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Each year, May — observed as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the United States — offers us a special opportunity to highlight the achievements, contributions and cultures of Asian Americans, Pacific Island Americans and Native Hawaiians.
This month, join in AAPI Heritage Month festivities at attractions like the National Constitution Center, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.
Discover work by Asian American artists at special exhibitions and events at Asian Arts Initiative and the Athenaeum of Philadelphia.
Plus, you can experience AAPI heritage all year long at one of the city’s many AAPI cultural attractions, restaurants and shops.
Through Sunday, May 24, 2026
The Philadelphia Film Society’s monthly Lost in Animation series showcases modern and classic Japanese anime films.
This month, catch two feature films — Mirai (May 9, 10 & 16, 2026) and Wolf Children (May 9, 10 & 23, 2026) — from animator and filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda, whose work blends realistic fiction with fantasy.
May also features two opportunities to take in cult classic film Linda Linda Linda (May 21 & 24, 2026), a heartwarming flick celebrating Asian female friendships.
Good for: Asian film aficionados and movie buffs Know before you go: Tickets are required.
Where: Philadelphia Film Society Center, 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through Saturday, July 11, 2026 (dates vary by event)
The Asian Arts Initiative (AAI) goes all out with a full slate of events this spring.
AAI’s exhibit, No Arena: Making a Movement, tells the story of the Chinatown community’s grassroots efforts to fight the construction of a new arena. The documentary-style installation details the recent history with archival photos, audio, first-person stories and ongoing programming (through July 11, 2026).
And Takahiro Yamamoto collaborates with Philly artist José Ortiz-Pagán to close out the month with a choreographed live performance (Saturday, May 30, 2026).
Bonus: Celebrate spring with a night of food, performances and awards for creative leaders during the initiative’s annual Spring Gala — emceed by Visit Philadelphia’s own Binh Nguyen (Saturday, May 16, 2026).
Know before you go: Register ahead of time for free or pay-what-you-wish tickets. Vibe: Art can fuel social change.
Where: Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA
May 1-31, 2026 (dates vary by event)
The Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) kicks off AAPI Heritage Month with a Family Festival where visitors can dive into art with ink painting on rice paper, create works inspired by artist Hui-Yi Kuo and witness a traditional Lion Dance by the Philadelphia Suns. Plus, kids can wind down in the designated sensory-friendly quiet zone (May 3, 2026).
Each Friday night, the PMA keeps its galleries open late for a fun-filled social event. The AAPI Heritage Month edition features live music, Chinese zodiac animal art and more.
Know before you go: Family Festival and Friday night fun offer pay-what-you-wish entry. Don’t miss: Daily 2 p.m. tours of PMA’s Asian art collection
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
May 1-31, 2026 (weekends only)
May also marks Jewish American Heritage Month, and the National Constitution Center celebrates both May heritage months with a series of special programs exploring the lives and contributions of historical trailblazers.
Learn about suffragists Mabel Ping Hua Lee and Ernestine Hara Kettler in two daily talks (1:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.), while weekend talks in the museum’s DeVos Hall (12:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.) focus on Asian Americans and the Constitution.
Vibe: Historical figures fighting for change Know before you go: Heritage month programming is included with regular museum admission.
Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Experience Children’s Day (Saturday, May 3, 2026) at the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center with koinobori (fish-shaped streamers), origami helmet-making, kimono dressing, paper theater storytellers and a performance by the Keystone Japan Club. After the Children’s Day festivities, displays remain through Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Celebrated as a national holiday in Japan, Children’s Day activities send children wishes for health, happiness and a brighter tomorrow. Shofuso’s Children’s Day activities come with general admission.
Know before you go: Children’s Day is rain or shine. Don’t miss: Shofuso’s pink, purple and white azaleas in full bloom around the koi pond
Where: Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, Horticultural Drive, Philadelphia, PA
This free double-heritage multicultural celebration gives you the best of both worlds.
Bring the kiddos out for a packed afternoon of family-friendly activities and events, including music, dancing, crafts, workshops, tours and more. Activities include Asian face and hand painting, printmaking, martial arts and drum workshops.
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, a Smithsonian affiliate, came to life during Philly’s last big anniversary, the 1976 Bicentennial celebration.
Know before you go: Both museum admission and the heritage celebration are free, but register in advance for guaranteed entry. Vibe: Creative cultural family fun
Where: Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Ml East, Philadelphia, PA
Immerse yourself in an evening of smooth saxophone music from award-winning duo Aiwen Zhang and Valentine Kovalev. Shanghai-born Zhang and Siberian-born Kovalev met while studying at the Paris Conservatory and bonded over their shared love of the saxophone.
They set out to tour the world and settled right here in Philly. Blending classic styles with modern flair, the couple’s sound has been called “boundary pushing.” Register and purchase tickets at the Athenaeum’s website.
Vibe: Smoldering sax in an intimate setting Don’t miss: A chance to meet the musicians and enjoy light refreshments after the performance
Where: Athenaeum of Philadelphia, 219 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
The Philly drag scene is fire, and the AAPI Heritage Month edition of Lotus Lounge at sports bar/dance club 254 continues a monthly series of inclusive and culturally aware drag performances.
