How to celebrate AANHPI month in San Diego
From festivals to K-Pop dance workshops and crafting opportunities, May is a time to embrace San Diego’s AANHPI communities.
Written by Maya Srikrishnan, Edited by Lauren J. Mapp
Editor's note: We have used AI to help us extract information from event flyers and websites, but humans have selected each event, adjusted and reviewed each entry.
May marks the start of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month and countless opportunities to celebrate San Diego’s diverse AANHPI communities.
Whether you want to watch dragonboat boats compete, dance to K-Pop, take a walking tour of the Convoy District or craft at your local library branch, there is something for everyone at every age throughout the month.
May 1
Anime Club: Teens are invited to watch anime together. Free. 3:45 - 5:45 p.m., Central Library, Second Floor Game Room (Teen Center), 330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Journeying Japan: Discovering Regional & Traditional Culture: An educational library exhibition that introduces visitors to Japan's diverse regional cultures and traditional practices. Through maps, artifacts, textiles, literature and interactive learning elements, the exhibition explores how geography, climate, history and belief systems have shaped distinct cultural identities across Japan's eight major regions. Free. April 1 - May 30, Allied Gardens/Benjamin Library, 5188 Zion Ave., San Diego, CA, 92120
May 2
Mandarin Chinese Storytime: Join Miss Canndy for Chinese stories and songs, held the first Saturday of each month. Note: This is not a bilingual storytime. All ages welcome. Free. 10 - 10:30 a.m., Community Room, Carmel Mountain Ranch Library, 12095 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
Bilingual Hindi/English Story Time: Join for a bilingual Hindi-English story time with music, crafts and play. Free. 10 - 11 a.m., May 2 and June 6, Mira Mesa Library, 8405 New Salem St., San Diego, CA 92126
May 4
May AANHPI Celebration + Potluck: The San Diego Asian Pacific Islander Coalition invites the community to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with community leaders, cultural entertainment and a community potluck. Guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share. Registration requested; RSVP online. For questions, contact info@sdapicoalition.org. Free. 5:30 - 8 p.m., May 4, Mingei International Museum, 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
May 5
Kamishibai Storytime: Before TV and comic books existed in Japan, there was kamishibai, or paper theater. With a wooden box, illustrations and a narrator, kids are invited to a storytime presented by Write Out Loud. Free. 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., May 5, Balboa Library, 4255 Mt. Abernathy Ave., San Diego, CA 92117
Ikebana Floral Design: Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement — a disciplined art form that breathes life into each composition, harmonizing the elements of nature and humanity. Guests can learn to create arrangements that intertwine Japanese culture and the changing of the seasons. By the end of the semester, participants will have learned to design beautiful and professional-looking arrangements for both everyday and special occasions. No registration required; sign up when you attend. Contact Prof. Takeya at mtakeya@sdccd.edu for more information. Free. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Tuesdays, May 5, 12, 19 and 26, Community Room, Mission Valley Library, 2123 Fenton Pkwy., San Diego, CA 92108
You & AAPI: Muir College is inviting guests to the fourth annual celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities at UC San Diego. The event includes food and performances. 6 - 9 p.m., May 5, Muir Lawn, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
A Conversation with Gene Luen Yang: Graphic novel author Gene Luen Yang discusses how he uses his work to tell stories about people, community and identity. Doors open at 6 p.m. 6:30 - 8 p.m., Price Center Theater, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
May 6
Collecting Asia: Popular Art of the Victorian Trade Card: A lecture on depictions of Asia on Victorian trade cards, presented by Peter Romaskiewicz, Ph.D., who researches the spread of Buddhist material culture to the West and its representation in visual media. A companion exhibit is on display in Special Collections on the ninth floor. I. 4 - 5:15 p.m., Neil Morgan Auditorium, Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
