Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is here! This is a time of celebration and reflection on the vibrancy and rich history of our communities.
Organizers have worked hard to plan and prepare for a busy May with lots of different opportunities to celebrate. From a literary festival with book readings and kids-friendly performances, to leadership summits, to fundraisers and more. This is a time for all of us to go out and be in community!
Events listed are free unless otherwise noted. Be sure to check the organizers’ websites to check for any last minute updates.
“Bold Heritage” at SlipStitch Studios
May 5, May 9, May 23
SlipStitch Studios, Georgetown, Seattle
SlipStitch is a one-of-a-kind art gallery located in Georgetown. They are hosting a group show celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month with the theme “Bold Heritage”. Curated by Otto Chan and Melissa Llamas, the show spotlights Asian excellence, challenging stereotypes, and honoring the diversity of the Asian diaspora across America. May 5 is the opening of the exhibit. May 9 features a live muralist painting and other activities during Georgetown’s Art Attack. May 23 is the main event celebration with performances and food trucks. Link: https://www.slipstitchstudio.com/events
AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration
Saturday, May 9, 11:00am – 7:00pm
Historic Edison Square, Tacoma
Join this family-friendly AANHPI community celebration in Tacoma. Enjoy a fashion show by designer & fiber artist Faana Tili, performances, and a very special karaoke brunch. Open to all! Link: https://www.edisonsquare.com/event-details-registration/aanhpi-herritage-month-celebration
Mini Market / Mega Mahjong Social
Saturday, May 16, 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Seattle Boxing Gym, Interbay, Seattle
Its mahjong! But in a boxing ring? Join this special mini marketing and mahjong social event presented by Seattle Boxing Gym, Emerald City Tile Club, and Kimchi Craft Collective. Take part in food, vendors, and DJs! $5 suggested donation to attend. Link: https://www.instagram.com/seattleboxinggym/
Walk for Rice
Saturday May 17, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Seward Park, Seattle
This beloved annual community event has been moved to May in celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month! Celebration and 5k walk around Seward Park, open to all! As Asian Counseling and Referral Service’s annual fundraiser for its culturally-sensitive Food Bank in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, this event has deep roots in Seattle’s AANHPI history of organizing and mutual aid. Attendees can register and donate on the website or just show up and enjoy the celebration! Link: https://give.acrs.org/event/2026-walk-for-rice/e755534
AANHPI Journeys
Sunday, May 17, 11:00am – 3:00pm
Filipino Community of Seattle, Rainier Valley, Seattle
A free community celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month. This is a literary festival designed for families to explore the beautiful themes of identity, culture, and belonging through the magic of storytelling. Meet authors, cozy up for live readings, and enjoy live performances and family-friendly hands on activities. Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aanhpi-journeys-stories-of-family-and-belonging-tickets-1986947378095?aff=oddtdtcreator
Balik2bayan Day Party
Sunday, May 17, 11:00am – 3:00pm
Mixed Pantry, Belltown, Seattle
Get your groove on at Balik2bayan creative collective’s open decks DJ party in celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month. Enjoy the music, dancing, and vendors at this pop-up at Mixed Pantry. Oh and 10% of all sales will go to supporting Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS)! Link: https://www.instagram.com/mixed.pantry/
Safe Space: Drag and Burlesque
Saturday, May 16, 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Timbre Room, Capitol Hill, Seattle
Join Camero & Clara Voyance as Safe Space makes its grand return to celebrate AANHPI month by exploring the fine line of cultural appreciation vs. appropriation. Ticketed event, 21+ Link: https://www.kremwerk.com/upcoming/2026/05/16/safe-space-drag-and-burlesque
May AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration
Saturday, May 23, 11:00am – 4:00pm
South Puget Sound Community College, Lacey
The Asian Pacific Islanders Coalition of South Puget Sound, in partnership with the City of Olympia, and local community organizations invite all to join in celebration of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage and cultures. They will have food vendors, performances, resources, and activities for the entire family. Link: https://www.apicsouthpugetsound.org/2026-aanhpi-heritage-month-celebration
Geetha Katha Mahotsav
Sunday May 24, 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Veda Sri Venkateswara Temple, Redmond
All are welcome to VEDA Temple’s annual Harikatha. The event will feature music, dancing, community sing a longs, and celebration of Indian traditions. Kids friendly cultural activities introducing Indian culture will be offered. Link: https://www.vedatemple.org/
Pride ASIA Fest 2026
Sunday May 24, 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Hing Hay Park, C-ID, Seattle
The one and only Pride ASIA Fest returns for 14th year to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month and kick-off of LGBTQ Pride Month. This free and all-ages event held in the heart of the C-ID features performances, music, and a community fair. Join in this celebration of authenticity, inclusivity, and community. Link: http://www.prideasia.org/home.html
AANHPI Summit
Wednesday, May 27, 8:00am – 6:00pm
Seattle Downtown Public Library
Open to all, join a summit convening AANHPI leaders, professionals, creatives, community builders, educators, and allies for a day of meaningful dialogue and action. Conversations include leadership and representation, healing, and the power of collective action. Free and open to all, registration is required. Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/asian-american-native-hawaiian-pacific-islander-aanhpi-summit-2026-tickets-1982051254658
Seattle Asian American Film Festival
Friday, May 29 – Sunday, May 31 with virtual screening opportunities June 1-7
Opening Night at Wing Luke Museum, In Person Screenings at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute
The much lauded return of the Seattle Asian American Film Festival. This year’s theme is Fate / Interconnectedness. Check out the full schedule on the website. Ticketed event. Link:
https://www.seattleaaff.org/
Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival
June 6 – 7
Seattle Center
The Filipino Cultural Heritage Society of Washington (FCHSW) proudly presents Pagdiriwang, the largest festival of Filipino arts and culture in the Pacific Northwest. Commemorating the anniversary of Philippine Independence, this family-friendly Festál event Filipino culture, arts, and history through food, exhibits, performing arts, fashion show, martial arts, and more. Link: https://www.seattlecenter.com/events/featured-events/festal/pagdiriwang-philippine-festival
Ayame Kai Summer Market
Saturday, June 20, 10:00am – 2:00pm
Tukwila Community Center
Love a good vint store? Well you’ll want to be sure to check out this special Summer Market featuring 20+ vendors offering Asian Vintage items, handmade goods, unique gifts, coffee, bake goodies, and more. Proceeds benefit Keiro Northwest’s elder care programs. Link: https://www.ayamekaimarket.org/
Theodore Kenzo Dante Bickel is a Seattle-based photographer who has contributed to the International Examiner since 2024. He uses visual storytelling to showcase the vitality of the Chinatown-International District and contemporary Asian American communities in Seattle. He is Shin-Nikkei Japanese American. Born in Portland, Oregon, he grew up in the wilds of southwest Washington state. Theo, or “Tay-o” as his friends call him, found himself putting down roots in the C-ID shortly after arriving in Seattle in 2013. He has spent over a decade working in C-ID community non-profits in development, community engagement, civil rights advocacy, and communications. Theo was one of seven Seattle-based Asian American photographers that published the photography exhibit “Through the Eyes of a Tiger” in May 2023. The photo exhibit blended holistic, not homogenous, views of the C-ID in a critical time of regrowth and development.
