Pasadena Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month with Citywide Events for All Ages

Kids playing in a playground (File Photo – AYC)

The City of Pasadena is honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month throughout May with a robust lineup of cultural events, activities, and educational programs that spotlight the contributions and rich traditions of AAPI communities in the United States.

By News Desk

The celebration, organized with the support of The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library, features a diverse array of offerings for all ages—ranging from hands-on crafts and music to history presentations and tea tastings.

Weekly events kick off with the American Mah Jongg Club meeting every Monday (except May 26) at the Lamanda Park Branch Library, inviting adults 18 and over to play this traditional tile-based game.

Saturday, May 3

On Saturday, May 3, visitors to the La Pintoresca Branch Library can enjoy an afternoon of Traditional Chinese Music, performed by the Chinese Music Association of Southern California. Two days later, on Monday, May 5, young families can return to the same branch for an interactive session on Chinese and Korean Cultures and Crafts with local student Hera Yuan, featuring cultural facts, vocabulary, and DIY art.

Friday, May 23

Later in the month, the Jackie Robinson Community Center will host an AAPI Art Activity and Cultural Presentation on Friday, May 23, where attendees will learn to make a traditional Hawaiian flower crown known as a haku lei and explore the principles of Natural Agriculture with a presentation from the Shumei Organization. Pre-registration for this event opens May 1.

Saturday, May 24

Tea enthusiasts can look forward to Tea Tasting with Callisto Tea House on Saturday, May 24 at the Hill Avenue Branch Library. The session includes a guided tasting and cultural exploration of teas from China, India, and Korea.

Tuesday, May 27 & Saturday, May 31

The month wraps up with two themed storytimes: an AAPI Toddler Storytime on Tuesday, May 27 at Hastings Branch Library, and a Bilingual Chinese Storytime for preschoolers on Saturday, May 31 at Hill Avenue Branch Library.

In addition to in-person events, Pasadena will spotlight local AAPI-owned businesses through a month-long social media series hosted by the City’s Public Affairs and Economic Development Divisions. Residents can follow along via Facebook and Instagram @CityOfPasadena and Twitter @PasadenaGov.

For registration details, event updates, and more information, visit CityOfPasadena.net/Reserve or contact the hosting libraries and centers directly.