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2023
Asian Food Fest*
April 29-30th | Check website for times | Court Street Plaza
The region’s premiere festival celebrating Asian food, music, comedy, and culture returns to Downtown Cincinnati. Experience over 150 dishes from 30+ vendors from the area. Cultural performances from regional artists and family-friendly activities fill each day with something fun and unique for everybody.
Free Admission, ♿︎
Visit the Asian Food Fest website
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Wokstar Asian Lager: Birthday Celebration*
May 1-7 | Restaurant Hours | Oriental Wok Restaurants
One year ago the Wokstar Lager was born! Oriental Wok and Rhinegeist collaborated to create an Asian-style lager. Celebrate this epic beer’s 1st birthday by collecting a special Wokstar souvenir glass with your beer purchase May 1-7; while supplies last.
FREE Souvenir Wokstar Glass with beer purchase, ♿︎
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Oriental Wok’s Signature Fortune Cookie Candle: Mother’s Day Deal*
May 1-7 | Restaurant Hours | Oriental Wok Restaurants
Celebrate Asian Heritage Month and Mother's Day with the scent of a delicious vanilla fortune cookie! Locally crafted, hand-poured, natural soy candles with signature Oriental Wok fortune cookie scent; while supplies last.
$32 per candle | Mother's Day Deal: $100 for (1) $75 gift card + (1) Fortune Cookie Candle ♿︎
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VOICES & VISIONS: Expressions by Cincinnati Asian American Artists*
Opening Reception: May 6th | 3-5 PM | Walnut Hills Branch Library
This exhibition celebrates the creativity and achievements of regional Asian American artists during the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Ten artists from six different cultural heritages will showcase their works of paintings, carvings, printmaking, ceramics, andsculpture to pay tribute to their artistic traditions. The exhibition is organized by Yu Ling Huang and Cincinnati Asian American artists. Voices & Visions runs May 5-May 27 at the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Library’s Walnut Hills Branch.
Free Admission, ♿︎
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May Midwest Pa’ina
May 6 | 12-6 PM | Kealoha’s Kitchen 3428 Decoursey Ave, Covington, KY 41015
Kealoha's Kitchen is hosting its 3rd Potluck Pa'ina Celebration at Pandemonium (next door to Kealoha’s Kitchen)! There will be slack key music and entertainment, vendors, food, and plenty of Aloha. If you would like to be a vendor or entertainer, please pm Kealoha's Kitchen. There is no booth fee, but spaces are limited. Kealoha's Kitchen will provide kalua pig, rice, and potato-macaroni salad. Please bring a dish to share.
Free Admission
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Japan America Community Night
with FC Cincinnati
May 6th | Pre-game 4:30 PM; Match time 7:30 PM | TQL Stadium 1501 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45202
An event that has become a JASGC tradition, Japan America Community Night is a fun opportunity to join fellow fans of FC Cincinnati and show your support for FCC striker Yuya Kubo, North America's only male Japanese professional soccer player.
Tickets from $31, ♿︎
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Bánh Appétit Pop-Up*
May 8th | 6-10 PM | Longfellow 1233 Clay St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Special AAPI Heritage Month Menu featuring croissant bánh mì's (3 options: pork, chicken, jackfruit), soup, and a refreshing Vietnamese dessert. Not to mention the venue is at a great bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks! Brought to you by two Cincinnati-based Vietnamese buds, one of whom was recently featured as a chef in Cincinnati Magazine’s Spring Savor dining event. Come eat and have fun with a spin on a classic Vietnamese sandwich.
Free Admission, ♿︎
Made possible by @meltedturnip, @longfellowcinti, @el_caminobakingco
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Trivia Night: AAPI History*
May 9th | 6:30 PM | Esoteric Brewing Company
Join the OPAWL team at Esoteric Brewing Company to test your knowledge of AAPI History. Grab a beer and a bite from Decibel - it’s going to be a good time!
