Celebrate the unique culture and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) throughout the month of May and all year long! Below is a list of family-friendly AAPI Heritage Month events in San Diego. If you're looking for more local Asian restaurants, dessert shops, children's books and more, see our article "Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage with Kids" at https://www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/seasonal-happenings/fun-ways-to-experience-asian-culture.
2026 AAPI Heritage Month Events in San Diego
FREE Lucky Cat Keychains. Local studio ToshWerks facilitates the creation of maneki-neko (“beckoning cat” that brings good luck) keychains. Designed for children and tweens. Note that ages 8 & under must be accompanied by an adult.. Registration required as space is limited. Saturday, May 9, 3–4 pm. Carmel Mountain Ranch Library, 12095 World Trade Dr., San Diego. Register at https://sandiego.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=315306
FREE Asian Pacific Cultural Festival. Food, cultural performances, interactive cultural experiences and more. Saturday, May 16, 11 am–5 pm. House of Pacific Relations, Balboa Park. www.asianculturalfestivalsd.com
FREE Asian American Pan-Pacific Heritage Celebration. Have fun folding origami papers and making headdresses, bookmarks and other crafts. Take colorful selfies in our photo booth! No registration required. All ages welcome (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST). Thursday, May 21; 3:30–5 pm; Carmel Valley Library, 3919 Townsgate Dr.
FREE Origami Frog Race. Leap into creativity at this fun-filled children’s program! Kids (ages 6–12) will learn how to fold colorful paper into their very own jumping origami frogs—then put their creations to the test in an exciting frog race. No reservations required—just hop in and join the fun! Saturday, May 23, 1–2 pm. Carmel Mountain Ranch Library, 12095 World Trade Dr.
Art Smarts presents Hokusai's Great Wave. Join instructor Miss Claudia for drawing and painting Hokusai's Great Wave using different mediums as we celebrate AAPI Month! A fun, exciting one-hour art class for ages 5–17. Tuesday, May 26; 6–7 pm; Lloyd de Llamas Community Room at San Ysidro Library. *Seats are limited to 20 and registration is required for each participant:
Published: April 2026
