May marks the beginning of Asian American + Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month — a time to celebrate heritage, cultures, and communities. Thanks to the folks at LEX Get HAAPI, we have a jam-packed month filled with ways to learn, observe, and delight in the cultures that have helped mold our diverse city.
Moondance Celebration
Tonight at 6 p.m., will serve as a kick off celebration featuring food trucks, vendors + performances from local AAPI groups including:
- Bluegrass Filipino Cultural Dance Troupe
- Shuling Studios
- K-Pop band Kode Blue
- Dr. Kim’s World Taekwondo Academy
- Saw Peep Intercultural Ensemble
- Belles of the Bluegrass
The Carnegie Center for Literacy + Learning will host a tea tasting + poetry reading this month. | Photo courtesy of @gethaapiky
Poetry Reading
On Friday, May 10, continue the celebration with a poetry reading at the Carnegie Center for Literacy + Learning. Beginning at 6 p.m., attendees can join for a tea ceremony + tasting, then hear poems and stories from local AAPI writers.
LexArts Gallery Hop
LEX Get HAAPI will be joining the community favorite monthly art series Gallery Hop. On Friday, May 17, local AAPI artists will take to the Central Library to highlight artistry from their respective nations with live dance + musical performances, a fashion show, visual art, and food from Teppan Food Truck. Many of the works will remain on display until Sunday, July 7. The Hop is free to the public and opens at 5 p.m.
We feel as excited about AAPI Month as Vice Mayor Dan Wu. | Photo courtesy of @gethaapiky
The Kentucky Theatre Movie Weekend
Round out the month with a movie marathon at The Kentucky Theatre:
- Thursday, May 23 | A screening of “Yellow Rose” followed by a musical performance
- Friday, May 24 | A screening of “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” followed by a dance performance by The Fam Foundation
- Sunday, May 26 | Story time by Yvonne Hwang followed by a screening of “Turning Red”