Free Admission, ♿︎
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Beyond Barbed Wire: A Family's Living Legacy of the Japanese Internment Camps*
May 9th | 6-7 PM | Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church, 5950 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45213
Learn about the legacy of America’s illegal internment of people of Japanese-descent during World War II from Denny Kato, third-generation Japanese-American and graduate of both Walnut Hills High School & the University of Cincinnati.
Tickets $10 ($5 for students), ♿︎
For more info, visit the JASGC website
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Culture Awareness Workshop: East Asian Business Etiquettes
May 11th / 12-1 PM / Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce, 3 E 4th St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce offer a lineup of stellar speakers familiar with the AAPI topics, ranging from diversity, equity and inclusion, to economic development and future leadership. You don’t want to miss this special learning experience in honor of AAPI Heritage Month!
Free Admission
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Happy Asianati Day!*
May 12th / ALL DAY / Asianati
Our sister-organization Asianati has been recognized by the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners for the hard work they do to support the AAPI Community in Cincinnati. May 12, 2023 is officially “Asianati Day” throughout Hamilton County and to celebrate, a number of Bubble Tea shops in the area are offering special “Asianati Day” bubble tea drinks.
All proceeds go to the University of Cincinnati’s Bearcats Pantry. Available at Eighteen Bubble Tea shops around Cincinnati.
Visit Asianati’s website for a listing of all locations and flavors!
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Dancing to Blissful Poetry*
May 13th | 2 PM | Sharonville Public Library, 10980 Thornview Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45241
Nishita will be performing a thematic show, Dancing to the Blissful Poetry as a part of the Ohio Arts Council Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grant award. Nishita celebrates the 14th century poetry and compositions which are still relevant and popular today. Nishita will be performing these dances in Folk, Kuchipudi and Bharata Natyam dance styles. Each dance tells heritage stories while being inclusive of everyone regardless of their social status. Sponsored by the Ohio Arts Council.
Free Admission, ♿︎
Visit culturalcenterofindia.com for more info
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Screening: Yellow Rose presented by Woodward Cinema
May 15th | 7 PM | The Woodward Theater
FASO and Woodward Theater present the FilAm drama Yellow Rose starring Eva Noblezada and Lea Salonga. Yellow Rose tells the story of a FilAm teen growing up in Texas who wants to be a country music performer.
Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 day of show
Visit FASO's Facebook page for more info
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Culture Awareness Workshop: The Warring States of the Middle Kingdom
May 18th / 12-1 PM / Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce, 3 E 4th St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
The Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce offer a lineup of stellar speakers familiar with the AAPI topics, ranging from diversity, equity and inclusion, to economic development and future leadership. You don’t want to miss this special learning experience in honor of AAPI Heritage Month!
Free Admission
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AAPI Night at the Movies*
May 18th / 7 PM / Esquire Theatre, 320 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220
Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati and FASO present a rare showing of the Broadway musical Allegiance based on the real life experience of George Takei. One of two screenings (May 18 & 21).
Tickets: $10.25 Adults / $7.75 Children & Senior Citizens; ♿︎
Purchase tickets through the Esquire Theater
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VOICES & VISIONS: Expressions by Cincinnati Asian American Artists at CAC*
May 19 Opening Reception / 5-8 PM / Contemporary Arts Center
This exhibition celebrates the creativity and achievements of regional Asian American artists during the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Ten artists from six different cultural heritages will showcase their works of paintings, carvings, printmaking, ceramics, andsculpture to pay tribute to their artistic traditions. The exhibition is organized by Yu Ling Huang and Cincinnati Asian American artists. Voices & Visions runs May 17-June 18 at the CAC.
Free Admission, ♿︎
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Conversations with Artists*
May 20th / 2-4 PM / Walnut Hills Branch Public Library
The event will invite several highly accomplished AAPI members in the arts to serve as panelists. They will share their experiences including opportunities and challenges with the audience. Audience is welcome to ask questions and exchange thoughts with the panelists.