20th Anniversary Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Kickoff Celebration and Awards Ceremony: Marking the 20th annual Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Celebration at UC San Diego, this kickoff event honors the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture and achievements of the United States. This year's theme is "Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together." Individual tickets require a contribution of $30 or more to the Pacific Islander and Asian American Staff Association Fund; forward a screenshot or confirmation email to apiahcelebration@ucsd.edu by April 29. To sponsor a table, contact apiahcelebration@ucsd.edu. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., UC San Diego, Price Center West Ballroom, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
Convoy Stories Walking Tour: Embark on a guided walking tour of the Convoy District presented by AARP and led by Kathleen Dang, a San Diego County API organizer, culture tender and coalition builder. The tour along Convoy Street combines live speakers and recorded interviews to share the voices, flavors and art of multiple generations of San Diego residents. Attendees are encouraged to bring a smartphone and headphones to access additional recorded audio along the route. The tour includes opportunities to support local businesses. Registration required. RSVP online. Donation suggested. Convoy District, San Diego, CA 92111
May 7
Tea, Touch and Balance: Everyday Eastern Self-Care: Dr. Lei Hattori is leading a relaxed lunchtime introduction to simple East Asian self-care for the workday, including traditional Eastern teas and their calming benefits, seasonal Eastern eating through the Five Phases, and easy acupressure for stress and desk-related tension. Registration required due to limited seating. RSVP online. Free. Noon - 1 p.m., UC San Diego, Henry Booker Room, Jacobs Hall Second Floor, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
May 8
K-pop Club: Teens are invited to listen to the latest K-pop releases and talk about the latest news. Free. 3:45 - 5:45 p.m., Central Library, Second Floor Game Room (Teen Center), 330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Asayake Taiko Showcase: Asayake Taiko performs live and holds a Q&A in celebration of the fifth anniversary of the AAPI Studies Minor and the 20th anniversary of Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month at UC San Diego. Free. 2 - 3 p.m., Library Walk, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
May 9
Craft for Kids and Tweens: Lucky Cat Keychains: Local studio Toshwerks is leading the creation of maneki-neko, or lucky cat, keychains. Designed for children and tweens; children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All materials provided. Registration is required as space is limited. Teens and adults can register for the 4 p.m. session. Free. Sessions at 3 and 4 p.m., Community Room, Carmel Mountain Ranch Library, 12095 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
Print Class Honoring Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Local artist Hannah Murdoch is leading a print class inspired by traditional tapa cloth of the Pacific Islands, using two 6-by-6-inch color rubber stamp blocks to create one image. Participants will cut their own small stamp and print it on a sheet of paper. Free. 10 - 11:30 a.m., Balboa Library, 4255 Mt. Abernathy Ave., San Diego, CA 92117
Bilingual Vietnamese/English Storytime: Join for a bilingual Vietnamese-English story time with crafts, music and play. I. 10:45 - 11:45 a.m., Mira Mesa Library, Children's Area, 8405 New Salem St., San Diego, CA 92126
Mother's Day Song Brocade Keepsake Workshop: Celebrate Mother's Day with Heritage Youth Bridge Alliance in this hands-on workshop inspired by Song brocade, a historic Chinese silk weaving tradition known for its intricate patterns and symbolic designs. Participants will explore traditional motifs and colors and create a small keepsake gift. Recommended for ages 7 and up; families welcome. All materials provided. Registration encouraged. Space is limited to 15 participants, with walk-ins welcome if seats are available. Free. 2 - 3:30 p.m., Linda Vista Library, Community Room, 2160 Ulric St., San Diego, CA 92111
May 11
Navigating Identity: South Asian Mental Health: The Jim and Julie Lin Mental Health Awareness event brings together a panel of experts to explore the balance South Asian people face at the intersection of identity, family expectations, mental health and gender roles. Panelists will address acculturative stress, intergenerational dynamics, help-seeking behaviors and the role of gender in shaping experiences. Free. Noon, UC San Diego, Price Center West, Thurgood Marshall College Room, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
May 13
