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Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2026

Throughout May, EA celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This month-long observance recognizes the remarkable cultural, social, and economic contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the United States. It is celebrated in May because it commemorates two events: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, largely built by Chinese immigrants, on May 10, 1869.

Join the celebration! View the collection of books put together by EA Libraries and see a list of upcoming events in the greater community curated by EA's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

EA Libraries Celebrates AANHPI Heritage Month

EA Libraries has put together a collection of books available in the M. Turner Family Library and the Roger Annenberg Memorial Library to celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander voices, histories, and stories.

Community Events

AAPI Heritage Month at the Asian Arts Initiative (Varied events throughout May) —

  • Crossing Streets & Sharing Stories: In collaboration with Writers Room, join a storytelling workshop grounded in the shared histories of struggles and resilience in Chinatown and West Philadelphia. (May 26)
  • Choreography Performance: Takahiro Yamamoto and Philadelphia-based artist, José Ortiz-Pagán, perform a show that explores in-between spaces and the shifting conditions of being held between two states. (May 30)

Philadelphia Museum of Art (Varied events throughout May) —

  • Family Festival - Animals in Art: Kick off AAPI Heritage Month with this family festival. Create artwork inspired by this month's Cultural Heritage Artist, Hui-Yi Kuo, watch a performance by the Philadelphia Sun, or explore other events. (May 3)
  • Friday Night - AAPI Heritage Edition: Experience after-hours art, music, and community, including live music from Rachel Andie, create your own zodiac animal portrait with acclaimed artist Hui-yi Kuo, and more. (May 8)
  • Asian Art Tour: Visit rare architectural settings and discover intriguing works of art from all over Asia. (Daily May 2026)

Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival (Saturday, May 16, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.) — Visit FDR Park for the Southeast Asian Market when they host the Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival. The event will feature live entertainment, arts, crafts, and delicious food. The Southeast Asian Market runs through October. Information