Free Admission, ♿︎
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AAPI Night at the Movies*
May 21st / 1 PM / Mariemont Theatre, 606 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, OH 45227
Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati and FASO present a rare showing of the Broadway musical Allegiance based on the real life experience of George Takei. One of two screenings (May 18 & 21).
Tickets: $10.25 Adults / $7.75 Children & Senior Citizens; ♿︎
Purchase tickets through the Mariemont Theatre HERE
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Happy 1st Birthday, Wok Star
May 20th / 2-6 PM / The Hilltop, Mt. Adams950 Pavilion St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Oriental Wok and The Hilltop are collaborating to celebrate the 1 year anniversary of Wok Star. Purchase a pint and take home a limited edition glass. We will be offering egg rolls and crab rangoon prepared by Oriental Wok. Live music by Cybele from 2-4 on our patio. Special guest bartender.
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Immersive Dinner Experience
May 22nd / 6-8 PM / Oriental Wok (FT Mitchell location)
317 Buttermilk Pike, Fort Mitchell, KY
In Honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Brighton Center and Oriental Wok are partnering to offer an immersive dinner highlighting the immigrant experience on Monday, May 22, 2023, at the Fort Mitchell location. The dinner will include an authentic meal, drinks, and an opportunity to hear from Mike and his daughter Susanna Wong about their experience immigrating to the U.S. and opening their own business.
Tickets: $95, ♿︎
To purchase tickets, visit the Brighton Center Website.
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Tune In: AAPI Artists on Cincinnati Edition*
May 25th | 12 PM | 91.7 WVXU
Several exhibits in Cincinnati are highlighting the works of local Asian American artists for AAPI Heritage Month. The subject matter explores issues of heritage, immigration and social justice. Curators Yuling Huang and Saad Ghosn have brought together more than a dozen artists for the month of May.
The exhibit Voices & Visions: Expressions by Cincinnati Asian American Artists is on display through May 27 at the Walnut Hills Branch Public Library and through June 18 at the Contemporary Arts Center.
The AAPI Celebratory Art Event and Art Exhibit is May 27 from 2-6 p.m. at the Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church. The exhibit runs through June 11.
On Cincinnati Edition, we discuss the contributions of local AAPI artists. Guests:
Yuling Huang, artist and part-time faculty of art history, Northern Kentucky University School of the Arts Art & Design program
Saad Ghosn, organizer, founder and artist, SOS Art
Listen on 91.7 WVXU’s website
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Culture Awareness Workshop: The Silk Road Legacy
May 25th / 12-1 PM / Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce
3 E 4th St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
The Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce offers a lineup of stellar speakers familiar with the AAPI topics ranging from diversity, equity and inclusion, to economic development and future leadership. You don’t want to miss this special learning experience in honor of AAPI Heritage Month!
Free Admission
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Indian American Chamber of Commerce Open Networking Event
May 25th / 5:30-7 PM / Champlain Architecture, 720 E Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Join the IACC for our annual free Open Networking Event. We will have food, drinks and guest speaker Kal Patel, CEO/Entrepreneur will be joining us. Come to socialize and network with other like-minded individuals. Hear about our upcoming events and our membership benefits.