K-Pop Dance Workshop: Instructor Jeronimo Fletes leads a K-pop dance workshop in honor of Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. Light snacks provided. Bring a towel, water bottle and comfortable clothes. Registration required due to limited seating. RSVP online. Free. Noon - 1 p.m., UC San Diego, RIMAC Room 2, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
Haiku with Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum San Diego: Learn about the design philosophies behind a traditional Japanese garden — harmony, balance and beauty in nature — and try writing haiku in English inspired by these principles. Participants will receive a walking tour video of the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum and be entered in a raffle to win a general admission pass. Registration required; registrants will receive a Zoom link the day before the event. RSVP online. Free. 2 - 3 p.m., May 13, Zoom
May 15
Wushu Workshop: Instructor Serena Xie leads a wushu workshop in honor of Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. Light snacks provided. Bring a towel, water bottle and comfortable clothes. Registration required due to limited seating; RSVP online. Free. Noon - 1 p.m., UC San Diego, RIMAC Room 2/Sky Box, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
May 16
13th Annual Asian Pacific Cultural Festival of San Diego: Billed as the largest celebration of Asian Pacific American cultures in San Diego, this free, family-friendly festival features cultural and traditional performances representing more than a dozen countries and cultures, including Japan, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Korea, Myanmar, Indonesia, Hawaii, Cambodia, Thailand, Taiwan and Polynesia, among others. Performers include CK Lion Dance, the San Diego Korean American Folk Dance Association, Lani Polynesian Dance, the Karen Organization of San Diego, Kaibigan Dance Company and Guo Yun Gu Zheng Studio. The Hall of Nations offers additional family activities including calligraphy demonstrations, children's games and artisan craft exhibits. Noon - 5 p.m., International Cottages at Balboa Park, 2191 Pan American W Road, San Diego, CA 92101
Storytime ft. Sam Paguita: Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a special storytime presented by Sam Paguita, part of the library's PRIDE Storytime series recognizing and celebrating diversity and individuality through age-appropriate stories and songs. All families are welcome. Free. 10 - 11 a.m., Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Knox Library, Community Room, 215 W. Washington St., San Diego, CA 92103
Suminagashi Workshop with Art Reach: In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join this beginner-friendly suminagashi class introducing participants to the traditional Japanese art of paper marbling. Students will experiment with ink, water and movement while learning foundational techniques for creating balanced and intentional patterns, leaving with finished marbled papers and a working knowledge of this meditative printmaking process. For adults and teens ages 16 and up. Registration required. Free. 2:30 - 4:30 p.m., May 16, La Jolla/Riford Library, Seminar Room, 7555 Draper Ave., San Diego, CA 92037
19th Annual San Diego Dragon Boat Festival: The San Diego Alliance for Asian Pacific Islander Americans hosts its annual dragon boat festival at Tecolote Shores. On the water, registered teams from mixed, open, women, youth, community/corporate and cancer survivor divisions compete over 250 meters to the beat of drums. On land, celebrate with Pan-Asian cultures, cuisines and vendor food. General spectators are welcome at no charge; only registered teams may compete. Team registration is open. Free for spectators. Tecolote Shores North, San Diego, CA 92109
May 18
Koy Sun Q&A Session: A Q&A session with San Diego artist Koy Sun for students at The Loft. 6 - 9 p.m., UC San Diego, The Loft, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
May 19
Tapa Cloth-Inspired Stamps: This adult print class honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month draws inspiration from traditional tapa cloth of the Pacific Islands. Participants will use two 6-by-6-inch color rubber stamp blocks to create one image, then cut their own small stamp and print it on a sheet of paper as part of a collaborative print. Free. 6 - 7:30 p.m., Mira Mesa Library, Community Room, 8405 New Salem St., San Diego, CA 92126
May 20
Activism and History of AAPI Studies at UC San Diego: Professor James Lin — the driving force behind the creation of UC San Diego's Asian American Studies minor, who taught its very first course in 1986 — shares stories about the challenges he faced convincing the university of the field's academic legitimacy. Registration required. RSVP online. Free. 2 - 3 p.m., UC San Diego, Umoja Multipurpose Room, Marshall College, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
