UPCOMING EXTERNAL EVENTS
Austin Public Library (APL)
Asian, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month Events
The Austin Public Library honors Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a diverse array of events throughout May. Highlights include cultural performances, educational workshops, and community gatherings that celebrate the rich traditions and contributions of AHPI communities. Events are hosted across various branches, offering opportunities for all ages to engage and learn. Below is a curated selection of their upcoming offerings (click on a session title to view more information):
Sew Fun: Asian Dumpling Critters
Date: Tuesday, May 13 | Location: Little Walnut Creek Branch
Description: Create your own adorable fabric critters inspired by Asian dumplings in this hands-on sewing workshop. Materials provided. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
Cooking Club: Eat the World with Common Threads
Date: Tuesday, May 13 | Location: Central Library
Description: Join Common Threads for a flavorful culinary experience exploring AAPI heritage through food. Learn new recipes and taste dishes from across the region.
Books and Breweries: Your House Will Pay
Date: Tuesday, May 13 | Location: Central Machine Works
Description: Meet fellow readers for an engaging conversation over drinks as the group discusses Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha—a powerful novel about justice, community, and memory.
Fantasy Book Club: The Last Bloodcarver
Date: Wednesday, May 14 | Location: Central Library
Description: Join the Fantasy Book Club to discuss Vanessa Le’s The Last Bloodcarver, a sweeping tale of rebellion, identity, and magic rooted in Southeast Asian lore.
Milwood Movie Night: Sweet Smell of Success
Date: Thursday, May 15 | Location: Milwood Branch
Description: Watch and reflect on the classic 1957 film Sweet Smell of Success at this special screening tied to AAPI Heritage Month.
Slipper Summit: A Day of Storytelling & Solidarity for Asian Creatives
Date: Saturday, May 17 | Location: Central Library
Description: Join a daylong gathering of Asian creatives for storytelling, networking, and empowerment. Hosted in collaboration with local artists and community partners.
Indonesian Angklung and Dance Performance
Date: Saturday, May 17 | Location: Windsor Park Branch
Description: Enjoy an immersive Indonesian cultural experience through traditional angklung music and vibrant dance performances. Family-friendly.
Music and Art with Peelander Yellow!
Date: Saturday, May 17 | Location: University Hills Branch
Description: Listen, dance, and create with artist and musician Peelander Yellow in this lively, multimedia celebration of AAPI culture.
Artist Reception for Roots Unveiled: Exploring the Chinese Experience
Date: Sunday, May 18 | Location: Central Library
Description: Explore Chinese American identity through visual storytelling at this featured exhibit and artist meet-and-greet.
The Crafty Adult: Wild Plant Ikebana
Date: Monday, May 19 | Location: Hampton Branch at Oak Hill
Description: Learn the meditative Japanese art of floral arranging using wild plants in this adult crafting session led by Sari Fujimaru.
Crafternoon: All-Ages AAPI Heritage Month Edition
Date: Tuesday, May 20 | Location: Southeast Branch
Description: Join a joyful crafting session celebrating AAPI cultures through all-ages, hands-on activities.
The Crafty Adult: Sarah Doan’s Art Workshop
Date: Tuesday, May 20 | Location: Southeast Branch
Description: Explore culture through food-themed visual art in this adult creative workshop led by artist Sarah Doan.
Date: Tuesday, May 20 | Location: Central Library
Description: Join fellow writers for creative exploration, feedback, and community in this AAPI Month–themed Write Club session.
Date: Wednesday, May 21 | Location: Ruiz Branch
Description: Watch Disney’s Moana and enjoy a related hands-on craft in this family-friendly afternoon event celebrating Pacific Islander heritage.
Sarah Doan’s Art Workshop: How to Draw Cute Food
Date: Wednesday, May 21 | Location: University Hills Branch
Description: Learn to draw adorable food-inspired illustrations in this youth-friendly art session led by Sarah Doan.