Free Admission, ♿︎
For more info and to RSVP, visit the IACC website
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Artist Talk: Inside Out, Interplay Between Mark and Word*
May 25th / 6 PM / Westheimer Gallery, 11165 Reading Road Sharonville, Ohio 45241
Join us at the Westheimer Gallery for a special conversation with our May Gallery Artist, Priya Rama! This event is free and open to the public. Priya Rama's art is born from her chronic migraines. When one begins, along with the pain and pressure, colors and shapes appear in her mind's eye. These get transformed into hyperchromatic paintings of resilience. Often, completing a painting acts as a release, reminding us that the mind can do more than just process pain: It can transform pain into beauty. Hosted by the Sharonville Cultural Arts Center
Free Admission, ♿︎
For more info, see the Event Information on Facebook
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Paper Lanterns Burlesque & Aerial Variety Show
May 25th and 26th / 7-10:30 PM / Somerhaus Event Space - 1415 Republic Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
FUNKē Presents "Paper Lanterns" at Somerhaus, a sexy, sensual, energetic, and empowering Spring burlesque and aerial show starring the legendary Frankie Fictitious and a beautiful blend of artists showcasing favorites from our main cast and celebrating Asian-American artistic contributions to burlesque. As Kasey Crimson, Madame Mira, Ling, Mirage, Mizzo, and Pam Blessing take to the floor and air in epic, spell-binding performances, guests will be teleported into a beautiful dream of rich colors, hypnotic movement, and inspiring music. Don't miss this opportunity to see Frankie Fictitious and our super-star cast up close and personal in this incredible night club setting.
Tickets: $45-75, ♿︎
Purchase tickets on Eventbrite
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Esoteric presents: A Filipino Fiesta*
May 27th | 11 AM - 3 PM | Esoteric Brewing, 918 E McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45206
Help close out AAPI Heritage Month Cincinnati with a Filipino Fiesta celebration at Esoteric Brewing. Potluck Filipino desserts are encouraged. FACPA will be performing traditional Philippine dances at 1:00. Hosted by Esoteric Brewing Company and FASO.
Free Admission, ♿︎
Visit the Facebook Event page for more info
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Adopteen Lunch for Adoptees*
May 27th | 12-1 PM | HARU, 628 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45202
CALLING ALL ADOPTEES. This is a special Korean lunch at the restaurant Haru for adoptees. If you identify as AAPI and are an adoptee, join Aidan Curran and Jane Rudnick with the Southern Ohio and Kentucky Adopteen Chapters to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month together!
Lunch ranges between $10-$20, ♿︎
Check out Adopteen’s Facebook page for more info | The Park Community Website
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AAPI Cultural Heritage Celebratory Art Exhibit and Art Event*
May 27th | 2-6 PM | Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church, 103 William Howard Taft Road
A celebration of artistic expressions by Asian Americans of East Asian, SouthEast Asian, and Pacific Islander descent presented by SOS ART. Featuring panel discussions, poetry readings, art presentations, and performances -all by Asian American artists from Greater Cincinnati.
Additional Gallery Openings: May 28, June 3 & 4, June 10 & 11 from 2-6pm.
Free Admission, ♿︎
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Oriental Wok on Cincinnati Edition*
May 31st | Noon | 91.7 WVXU
Join host Lucy May as she has an insightful and hilarious conversation with Mike Wong and his daughter Susanna about coming to America and running one of the most visible Asian restaurants in Cincinnati.
Free Admission, ♿︎
Listen on 91.7 WVXU’s website
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AAPI Heritage Month Closing Party*
June 1st | 5-9 PM | Five Points Alley, 2425 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206
Join us for the third-annual AAPI Heritage Month Cincinnati Closing party. Hosted this year by our sister-organization Asianati and our friends Cincy Nice featuring an Express Yourself Open Mic and an exhibition of “52 Voices.” Food Trucks and Drinks will be on-site.
Free Admission, ♿︎
BEYOND MAY
Cincinnati couldn’t fit all the events into May. Join us in celebrating AAPI culture, stories, and food beyond AAPI Heritage Month!
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Asian American Cultural Celebration Youth Concert*
June 2nd | 6:30 - 7:30 PM | Fairfield Lane Library, 1485 Corydale Dr, Fairfield, OH 45014
Youth members of the Asian American Coalition of Ohio (AACO), who are also distinguished musicians with the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra, Junior String and Youth Wind Ensemble will delight us with a very special performance. In addition to the beautiful concert they've put together for us, they'll also regale us with a singing performance, and a traditional dance performance as well. After the concert, we'll have the opportunity to engage them in conversation and hear a little about their stories and experiences growing up bi-cultural and bilingual. This will be an unforgettable evening and we can't wait to experience such authentic and heart-felt performances by these incredibly talented individuals. Please join us for this exclusive, after-hours event.