Drag queen and inimitable host Asia Monroe tears up the stage with several surprise special guest performers from Philly’s AAPI and LGBTQ+ communities. There’s no cover for the show, and food and drinks are pay as you go. (Just don’t forget to tip your queens!)
Know before you go: Check out the karaoke and cabaret before or after the show. Don’t miss: Enjoying some cocktails under the stars on the rooftop deck
Where: 254, 254 S. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Head to South Philly’s FDR Park as the Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival takes over what Food & Wine calls “one of the best food markets in the United States,” the seasonal Southeast Asian Market.
Part of Global Philadelphia’s month-long World Heritage Month programming, the cultural heritage festival features live entertainment, arts and crafts, and access to more than 70 vendors offering traditional dishes, street food, native produce, plants, jewelry, apparel and more.
Vibe: Spring-time outdoor festival Know before you go: Bring cash. Some vendors are cash-only, and there’s no ATM on site.
Where: Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
The Asian American Chamber of Commerce and the Japan American Society of Greater Philadelphia have teamed up to host Blossoms of 250 at the iconic Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center in West Fairmount Park.
On tap for the evening mixer: poetry readings and traditional dance and music performances, plus tasty Asian bites and sips.
Good for: Celebrating Asian cultures at a stunning venue Know before you go: The event is open to the public, but requires advanced ticket purchases.
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Asian Eats Restaurant Week 2026, a delicious tribute to Asian culture, cuisine and small businesses.
During this 8-day celebration, Chinatown restaurants offer limited-time-only meal deals showcasing their menus and the bold flavors of Asian cuisine dishes.
Past restaurant participants have included longtime Chinatown staple Sang Kee Peking Duck, popular Sichuan hotspot EMei Restaurant and cozy dessert shop A La Mousse.
Know before you go: Download the Let’s Rallie app for the participating restaurant map. Vibe: So much delicious food, so little time.
Where: Participating restaurants including Sang Kee Peking Duck House, 238 N. 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Gather your curious kiddos (ages 6 to 12) for an evening spirit hunt through the Penn Museum’s galleries. Kids get the opportunity to craft a charm to ward off demons and create a spirit guide along the way, all while learning about how different cultures understand the “unseen world.”
Wear your dancing shoes and expect impromptu rhythm challenges, culminating in a K-pop-inspired dance finale. Registration is required, and general museum admission gives you access to the evening program.
Vibe: A night at the museum featuring Huntrix Good for: K-pop stans, young and old
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
Spend the last day of May immersed in film at the Philadelphia Asian American Film Foundation’s (PAAFF) Spring Showcase, featuring a collection of shorts called Strangely Familiar Worlds, plus two documentary features: American Doctor and No Room for Love.
Screenings are divided between Symphony Philly and the Penn Museum’s Rainey Auditorium throughout the day.
Visit Philadelphia (hey, that’s us!) sponsors the event in addition to PAAFF’s inaugural gala themed REEL Vision: Beyond the Future on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at the Fitler Club.
Good for: Cutting-edge cinema Know before you go: Tickets are required for all events.
Where: Various locations including Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (2)
Symphony Philly, 1516 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Fitler Club, 24 S. 24th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Philly is brimming with Asian-owned restaurants serving mouthwatering dishes, both traditional and with a twist.
Book a reservation at one (or all!) of the Asian-cuisine restaurants and experiences that the James Beard Foundation honored as top-notch, like Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon’s eatery Kalaya, Ellen Yin’s concept Fork, Jesse Ito’s omakase at Royal Sushi & Izakaya, go-to hotspot Gabriella’s Vietnam, and the Cambodian noodle house Mawn.
Big fan of Asian cuisine? Dig into our articles on Philly’s must-try Chinese restaurants, Indian and Thai restaurants.
Know before you go: Definitely make reservations ahead of time. Good for: Foodies who love global cuisine
Where: Various restaurants including Mawn, 764 S. 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Thousands of the retail outposts in Philly’s thriving small business ecosystem are owned by individuals of Asian descent, from boutiques and clothing stores to beauty supply and bicycle repair shops.
These establishments are located throughout the city and region, from Center City’s Chinatown to Montco’s Ardmore. Some businesses to check out include Queen & Rook on South Street, Tran’s Produce in the 9th Street Italian Market, and pet grooming boutique ham + bone in Fishtown.
Good for: Picking up all kinds of globally inspired necessities Vibe: Shopping and then more shopping
Where: Various locations including Queen & Rook, 123 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
It’s Philly’s biggest year yet!
Make the most of it by booking the Visit Philly Overnight Package, which comes with free hotel parking and complimentary tickets to some of the most popular attractions in each of Greater Philadelphia’s five counties including Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute, the Mercer Museum in Bucks County, Longwood Gardens in Chester County, the Brandywine Museum of Art in Delaware County and Elmwood Park Zoo in Montgomery County.
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