Date: Thursday, May 22 | Location: Milwood Branch
Description: Celebrate the global phenomenon of KPOP through music, movement, and conversation in this evening event for adults.
Kids Create: AANHPI Month – Watch & Make Moana with Kapa Stamp Craft
Date: Friday, May 23 | Location: Central Library
Description: Watch Moana and make traditional Kapa stamp art in this youth workshop blending storytelling and culture.
Indonesian Angklung and Dance Performance
Date: Saturday, May 24 | Location: Pleasant Hill Branch
Description: Experience live Indonesian music and traditional dance in this engaging family-friendly performance.
Hawaiian Dance by Island Rhythms Hula Company
Date: Saturday, May 24 | Location: Cepeda Branch
Description: Celebrate the spirit of aloha through Hawaiian dance and performance led by the Island Rhythms Hula Company.
Paint Lab for Kids: Pacific Islands Painting
Date: Tuesday, May 27 | Location: Yarborough Branch
Description: Young artists can explore Pacific Island imagery and stories through a guided painting lab tailored for kids.
Perler Play: Asian-American Heritage Edition
Date: Tuesday, May 27 | Location: Little Walnut Creek Branch
Description: Create your own perler bead art in celebration of Asian-American Heritage Month. This hands-on craft activity is open to participants of all ages and encourages creativity and cultural appreciation.
Graphic Novel Book Club: Ms. Koizumi Loves Ramen Noodles
Date: Tuesday, May 27 | Location: Central Library
Description: Join the Graphic Novel Book Club for a discussion of Ms. Koizumi Loves Ramen Noodles by Naru Narumi. Participants will explore themes of food, culture, and identity through this charming manga selection.
Arts and Culture: AAPI Heritage
Date: Wednesday, May 28 | Location: Pleasant Hill Branch
Description: Dive into hands-on art and cultural projects to celebrate AAPI Heritage. This event encourages kids and tweens to engage with the creative traditions of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures.
Art Smart: Celebrating Asian Dragons
Date: Friday, May 30 | Location: Central Library
Description: Learn about the symbolism and cultural significance of dragons in Asian traditions through art-making activities designed for younger children.
Homeschool Social: AAPI Heritage
Date: Friday, May 30 | Location: Pleasant Hill Branch
Description: A special session for homeschool families to gather and celebrate AAPI culture through crafts, stories, and collaborative learning.
Island Breeze: A Pacific Islander Celebration
Date: Saturday, May 31 | Location: Little Walnut Creek Branch
Description: Celebrate the music, dance, and cultural vibrancy of Pacific Islander communities with this festive and family-friendly event.
Indonesian Angklung and Dance Performance
Date: Saturday, May 31 | Location: John Gillum Branch
Description: Experience the traditional sounds and movements of Indonesia through this interactive performance featuring the angklung and cultural dance.
Rhythms of Unity: A South Asian LGBTQ Dance Celebration
Date: Saturday, May 31 | Location: Milwood Branch
Description: Join KhushATX for a dynamic showcase celebrating South Asian LGBTQ artistry through dance and performance. All are welcome.
For a complete list of events and more details, please visit the Austin Public Library's Asian, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month page.
Note: Event details are subject to change. Please refer to the official website for the most current information.
PAST EXTERNAL EVENTS
Austin Public Library (APL)
Asian, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month Events
The Austin Public Library honors Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a diverse array of events throughout May. Highlights include cultural performances, educational workshops, and community gatherings that celebrate the rich traditions and contributions of AHPI communities. Events are hosted across various branches, offering opportunities for all ages to engage and learn. Below is a curated selection of their upcoming offerings (click on a session title to view more information):
Date: Saturday, May 3 | Location: Ruiz Branch
Description: Learn about the origins and cultural popularity of boba tea while making your own bubble tea creations. Recommended for teens.
