Celebrate the unique culture and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) throughout the month of May and all year long! Our list of family-friendly AAPI Heritage Month events in San Diego includes crafts, art projects, storytime, dance lessons, cooking demos and more.
AAPI Heritage Month Events
FREE Eastern Dragon Mythology Activity Kits. Learn about the role dragons play in Chinese Culture and mythology. Each kit contains eastern dragon facts, a dragon roll craft, dragon glasses, a light-up dragon necklace and fun coloring activities. Available while supplies last. May 10–31. City Heights Library, 3795 Fairmount Ave. www.sandiego.gov/sdplaapi
VIRTUAL FREE Art of Cartooning: Hello Kitty. The Japanese word “kawaii,” roughly translated as “cute,” is also a cultural phenomenon in Japan. Draw a character often referred to as an early example of kawaii, Hello Kitty! May 11, 2–2:15 pm. www.sandiego.gov/sdplaapi
VIRTUAL FREE Storytime with Señor Chon. Señor Chon reads "Henry and the Kite Dragon" by Bruce Edward Hall and William Low, to celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month. "A Chinese boy becomes angry when the Italian boys in his New York City neighborhood keep destroying the beautiful kites the boy has helped make. When he gathers his friends to seek revenge, what they gain instead is understanding. A gorgeously illustrated story based on true events that have a positive message for readers of all ages." May 14, 10–10:30 am. www.sandiego.gov/sdplaapi
VIRTUAL FREE Art of Cartooning: Badtz-Maru. The second Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month edition. Today’s character was created by the same company as Hello Kitty. He’s a little penguin who has been featured on apparel, DVDs, and even guitars. May 18, 2–2:15 pm. www.sandiego.gov/sdplaapi
VIRTUAL FREE Polynesian Paradise Dancers. Travel to the South Pacific and learn the history, culture, music, language and dances of Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand and Samoa. Presented by the San Diego Public Library to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. May. 20, 3:30-4 pm. www.sandiego.gov/sdplaapi
VIRTUAL FREE How to Make Halo-Halo. Learn how to make the ultimate refreshing Filipino summer dessert, Halo-Halo. May. 22, 11 am–12 pm. www.sandiego.gov/sdplaapi
VIRTUAL FREE Japanese Cherry Blossom Painting. Learn how to create a beautiful, yet easy, Japanese cherry blossom painting. Also, discuss the significance and symbolism of the cherry blossom within Japanese culture. May 23, 10-10:30 am. www.sandiego.gov/sdplaapi
VIRTUAL FREE Fruit Shaped Paper Fan. Join the library for a craft activity making your own Fruit Shaped Paper Fan. They are easy to make, cute to carry around, and the perfect accessory to cool off on a hot summer day. Come by the Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Branch Library (9005 Aero Dr.) to pick up a free supply kit while supplies last. May 27, 2–2:30 pm. www.sandiego.gov/sdplaapi
Published: May 2021
