Asian Pacific Islander
American Heritage Month 2025

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a monthlong commemoration of the history and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month (also sometimes called Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander [AANHPI] Heritage Month) takes place in the U.S. in May and was permanently designated AAPI Heritage Month in 1992.

Click HERE to learn about the history of

U.S. AAPI Heritage Month

Participating Restaurants & Businesses

Here's a list of some of the specials and scheduled events

offered May 23-31!

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Check out Lulu's special - One appetizer and one main course of your choice and a sesame ball for $29.99

($4.99 additional charge for salmon - mention the promotion!)

Visit Inspired Indian and enjoy a special offering of Samosa Puff and Iced Chai for $10!

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Dozika is offering a 15% discount!

(must mention this promotion)

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niceLena & Friends is offering a 10% discount on Asian food-inspired items at her shop!

Check back for more specials including a special Bibimbop at Papa Bop and a black sesame croissant at Backlot!

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Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month 2025
Here are some activities and events to check out throughout the month of May!

The 28th Annual Asian American Showcase

Fri, May 16

Gene Siskel Film Center

The Foundation for Asian American Independent Media (FAAIM) is an organization that celebrates emerging Asian American creative talent with an annual film festival and comedy variety show.

more info

How Symbols of Seasonality in Japanese Poetry Depict Emotion

Mon, May 19

Evanston Public Library

Artist Mami Takahashi will explore various forms of Japanese poetry, including waka and haiku, from both ancient and modern periods, focusing on how these poems use symbols of seasonality to depict emotion.

more info

Teen/Tween Anime Club Meet Up

Thu, May 22

Evanston Public Library

Calling all anime fans! Join us for an exciting afternoon of anime-themed fun before school ends! At this meet-up, you'll be able to: meet new friends and talk about the latest manga releases, watch some shows and even find some new favorites, challenge players in games to win some fun prizes!

more info

Asian Entertainment Appreciation Group

Sun, May 25

Evanston Public Library

This is where you can go all out (but spoiler-free) on your love of Squid Game, The Untamed, Alice in Borderland, Blackpink, Jeff Satur, Zhou Shen and more!

more info

Let's Learn and Sing in Japanese!/ にほんごでうたお!

Wed, May 28

Evanston Public Library

Sing and move to seasonal songs and nursery rhymes with Ms. Doremi! Hear stories and learn about Japanese culture. Best for kids aged 0-5.

more info

Cultural Conversations: AAPINH Heritage Month

Thu, May 29

Rizal Center

Please join the League of Chicago Theatres and CIRCA Pintig for the next installment in our Cultural Conversations series in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

more info

AAPI Affinity Night for Gorgeous by Keiko Green

Fri, May 30

Raven Theatre

Come to Raven and enjoy the world premiere of GORGEOUS, on a night specially dedicated to and celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) audience members. If you identify as part of this community and would like to be a part of this special evening, GET YOUR TICKETS!

more info

Umbrella Arts Festival

Sat, May 31

Fountain Square, Downtown Evanston

The 5th annual Umbrella Arts Festival celebrates Asian American history, culture and art, featuring over 60 artist and food vendors, performances, and hands-on arts and cultural activities for all ages!

more info