Free Admission, ♿︎
To register for the event, visit the Lane Libraries website or call (513) 858-3238.
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Asian American Mini-Fest*
June 3rd | 1 - 4 PM | Fairfield Lane Library, 1485 Corydale Dr, Fairfield, OH 45014
Asian American Coalition of Ohio (AACO) presents a family-friendly event full of Asian crafts, games, displays, traditional costumes and so many more activities to celebrate Asian culture and traditions. The Mini-Fest, unlike the concert, does not require registration, and we just encourage families to drop in anytime during the festival!
Free Admission, ♿︎
Visit the Lane Libraries website or call (513) 858-3238 for more info
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Taste of Lebanon*
June 4th | 12 - 7 PM | St Anthony of Padua Church, 2530 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH, United States, Ohio
This crowd-pleasing Mediterranean Food Festival returns featuring delicious homemade Lebanese cuisine. Featuring Kibbee, Falafel, Hummus, Tabouli, Shawarma, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Spinach Pies, Meat Pies, Green Beans and Rice. Items sold a-la-carte. Dine-in or Carry out. Vegetarian options. Pastries including Baklawa, Lebanese Coffee, Craft Beer sponsored by Dead Low Brewing. Traditional music, dancing, and imported grocery booth completes this Cultural experience! Free parking and admission, grounds are handicap accessible.
Free Admission, ♿︎
For more info, view the event on Facebook.
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Dances of India*
June 13th | 2 PM | Anderson Branch Public Library, 7450 State Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230
Free Interactive Family Friendly Show Music, dance, action, drama, glamor all comes together in Bollywood movies and dance numbers. These dances have a touch of tradition, includes many different flavors and walks of life. These dances are very popular all over the world given they are earthy, simple yet energizing in nature. You will see fun, celebration and happiness in all these dance sequences. Dancers dressed in colorful costumes, intricate jewelry and theatrical makeup will entertain you with breath-taking footwork and ancient story-telling techniques. Create a magical moment for you with this spectacular showcase of artistic expression, energy and the beauty that will make you experience incredible Dances of India. Hosted by the Cultural Centre of India.
Free Admission, ♿︎
For more info, view the event on Facebook.
2022
AAPI Heritage Month Kickoff Party*
April 30 | 4 - 8 PM ET | Esoteric Brewery
Celebrate the beginning of AAPI Heritage Month with music, drinks from Esoteric, Cincinnati’s only Black & Asian owned brewery, Korean fried chicken from Decibel, and the launch of “Where Are You Really From?”, a zine about the AAPI experience in the Midwest. Kids’ activities, including a DIY zine making station, music by DJ Druskii, and a Tai Chi demonstration for World Tai Chi Day. Stick around for a karaoke after party hosted by Esoteric.
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Beyond Barbed Wire
May 1 | 4 PM ET | Virtual or live at Harriet Beecher Stowe House
Denny Kato shares his family's living legacy of the Japanese internment camps in WWII. This will be a hybrid program, with limited tickets available for on-site seating. It will also be live streamed online to those who have reserved tickets. Online participants will be able to hear and participate in live Q&A after the lecture.
Register here $7 general / free for HBSH members
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An Evening with Simon Tam & The Slants
May 4 | 6 PM ET | Joy and Matt’s Books
Joy and Matt's Books is thrilled to welcome Simon Tam author of Slanted: How an Asian American Troublemaker Took on the Supreme Court — the story of an indomitable spirit who so believes in the idea of justice that he’s willing to risk everything along the way for the dignity of self-identity. Simon reveals a deeply personal account that will take you from anime conventions to the Supreme Court, all in the name of justice. The story provides a raw look at our legal system with unflinching honesty and offers timely insights on freedom of speech, how to connect with others we disagree with, and the power of music.