Date: Saturday, May 3 | Location: Hampton Branch at Oak Hill
Description: Thinking of visiting Japan? Get expert advice on travel etiquette, must-see spots, and budgeting tips in this informative session. Recommended for ages 18 and up.
Rhythms of Unity: A South Asian LGBTQ Dance Celebration
Date: Saturday, May 3 | Location: Windsor Park Branch
Description: Join KhushATX for an uplifting dance showcase celebrating South Asian LGBTQ artistry and joy. All ages are welcome.
Date: Sunday, May 4 | Location: Spicewood Springs Branch
Description: Explore the ancient strategy game of Go. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, all are welcome to play and learn. All ages are welcome.
Mindfulness Calligraphy (マインドフルネス書道)
Date: Sunday, May 4 | Location: Ruiz Branch
Description: Join artist Sari Fujimaru for a hands-on session in Japanese calligraphy and mindfulness. Materials provided. Recommended for ages 18 and up.
Austin Asian American Histories
Date: Sunday, May 4 | Location: Spicewood Springs Branch
Description: Dive into the local stories of Austin’s Asian American communities and explore the contributions that continue to shape our city. Teens and adults are welcome.
Date: Monday, May 5 | Location: Windsor Park Branch
Description: Make your own candy “sushi” using sweets and creativity in this fun, family-friendly event. All ages are welcome.
Virtual Read Watch Talk: Past Lives
Date: Tuesday, May 6 | Location: Online Event
Description: Watch the critically acclaimed film Past Lives and join a virtual discussion exploring themes of identity, migration, and memory. Recommended for ages 18 and up.
For a complete list of events and more details, please visit the Austin Public Library's Asian, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month page.
Note: Event details are subject to change. Please refer to the official website for the most current information.
Asian Season ATX's AAPI Month Kickoff
Join Asian Season ATX for a vibrant celebration of Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! This free, all-ages event brings together local AANHPI artists, vendors, and performers for a day of culture, cuisine, and community. Attendees will enjoy an outdoor market, live music, handmade goods, and delicious bites representing a rich blend of regional flavors. The event fosters connection, visibility, and joy while amplifying the creativity and contributions of AANHPI communities in Central Texas.
Hosted at Austin Beerworks, this market is a rain-or-shine event. In the case of inclement weather, a backup date is scheduled for May 11.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Austin Beerworks – Sprinkle Valley, 10300 Springdale Rd., Austin, TX 78754
AARC: CelebrASIA Austin 2025
Hosted by the City of Austin’s Asian American Resource Center (AARC), CelebrASIA is an annual community festival celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a dynamic mix of performance, food, and cultural exploration. This free, family-friendly event invites the public to enjoy performances from local AANHPI artists, interactive cultural experience rooms, and delicious food and drinks from local vendors.
The day will feature over a dozen scheduled stage performances—including traditional dance, music, and contemporary K-pop acts—as well as hands-on activities hosted by community organizations. Whether you’re dancing along, learning something new, or sampling flavors from across Asia and the Pacific, this celebration offers something for everyone.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd., Austin, TX 78754
BRAVE Communities Connections: Advocacy, Wellness, & Solidarity
Celebrate AAPI Heritage and Mental Health Awareness Month with BRAVE Communities at this dynamic afternoon of dialogue and movement. The event kicks off with a powerful fireside chat featuring Texas House Representative and Democratic Chair Gene Wu, exploring themes of identity, equity, and cross-cultural solidarity. The conversation will be followed by an energetic K-pop dance session led by Choreopop and Evenground Dance Studio—inviting attendees of all ages to move, celebrate, and de-stress in community.
Guests can also explore a community marketplace featuring local underrepresented vendors, network with changemakers, and enjoy light refreshments in a welcoming, inclusive space. This event is free and open to all with RSVP.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
Time: 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Evenground Dance Studios, 8000 Anderson Sq., #104, Austin, TX 78757
Past events will be added here once they conclude.