May 21
Asian American Pan-Pacific Heritage Celebration: Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the library with origami folding, headdresses, bookmarks and other crafts, plus photo booth opportunities. No registration required; supplies are limited. All ages welcome. Free. 3:30 - 5 p.m., Carmel Valley Library, Community Room, 3919 Townsgate Drive, San Diego, CA 92130
APIMEDA x AAPI Studies x PASA Spring Mixer: APIMEDA Programs and Services, the AAPI Studies Program and the Pacific Islander and Asian American Staff Association co-host a spring mixer open to all students, faculty, staff and alumni. Registration recommended; RSVP online. Free. Noon - 2 p.m., UC San Diego, Umoja Community Kitchen on Ridge Walk, Marshall College, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
May 23
Origami Frog Race: Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the library! Kids will learn to fold colorful paper into jumping origami frogs, then put their creations to the test in a frog race. Designed for ages 6-12. No registration required. Free. 1 - 2 p.m., Carmel Mountain Ranch Library, Community Room, 12095 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
Tai Chi Workshop: Instructor Matthew Tay leads a tai chi workshop in honor of Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. Light snacks provided. Bring a towel, water bottle and comfortable clothes. Registration required due to limited seating. RSVP online. Free. Noon - 1 p.m., UC San Diego, Rec Gym Floor, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
May 25
San Diego Strike Force Aloha Night: The San Diego Strike Force arena football team takes on the Vegas Knight Hawks for the decisive third game of their season series — with the series tied 1-1 — in an Aloha Night celebration honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Expect island-style entertainment, cultural performances, giveaways and live music alongside the on-field action. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets available online. 6:05 p.m., Frontwave Arena, 3475 Hero Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056
May 26
Art Smarts presents Hokusai's Great Wave: Join instructor Miss Claudia for a one-hour class drawing and painting Hokusai's Great Wave using different mediums in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. For ages 5-17. Seats are limited to 20; registration required for each participant. Free. 6 - 7 p.m., San Ysidro Library, Lloyd De Lamas Community Room, 4235 Beyer Blvd., San Diego, CA 92173
Art & Architecture of Ancient China: Part of the library's San Diego Oasis program series for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this lecture examines China's artistic and architectural legacy from Neolithic times through the Han, Tang, Song and Mongol Yuan dynasties, ending in 1368. Presented by Gwenyth Mapes, professor of humanities. All ages welcome. Free. 6 - 7 p.m., Tierrasanta Library, Community Room, 4985 La Cuenta Drive, San Diego, CA 92124
May 28
PASA Presents: Power in Unity Celebration: The Pacific Islander and Asian American Staff Association celebrates the close of Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month and honors the volunteers who made it happen. Open to all PASA members and UC San Diego staff and faculty. Ages 21 and up. Registration recommended. RSVP online. Free. 3 - 5 p.m., Harland Beer Bay Park, 4112 Napier St., San Diego, CA 92110
May 29
Beyond La Jolla: An immersive excursion for UC San Diego students designed to connect participants with the cultural and artistic scenes of downtown San Diego. Registration required due to limited spaces; RSVP online. Free. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Departing from the Cross-Cultural Center, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
K-pop Photo Card Trading & Deco Event: Hosted by Sharon Young and the Pacific Islander and Asian American Staff Association, participants are invited to trade K-pop photo cards and decorate. Korean cream puffs by Mon Chourie provided. Bring your lunch, binders and a bag for K-pop freebies and possible trivia prizes. All are welcome. Free. Noon - 1 p.m., UC San Diego, Israni Biomedical Research Facility (IBRF) Room 2A03, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
May 30
An Evening with Kishi Bashi: An evening with Kishi Bashi, the genre-defying violinist, composer and indie pop musician known for his dazzling live performances. Limited free tickets available for UC San Diego students; general tickets range from $20-$55. Reserve tickets online. 8 - 9 p.m., UC San Diego, Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
