Celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month at These Events

From traditional music and dance performances to art displays and cooking classes, here are some ways to celebrate AAPI heritage in metro Detroit.
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DIA Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Pictured above are performers at the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2019 celebration. // Photograph courtesy of the DIA

Every May, America honors Asian and Pacific Islander culture and celebrates the influence of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. In metro Detroit, various community organizations, restaurants, and educational gems are throwing events open to all during AAPI Heritage Month. Here’s a sampling of those events.

AAPI Heritage Month at the DIA

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is celebrating AAPI Heritage Month by partnering with AAPI community groups and professional artists who specialize in traditional and contemporary dance, art, music, and more. Check out the DIA’s calendar to see all the events that will be taking place from May 5 to May 27. All events are free with general museum admission. Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; dia.org.

Frame’s Asian American Market and Brunch

The iconic restaurant is teaming up with Rising Voices, a nonprofit organization working toward a more inclusive Michigan for the Asian American community, to showcase AAPI-owned small businesses, celebrate Michigan’s Asian American entrepreneurs. There will be an Asian American market that attendees can shop, a Filipino bar brunch, KPOP Station, pastries, and much more. May 4. Frame, 23839 John R Road #2, Hazel Park; framehazelpark.com.

Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival 2023

Take an in-state trip over to Grand Rapids to experience Michigan’s largest Asian-Pacific celebration! There will be over 19 food vendors, performers, live music, karaoke, family games, and much more for the family to enjoy while embracing Asian-Pacific heritage and connecting with others. The festival is open to all who wish to attend. June 9-11. Calder Plaza, 300 Monroe Ave., NW, Grand Rapids; facebook.com. 

Movie Night

The Pontiac Public library is hosting an Asian movie night that will also feature cultural performances, food, guest speakers, and more. Dinner and performances will be from 5-7:30 p.m. with the movie My Neighbor Totoro running from 7-9 p.m. Admission is free. May 19. Pontiac Public Library, 60 E Pike St. #2225, Pontiac; eventbrite.com.

Cook Egg Rolls with Chef Ming Louie

Chef Ming Louie will be at the Bowen Detroit Public Library on May 13 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. to teach participants how to cook Chinese Egg Rolls in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month. The event is free but is only open to the first 50 people who reserve a spot. Bowen Detroit Public Library, 3648 Vernor Hwy., Detroit; eventbrite.com.

Find even more things to do in metro Detroit at HourDetroit.com.