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Story Tree Time*
May 4, 11, 18, 25 | 11 AM ET | Virtual
For AAPI Heritage Month, the Cincinnati Museum Center is partnering with Asianati to feature Asian and Pacific Islander authored books, read by local AAPI leaders through their Story Tree Time series. A new video will be released every Wednesday. Stream all readings on the Cincinnati Museum Center’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. This is a great event for kids to also celebrate AAPI heritage, language, and creativity.
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Oriental Wok + Rhinegeist “WokStar” Collaboration Beer First Tap*
May 4 | 4 - 6 PM ET | Hyde Park Oriental Wok and Ft. Mitchell Oriental Wok
Join the Midwest Chinese Chamber of Commerce for a special Beer & Guanxi networking event. Come to Oriental Wok for a special sneak peek of their new beer, “WokStar,” a collaboration beer developed by Oriental Wok and Rhinegeist brewery. Appetizers will be served as you enjoy the first tastes in the city of this new brew.
IACC Network Event with Mayor Aftab Pureval
May 4 | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM ET | Champlin Architecture
Join the Indian American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) for their mid-year celebration. Network and socialize with other professionals and businesses in the Greater Cincinnati area with honored guest Mayor Aftab Pureval.
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Counterstories of Asian Americans in Higher Education
May 5 | 12 - 1 PM ET | Virtual
Join us as we celebrate and uplift the voices of Asian Americans at Miami University. This panel experience will be a space for faculty and staff on campus to share their lived experiences as Asian Americans in higher education.
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We F*cking Love Free Speech: A Celebration of the First Amendment
May 5 | 6:30-8:30 PM ET | 21C Museum Hotel
Join the ACLU to celebrate the anniversary of Matal v. Tam and all things free speech. The event will start with live music and conclude with a panel of experts who will share more about this landmark SCOTUS victory, current free speech lawsuits in Ohio, and the recent onslaught of anti-free speech legislation at the Ohio Statehouse. Panelists include Simon Tam and Joe X. Jiang of The Slants and David Carey, Gary Daniels, and Cindy Tomm of ACLU Ohio.
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Rhinegeist “Wokstar” Beer Launch*
May 6 | 3 - 7 PM ET | Rhinegeist Brewery OTR
Let’s celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with beer, games, and appetizers in the Rhinegeist tap room! Rhinegeist and Oriental Wok collaborated to created a new brew called “WokStar,” which Rhinegeist will feature in honor of AAPI Heritage Month. During the event, special appetizers will be available with proceeds benefitting Asianati.
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Asian Food Fest*
May 7 - 8 | Court Street, Downtown Cincinnati
The 11th annual Asian Food Fest is the banner event for AAPI Heritage Month and the first major Cincinnati food festival scheduled for 2022. This vibrant community festival celebrates culture and cuisine from Asian and Pacific Island countries including Cambodia, China, Hawaii, India, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. While food is definitely the heart of this festival, the event also features live entertainment, local craft and Asian beer, fun family activities, and more.
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Workshop: Taoism & Taichi
May 10 | 9 - 10 AM ET | Virtual
Join the Midwest USA Chinese Chamber of Commerce for a preview of their education and cultural awareness workshop series with Taoism & Tai Chi – An Evolution of Philosophy to Self Defense Combat Skills. Take a look at how a philosophy originated in ancient China became the founding principles of self defense techniques.
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Exploring Asian Culture For Kids & Teens*
May 14 | 2 - 4 PM ET | Symmes Township Branch Library
Experience traditional cultural displays, music and performances, arts and crafts, and snacks from various Asian countries. Plus, ask questions and interact with a group of youth from the local Asian community. Made possible by the Greater Cincinnati Chinese Cultural Exchange Association and the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library.
