprofit organizations, as well as businesses, it fosters meaningful connections, promotes professional growth, and underscores the collective strength of our shared traditions & communities.

Creation Through Reflection: Transforming Your Mind and Mirror | NAAAP Atlanta

May 29, 2025 | 6-8:30PM
Wellstar Vinings Health Park
4441 Atlanta Rd. SE
Smyra, GA 30080

Come join us for a night of networking, food, and transforming your mind and mirror. NAAAP Atlanta is ending AANHPI Heritage month with a professional development event for our members. Whether you are in the midst of a job search, looking to elevate your personal and professional style, or just needing tips on how to show up as your best self, this workshop is for you! We are offering free professional headshots and a stylist workshop presented by Macy’s.

In addition, May is also Mental Health Awareness month and we will be highlighting P.E.A.C.E, one of our 2024 Chopstix for Charity grantees. P.E.A.C.E. stands for People’s Empowerment through Advocacy, Counseling, and Education. The mission of P.E.A.C.E. is to provide culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate mental health services to Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) individuals, families, and communities through community engagement and education, culturally appropriate services, and advocacy. P.E.A.C.E. strives to address the unique cultural and linguistic needs of the AAPI community, recognizing the significant barriers that can hinder access to mental health care.

This event was made possible by our sponsors, Macy’s and Wellstar!