Each May we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month (referred to as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year by the Biden administration).  What began decades ago as a weeklong observance has expanded into four weeks of celebratory events, commemorative observances, and other activities honoring the culture and contributions of the AAPI community in the U.S.

Here in New York City, there are many events and activities to choose from, including:

• The Third Annual Japan Parade and Street Fair on Saturday, May 11, on Central Park West, between 81st and 67th Streets, Manhattan.
• The Third Annual NYC AAPI Parade on Sunday, May 19, on 6th Avenue between 44th and 55th Streets, Manhattan. Opening Ceremony is at 12:30 pm at 44th Street.
• NYC Parks Department’s walking tours of Historic Flushing, Queens (May 19), showing how it has become one of the largest Asian communities in the city; and beautiful Evergreen Cemetery in Brooklyn (May 26), exploring the lives and activism of important Asian-American figures buried there. Find more Parks Department’s AAPI activities here.
• The Center’s Queer AAPI Food Festival on Saturday, May 18, from 4 to 8 pm, which offers vibrant flavors, rich cultural heritage, and the celebration of diversity.
• Several AAPI-themed movies and series to watch at home, including a short, moving documentary about celebrated Queens-born activist and photographer Corky Lee, the subject of an exhibition this month at the New York State Capitol.

For more streaming ideas, check out Netflix’s AAPI-themed suggestions.

Click here for additional activities around town. It’s a great month to learn about, honor and enjoy AAPI history and culture!