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AAPI Heritage Celebration Gala
May 14 | 5 - 9 PM ET | Memorial Hall
Asian American Coalition of Ohio (AACO) is proud to host Ohio’s first ever AAPI Heritage Celebration and Award Gala. The gala will provide an opportunity for the local community to unite with lively music, dance performances, recognition of AAPI contributions, and appreciation of diversity. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval will deliver the keynote speech, accompanied by other speakers including Oxford Vice Mayor Dr. Chantel Raghu, Fifth Third Bank Senior Vice President and Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer Stephanie A. Smith, and U.S. veteran and professional coach Roy Nickerson. Music and dance performances begin at 5pm, and the gala and speeches begin at 6:30.
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Love Has No Borders*
May 17 | 7 - 8:30 PM ET | Deer Park Library Branch
Join us to experience Love Has No Borders, a storytelling campaign that aims to uplift local, Ohio & Midwestern immigration narratives and shift public support for comprehensive immigration reform that will reunite and keep families together. Explore OPAWL’s (Building AAPI Feminist Leadership) Love Has No Borders project which includes diverse storytellers who have been impacted by the U.S. immigration system who share their stories via photography, short-form video, podcast episodes, personal essays, and poetry on social media and a digital gallery. All immigrants deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and to have a permanent place to call home. In partnership with OPAWL Cincinnati Caucus in honor of AAPI Heritage Month.
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Beer & Guanxi
May 17 | 5 - 6 PM ET | Uncle Yip’s
Join the Midwest USA Chinese Chamber of Commerce for this popular monthly networking event hosted at different venues throughout the region. Their goal is to provide a networking platform for executives and professionals to interact with each other and find opportunities from, with and within the Chinese business community.
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Big Red Coffee Talk & Tasting
May 19 | 4 - 6 PM ET | Virtual or in person at Deeper Roots Coffee 4th Street
When it comes to coffee from Papua New Guinea, few are as knowledgable as Vikram Patel – Director of Benchmark Coffee Traders. In the beginning, Vikram found high quality PNG coffees to be very underrepresented in the American specialty coffee market. Through Benchmark he and his team have worked hard to crack away at that while helping to develop higher quality coffees in PNG and elevate the presence of PNG in the American coffee scene. Join Vikram in exploring the rare and unique tasting notes that can only be found in Big Red (a special PNG microlot coffee) and learn about their school project in Papua New Guinea that was funded in part through Deeper Roots Coffee's Community Giveback Program.
Full event info & registration here $5/person. Includes 4oz sample bag of Big Red to take home. *virtual event registration ends May 11th*
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Nature Origami*
May 19 | 7 PM ET | Sharon Woods
Explore the fascinating history of origami, the Japanese art of folding paper. The Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati (JASGC) and a nature interpreter will bring together the cultural significance of a skilled art form and share information about local wildlife from Ohio. Each participant will meet live animals, then try their hands at creating each animal as origami.
Register by 5/15 here For ages 10 and up. $5/person
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"I Am Here/You Were There" Kickoff Event*
May 20 | 6 PM ET | Virtual
Join us for the kickoff event for "I Am Here/You Were There: Archiving Transgenerational Memory Within the Korean Diaspora," an online exhibition that brings together three artists – Jiwon Choi, Jesse Chun, and Kang Seung Lee – whose works navigate the transnational and transgenerational histories of the Korean diaspora. The event will include a special musical performance by St. Lenox, a keynote address by Dr. Grace M. Cho, and a breakout discussion facilitated by OPAWL.
The Experiences of Asian American Women
May 21 | 2 - 3 PM ET | Virtual
A recent survey published by National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum shows that 62% of all hate incidents nationwide are reported by Asian American women. From the very beginning, fetishization and intersection of racism and sexism have been the lived experiences of Asian women in this country. This panel discussion explores the migration history and popular perceptions of Asian women, hate incidents against this group and ways to combat stereotypes and racism/misogyny. All are welcome to join this event as allies. Panelists include Professor Judy Wu of UC Irvine, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Preval, Felicity Tao (Co-Chair of GCCCEA), & Maki Somosot (Co-Lead of OPAWL’s Kaarawan Filipinx caucus). Made possible by the Greater Cincinnati Chinese Cultural Exchange Association and the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library.
