May 02, 2024
In May 2023, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Michigan. To celebrate it, Michiganders gather in person and virtually to recognize the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) have played in history and honor the many ways their culture continues to thrive across the state and nation.
Explore the resources, programs, and events coming up in May 2024 to celebrate this heritage month.
Ongoing
Through the Vincent Chin Institute, participate in a self-guided walking tour around Detroit to learn more about the AAPI heritage in the Detroit Region. Learn more.
The Institute was founded after Vincent Chin, a 27-year-old Chinese American who was brutally beaten to death in Detroit during an era of anti-Asian hate in 1982.
May to June | Ann Arbor District Library – Downtown Branch
Stop by the Kylyn APIA Arts and Culture Festival throughout May and June and enjoy a diverse lineup of artistic, cultural, and educational programming that engages the public and encourages dialogue around important social issues.
The festival provides a platform for APIA and Black, Indigenous, and people of color artists to showcase their creativity and talent, integrating local arts resources and highlights the rich and diverse interdisciplinary arts community in the Detroit Region. The event will also feature educational and community-building activities, such as workshops, panel discussions, and performances. Learn more.
May 2 to May 31, 2024 | Detroit Institute of Art
All May, celebrate the voices and stories of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities at the DIA. The museum partners with many community groups and professional artists to showcase a blend of traditional and contemporary dance, musical performances, art, and more. This year’s celebration and performances will include a range of cultures, from Bengali to Filipino and Indian to Thai. Learn more.
General museum admission is free for residents of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties.
May 4 | Noon to 4 p.m. | Farmington Community Library – Farmington Hills
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with performances and crafts at the Farmington Community Library. Those who want to celebrate through art can make Chinese lanterns, learn the art of Japanese origami, and create colorful rangoli art throughout the event. Those interested in entertainment can enjoy a range of performances, from the Michigan Lion Dance team to Japanese Taiko drumming and hula dancing to Bhangra. Learn more.
A special sake tasting will also be available for those 21 years and older. Participants can learn about sake and sample a variety of Japanese sake with expert Rick Lopus. Separate registration is required. Learn more and reserve a spot.
Every Sunday | 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Midwest Buddhist Meditation Center
Experience the taste of Thai, Lao, and Cambodian cultures during weekly Sunday Markets. The markets will run May 5 and May 19 and will continue throughout the year until Nov. 10. Learn more.
May 11 | 2-5 p.m. | Warren Community Center
Join the City of Warren for an afternoon of fun at the Warren Community Center. Enjoy vendors, food, and a living wax museum. Admission is free. Learn more.
May 16 | 1-2 p.m. | Virtual
In 2023, Seattle and Fresno made history by enacting the first U.S. laws against caste discrimination, coinciding with the 150% growth of the Indian American population since 2000, making it the fastest-growing Asian American group. Grasping the caste system’s deep roots in Indian society is vital, as it influences the wider South Asian community.
Join the Office of Equity and Human Rights via Zoom for a cross-cultural exploration of the Indian Caste System in the U.S., May 16. Hear from Sarika Bhakta, Founder and President of Nikeya Diversity Consulting, about her experience relocating from India to the American Midwest and adjusting to the new culture. Pre-registration is required. Reserve your spot.
May 13 | 6:40 p.m. | Comerica Park
Watch the Detroit Tigers take on the Miami Marlins during Asian America and Pacific Islander Heritage Night at Comerica Park. A portion of each ticket will go towards supporting Little Asian Bites, and an AAPI-themed Tigers hat will come with each ticket. Learn more and buy tickets.
May 15 | 5-10 p.m. | Eastern Market
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month during the third night at Eastern Market’s Shed 5 with Little Asian Bites. Enjoy an intersection of community, culture, and connection. Learn more.
May 22 | 4:30-6 p.m. | Detroit Public Library – Main
Enjoy an evening filled with creativity and cultural celebration at the Detroit Public Library’s main campus. From origami to lei making, there will be a craft for everyone. All ages are welcome, and admission is free. Reserve a spot.
May 31 to June 2 | Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk
Enjoy a variety of activities, including music, dance performances, fashion shows, volleyball, and martial arts/muay Thai, during the first AsianFest in Michigan. Plus, enjoy an array of Asian foods – including during a Pho and egg roll eating contests – and hear from major headliners SonsOfNOtown, Linda Dai Trang, and Heartbreaka.
The festival will be 4-10 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Veterans, active-duty military, children under 10, and people over 70 years old can enter for free all weekend. Learn more and buy tickets.
June 14, 15, and 16 | Time varies | Calder Plaza
Celebrate, learn, and be inspired at the 8th annual Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival (GRAPF). Immerse yourself in a cultural experience like no other, as the GRAPF team showcases the rich cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Watch a variety of cultural demonstrations and performances, and don’t forget to try some delicious delicacies from the food booths and trucks. Admission is free. Learn more.
