How to Commemorate the Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities in May

Events for AAPI Heritage Month 2026 honor cultural traditions

Jean Chen Smith,

AARP

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Published April 29, 2026

different images during a a p i celebrations

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month has evolved into a space for connection, reflection and intergenerational exchange. Events such as Asian Heritage Fest and CelebrASIA bring communities together.

AARP (Courtesy CelebrASIA and Asia Times Square)

Key takeaways

AAPI Heritage Month events in May spotlight heritage, community and culture.
AARP research on fraud perceptions in the AAPI community found that age is viewed as a key reason someone is targeted.
These events bridge generations when traditions are shared.

Across the United States, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month has become a powerful space for connection, reflection and intergenerational exchange, particularly for adults 50 and older. As of early 2026, the U.S. Asian American population is estimated at more than 21 million people, accounting for roughly 6 percent of the country’s total population. Approximately 1 in 5 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. are 55 and older, a large and rapidly expanding segment of the population, according to the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging.

Older adults who engage in community events, arts and cultural programming report higher levels of social connection, mental well-being and overall life satisfaction, according to research from AARP. AAPI events across the country are not only honoring heritage but also creating opportunities for older adults to see their stories shared and carried forward.

These events bridge generations in ways that feel both personal and collective. They “allow us to preserve traditions through firsthand experiences and share them in a way that feels welcoming,” says Matthew Loh, CEO of Asia Times Square in Grand Prairie, Texas.

AARP events

AARP Illinois spotlights activism through its Advocacy Breakfast Collaborative in Aurora on May 1, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This in-person gathering invites older adults, local leaders and service providers to come together over a meal for meaningful conversations around aging, policy and community needs. Registration is required.

On May 20 at 6 p.m., AARP New Jersey will host a virtual yoga chair class. “Sit, Stretch & Strengthen” offers older adults a gentle, accessible way to support mobility, balance and overall well-being from home. Designed for participants of all fitness levels, this online session guides attendees through seated and standing-supported movements that emphasize flexibility, breathwork and mindful stretching without requiring specialized equipment. Registration is required.

On May 23 in Līhu‘e, Hawai‘i, AARP Hawai‘i will host a film and fraud talk centered on the documentary Everyone Is Lying to You for Money, which focuses on cryptocurrency. A fraud trivia game will precede the screening. Registration is required.

Festivals and community celebrations

Nestled between Dallas and Fort Worth, Asia Times Square will host several commemorative events throughout May, including Asian Heritage Fest + 5K Race to Replace Hate 2026. From May 8 to 10, this free, all-ages celebration brings the community together with live entertainment, local artisans and hands-on cultural experiences. “At Asian Heritage Fest, we see culture as something that is passed down, not just performed,” Loh says. “Many of our traditions, whether it is food, dance, language or values, come from older generations, so it is important that they are part of the experience in a meaningful way.”

The celebration continues with Texas Rangers Asian Heritage Night, with the theme “Year of the Fire Horse.” The third annual event between Asia Times Square and Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers is May 29 at 7:05 p.m. Tickets start at $74.

On May 2, CelebrASIA Austin returns as one of the signature AAPI Heritage Month events at the Asian American Resource Center in Austin, Texas. This free, family-friendly celebration runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers cultural programming and experiences, live performances, food vendors and exhibits.

The AAPI community and fraud

During May, AARP is calling attention to perceptions of fraud in the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. In a recent survey of AAPI adults 18 and older, age was viewed as a key reason someone is targeted for fraud, with 50 percent of respondents 50-plus agreeing. Meanwhile, 77 percent of respondents 50-plus were moderately or very worried about scams and fraud. In fact, 29 percent of survey respondents have been victims of fraud.

“For many years, Senior Program participants and intergenerational community groups have helped make CelebrASIA a vibrant celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month,” says Shimarah Mehrotra, a marketing representative for the Asian American Resource Center. “This year’s event will feature group performances from Kanikapila Ukulele and the Bollywood Hotties — both of which were formed independently and organically by our Senior Program participants!”

In the heart of downtown Denver, the Civic Center transforms into a glowing, open-air night market during AAPI Culture Fest x Civic Center Night Market, which takes place May 22 at 5 p.m. The free, multigenerational celebration blends street food, art, music and cultural storytelling into a shared experience. Inspired by the energy of traditional Asian night markets, the event invites visitors to wander through rows of food vendors and ethnic hubs that showcase the diversity of AAPI communities across Colorado.

Museums, film and cultural storytelling

The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., hosts a range of free, in-person events throughout AAPI Heritage Month. On May 2 at 2 p.m. the National Museum of Asian Art is screening the documentary Third Act, which explores the life and legacy of Robert A. Nakamura, often called the godfather of Asian American film. Nakamura’s son Tadashi Nakamura is the director and is scheduled to attend the screening.

The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival features panel discussions and film showings.

Courtesy Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival

The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival is more than a showcase of cinema — it bridges decades of experience between elders and emerging filmmakers. This celebration honors families’ stories and traditions. From April 30 to May 3, festival events will be held throughout Los Angeles, including in Little Tokyo, at Landmark Theatres Sunset and AMC Atlantic Times Square 14, among others. A $150 festival pass includes 10 regular screening tickets and discounts to other tickets, among other perks.

Performing arts and music programming

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York’s website features “Spotlight on AAPI Heritage Month,” showcasing an evolving tapestry of voices across music, film and dance. You can go online to watch artists such as composer Huang Ruo, global collaborations such as tabla virtuoso Sandeep Das and the HUM Ensemble: Delhi to Istanbul and intimate conversations with figures such as actor Youn Yuh-jung, who won an Oscar for her supporting role in Minari.

For those seeking live, in-person experiences, Lincoln Center also presents VERSUS: Karaoke on May 21 at 7:30 p.m., a musical competition featuring Korean and Filipino Broadway artists.

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Jean Chen Smith is an Oregon-based freelance writer who loves the outdoors. She has contributed to USA Today, The Oregonian, Travel + Leisure, SFGATE, Insider Travel, 1859, and more. When she’s not writing and traveling, she’s teaching at her Pilates studio and is a mom to two teacup Shih Tzus, Tonka and Paisley.