May 4, 2026 - Things to Do

AAPI Heritage Month events across Metro Detroit

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and there's much to do around the region.

Catch up quick: The heritage month dates back to the 1970s, starting as a week to commemorate the accomplishments of AAPI Americans.

May was selected for two important dates: May 7, 1843, the immigration of the first Japanese people to the U.S.; and May 10, 1869, the completion of the first U.S. transcontinental railroad with a majority Chinese immigrant workforce.

Things to do:

🖼️ The DIA's event series, most free with admission, includes:

Saturday, 2pm: A shadow puppet animal retelling of the Lunar New Year zodiac tale.
May 16, 10am-2pm: View work by and meet local Asian American artists in the Great Hall.
May 16, 2pm: The annual ensemble Celebration Show with dance, music, speakers and art.
May 30, 2pm: Experience the Great Hall full of Indian cultural traditions, including local artists' work, music, dance and storytelling.

🍵 Join a traditional Japanese tea ceremony for families at the Detroit Public Library's main branch.

📚There's also a large list of events at the Ann Arbor downtown library put on by the KYLYN AAPI Arts and Culture Festival:

Wednesday, 6:30-7:30: A concert by a genre-bending producer and DJ, Thomas Xu.
May 15, 6:30-7:30pm: "A Floating World" performance from dance and storytelling group IS/LAND.
May 20, 6-7:30pm: Jogakbo fabric workshop using the traditional Korean patchwork technique.

More events to come.

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