AAPI Heritage Month Events are aplenty in NYC this May.
Whether you want to giggle with some of the best comedians in the biz or explore pockets of Asian culture throughout the city’s micro neighborhoods, our guide to the coolest happenings are unmatched.
Regardless of what you aside to attend this year, one thing is for certain: no matter where you go, bring your appetite! (I’m donut? is a non-negotiable.)
Grab a bite at LIC Food Hall
LIC Food Hall is a new eatery debuting in Queens that brings authentic Asian cuisine right to NYC — no plane ticket required. From pineapple bun fish burgers and a red bean ice at Marathon Hong Kong Diner to the Szechuan street food up for grabs at Gua Gua, the offerings are mix of traditional and modern dishes that you’ll love. An opening date is still TBD, but we’ll update you as soon as we known more.
📍 27-17 42nd Road
Attend the Japan Parade in NYC
Celebrate the bond between Japanese and American culture during this annual NYC tradition.
On Saturday, May 10th, the Japan Parade and Street Festival will kick off at 11am on 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue, bringing plenty of entertainment along for the ride: traditional dance, martial arts, mikoshi (portable shrine), music, and special guests, including Sayaka Yamamoto, ATTACK on TITAN: The Musical cast, and more. Make sure to bring your appetite for the authentic Japanese cuisine that will be up for grabs!
📍 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Ave
Get a laugh at the Asian Comedy Festival
Ready for a hearty belly laugh? Margaret Cho, Youngmi Mayer, Dylan Adler, and Usama Siddiquee are among the AAPI comedians who will be cracking up attendees during the sixth annual Asian Comedy Festival. This year starts in NYC from May 6th to 8th with six different shows to keep you entertained.
Learn more about the lineup on the festival’s website.
Head to MUJI’s first-ever food market
The iconic Japanese retailer decided to expand from garments, household items, and stationary to onigiri and Japanese rice balls.
The new one-stop-shop at Chelsea Market is not to be missed.
“As a dynamic hub for creativity and connection, Chelsea Market is the perfect setting for visitors to enjoy our curated shopping experience, savor authentic Japanese cuisine, and connect with the community,” Richard Rappaport, MUJI President, North America said in a statement.
📍 Chelsea Market – 75 9th Ave Suite 1A55
Explore Asian neighborhoods in NYC
NYC is one of the most ethnically diverse places in the world, and you can get a taste of Asian culture with our guide of the following micro neighborhoods:
Support your favorite AAPI businesses in NYC
From Pearl River Mart to Purple Yam and Piggyback by Pig & Khao, our guide to NYC’s best AAPI restaurants and businesses is one to bookmark for your May outings.
Sink into something sweet at I’m Donut?
Japanese pastry chef Ryouta Hirako has brought the iconic I’m donut? brand to the states with its first international locale in NYC. (Where else?)
You’ll be completely thrilled that this global treat is within reach; the nama donuts, “airy, melt-in-your-mouth delights”, are all the rage. selections like the chocolate donut with caramel espresso cream filling, pistachio white chocolate coated vegan donut, and the savory NY BLT with smoked bacon, an organic egg, vine ripe tomato, house tomato mayo, and leaf lettuce on a glazed bun, are game-changers.
📍 154 West 45th Street
Start your morning with a pitstop at Win Son Bakery
Win Son Bakery’s Manhattan location is officially up and running in the East Village, serving the same Taiwanese-American classics that catapulted its Brooklyn outpost into viral territory.
From millet mochi donuts and a cup of xiao guai guai (a spin on the classic cortado that translates to “good boy” in Mandarin) to chocolate bolo bao and the fan-favorite scallion pancake breakfast sammies and pork fan tuan, the offerings draw lengthy lines that are well worth the wait.
📍23 Second Ave (Manhattan), 164 Graham Ave (Brooklyn)
Escape to Bushwick’s Asian Neo-Noir Nightclub, The Red Pavilion
Prepare to be absolutely enthralled at The Red Pavilion, a sexy, Asian cabaret-style venue in Bushwick from Taiwanese-American artist and impresario Shien Lee. Hosting jazz nights, like its upcoming Chinatown Jazz Noir (May 10) or Mandarin Mambo: Chino-Latino Jazz Club (May 17), K-pop dance parties, and late-night revelry, a whole world of seduction awaits. Find more on their website.
📍1241 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn
Admire the cherry blossoms in Central Park
While the cherry blossoms in Japan are unmatched, NYC’s communal backyard has some stellar blooms as well.
If you’re not near Central Park anytime soon, there are other great locations in NYC with cherry blossoms, from Brooklyn Botanic Garden to Randall’s Island.
Stop by street fairs & food festivals
From Dragon Fest to Queens Night Market, the city’s best outdoor happenings are a great way to experience Asian culture (and delicious eats, of course).
When is AAPI Heritage Month?
AAPI Heritage Month takes place in May. You can expect celebrations throughout the month in NYC and the rest of the country.
What does AAPI stand for?
AAPI stands for Asian American Pacific Islander and represents Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander ancestry.
What AAPI countries are represented during the celebration?
Countries from the following regions are celebrated during AAPI Heritage Month:
- Central Asia
- East Asia
- Hawaii and Pacific Islands
- South Asia
- Southeast Asia
- West Asia
What events are you headed to this season? If you need us, we’ll be at I’m donut?