May is Asian American Pacific Islander Month, when we shine a spotlight on the contributions and achievements of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in the United States. If you are looking for fun things to do to celebrate AAPI Month in L.A., we’ve rounded up these 13 family-friendly events.
Create Batik-Inspired Art for Asian American Heritage Month
4 p.m. Tue., May 6 | Los Feliz Branch Library
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by learning about the Indonesian art of batik, and make your own piece in this two-session workshop. Please note that participants must attend both sessions to complete the project (May 6 & 14). This program is for teens and tweens ages 11-19 only. More info.
LBX Little Aviators Kids Club – Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month
10:30 a.m. Tue., May 13 | The Hangar
Bring the family and join us at the grassy area in front of the Hangar for Long Beach Exchange’s monthly kids club – Lil Aviators! Come for the free entertainment and craft, stay for lunch and some shopping. We ask that you RSVP so we make sure to have enough craft supplies. Register before 8 p.m. the night before.
This event is free of charge and open to the public; registration per attendee is required to receive craft supplies. Check-in will begin at 10:25 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as seating for entertainment is open and first come, first serve. More info.
Koinobori Craft
4 p.m. Tue., May 13 | Atwater Branch Library
Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month by making your own koinobori craft.
*Koinobori (鯉のぼり), meaning ‘carp streamer’, are carp-shaped windsocks traditionally flown in Japan to celebrate Tango no sekku (端午の節句), which is now designated as Children’s Day (子供の日, Kodomo no hi). More info.
AAPI Storytime & Craft
4 p.m. Thurs., May 15 | Exposition Park – Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Regional Branch Library
Join the Los Angeles Public Library for a colorful story time celebrating Asian culture, followed by a fun craft where kids will create their own Mini Koinobori, Japanese flying carp. More info.
AAPI Joy: Narratives, Storytelling, and History
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sat., May 17 | Central Library
Celebrate the diversity of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in Los Angeles at AAPI Joy, a free festival for all ages.Featuring performances, hands-on workshops, dance party, book readings and more. More info.
AAPI LA Market
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sun, May 18 | ROW DTLA
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month at the 4th annual AAPI LA Market in collaboration with Smorgasburg LA featuring baked goods, savory bites, packaged goods, and merchandise crafted by talented local AAPI chefs, brands and creatives. Plus live music, community activities and more. Free and open to all. More info.
Story Time with Natasha Khan Kazi
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Sun., May 18 | Southern California Children’s Museum
May is AANHPI Heritage Month—a time to place an additional spotlight on the cultures, stories, and contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. For young children, heritage and history months can be a fun and engaging way to learn about the world around them, build empathy, and understand the importance of inclusion and respect for others.
Southern California Children’s Museum hosts author and illustrator Natasha Khan Kazi on for an interactive story & craft event celebrating her newest book,” Lulu in the Spotlight!” Did you know that every culture has its own unique ways of celebrating creativity, courage, and self-expression? Follow along as our heroine Lulu finds her courage in this magical story celebrating South Asian cultures and traditions! Natasha will share her story, give kids a peek into her creative process and guide them through a henna-inspired craft. More info.
Chinese Calligraphy With Emmy Lam
4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Mon., May 19 | Harbor City – Harbor Gateway Branch Library
Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and learn the history and basics of Chinese Calligraphy with Emmy Lam. More info.
AAPI Storytime & Craft
4 p.m. Thurs., May 22 | West Los Angeles Regional Branch Library
Join LAPL for a story time celebrating Asian culture, followed by a fun craft where kids will create their own dragon kite. More info.
AAPI: Chinese Calligraphy
4 p.m. Thurs., May 22 | Lincoln Heights Branch Library
Host Emmy Lam will teach children the cultural importance of calligraphy. Then, children will have the opportunity to write words in the Chinese language. Join us for a wonderful program to learn about cultural heritage, language, and art.
Note: Children must already know how to hold a pencil/pen and print. More info.
AAPI Art Night Market
5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Thurs., May 22 | Compound
A vibrant evening to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with an Art Night Market curated by Baryo at Compound. This special event honors the rich history, culture, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Experience the heart of the community through: art showcases from local AAPI youth from Millikan HS and community members, live art in action, AAPI-owned vendors and makers, Open Mic Night, interactive storytelling booth by Make Noise Today and engaging activities for all ages, Olivia Sawai will be offering live custom illustrations in the courtyard, engage with augmented reality artwork by Donna Ibelli, Middle Child Workshop will be launching an AAPI Apparel Capsule as part of their Summer collection, join a creative meetup curated by Ryan Baysa, DJ Glenn Red will be spinning an all vinyl set, desserts will be offered by Bik.Lun and Sunday in June. Plus Happy Hour at Union all night with food and drink specials! More info.
The Maker’s Hive Market: AAPI Month Celebration
12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sun., May 25 | 2ND & PCH
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with an inspired artisan market highlighting AAPI-owned small businesses, food options and cultural showcases. More info.
Chinese Dessert Dumpling Demo + Tasting
2 p.m. Wed., Jun 18 | West Los Angeles Regional Branch Library
Join Chef Jess Wang for a communal Chinese dessert tradition: preparing hand rolled sticky rice dumplings! Learn about the symbolic significance of these delicious dumplings, and see how fruity and veggie QQ pearl dumplings are made! The cooking demo will include a hands-on activity and will be followed by a tasting. This is a gluten-free and vegan friendly event. More info.
For more fun things to do with kids in L.A., check out our calendar.
