Asian American Heritage Month Events Across Los Angeles

Los Angeles is celebrating AAPI Heritage Month in May with cultural festivals and industry galas.

If you’re in Los Angeles during the month of May, there are many ways you can tap into the culture and community to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month. 

Starting at the beginning of the month, on May 2nd, Pierce College is kicking things off with their 5th annual Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Festival and Food Fair. From 10AM to 3PM, stop by to enjoy live music, traditional dances, and many AAPI owned food vendors. Experience multiple cultures all in one place and start things off with the fair’s vibrant energy. 

On May 6th, one of the more elevated AAPI Heritage Month events will take place. The AAPI Design Alliance Gala will be hosted in Koreatown and will bring together a plethora of influential talents and brands in order to raise awareness for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander pioneers in design. Beyond the awards and recognition, the gala serves as a major networking opportunity for those looking to build community in a more intimate setting. 

Later in the month on May 16th, the AAPI Joy Festival is a free event hosted at the Los Angeles Public Library. From 11AM to 4PM, you can celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with workshops, performances, and activities for the entire family like drumming, lei-making, and culinary demonstrations. This festival focuses on celebrating AAPI voices and identity in order to promote a deeper understanding of the community and the stories behind it. 

Finally, that same weekend on May 17th, visit the AAPI LA Market from 10AM to 4PM. This market is one of the biggest AAPI events in the city. Everyone gets free entry and is invited to try some of the best food and drinks from AAPI owned businesses. The day will be filled with live music and other community activities that will truly capture the spirit of the AAPI community.

AAPI Heritage month is all about support. Supporting local businesses, artists, and the stories that have gone unheard for too long and in a city like Los Angeles, there’s no better place to celebrate.