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Exploring Asian Culture For Kids & Teens*
May 21 | 2 - 4 PM ET | Norwood Branch Library
Join the Greater Cincinnati Chinese Cultural Exchange Association and Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library to enjoy traditional cultural displays, music, performances, arts and crafts, and snacks from various Asian countries. There is also an opportunity to ask questions and interact with a group of youth from the local Asian American community.
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Japan America Community Night with FC Cincinnati*
May 21 | 6 PM ET | TQL Stadium
Show your support for FC Cincinnati and Japanese striker Yuya Kubo, currently the only Japanese (and only known Asian) MLS player in the United States. For AAPI Heritage Month, discounted tickets available for this event courtesy of FC Cincinnati in one of several reserved sections of TQL Stadium.
Purchase tickets here Discount available through May 9 only. Discount code and additional ticket information at jasgc.org.
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Indian Heritage Night*
May 22 | 5 - 7 PM ET | Esoteric Brewery
Join us in the taproom for a celebration of Indian culture! There will be a Henna tattoo station, traditional Indian cuisine, and traditional Indian performances. Sponsored by Nrityarpana School of Performing Arts, India Cultural Association, and Association for India's Development.
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AANHPI Town Hall: Youth Leadership Workshop
May 24 | 4 - 5 PM ET | West Chester Township Administrative Building
Join AANHPI community leader Lee Wong for a town hall meeting in West Chester and learn about his leadership skills as the township's trustee for the 5th consecutive term.
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An Evening with Toko Shiiki and Erik Santos
May 25 | 6 PM ET | Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church
The Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati (JASGC) will be hosting a screening of A Thousand Pebbles on the Ground, a short film by Japanese Filmmaker Toko Shiiki. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with Ms. Shiki. The event will also feature live music by Erik Santos, who recently received the title of “The Philippine Composer of the Century.”
Full event info & registration here $20/person. Includes light appetizers from Mei Japanese Restaurant and two drink tickets
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Model Minority/Forever Foreigner: Shedding Light on Anti-Asian American Racism
May 25 | 7 - 8 PM ET | Virtual
Join the Greater Cincinnati Chinese Cultural Exchange Association and Greater Anderson Promotes Peace for a panel discussion focusing on Asian American immigration history, the impact of anti-Asian hate and practicing cultural humility in healthcare settings.
Full event info here Registration link coming soon
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AAPI Creatives Round Table
May 26 | 6 PM ET | Art Academy of Cincinnati
Join us for a conversation about AAPI creativity in Cincinnati. Though our city is known for its creative industries and arts scene, representation of the AAPI community is still relatively invisible. Panelists include Simon Tam of the band The Slants and founder of the Slants Foundation, Jay B. Kalagayan, creator and writer of MeSseD Comics, and Emily Hanako Momohara, visual artist and documentary filmmaker. Learn about projects going on in our city and the ways in which AAPI creatives are uplifting our voices and pushing our city toward an inclusive artistic culture.
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Chinese Heritage Day*
May 28 | 12 - 3 PM ET | Esoteric Brewery
Join the Greater Cincinnati Chinese Cultural Exchange Association and Esoteric, Cincinnati’s only Black & Asian owned brewery to enjoy Chinese cultural displays and performing arts while enjoying a beer crafted with ingredients sourced locally and grown organically.
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2021
AAPI Heritage Month Kickoff
May 1 | 4 - 8 PM ET | Five Points Alley (2425 Gilbert Ave.)
Join us as we kick off Asian American Pacific Heritage Month. Grab a drink from Comfort Station and meet us at Five Points Alley in historic Walnut Hills for food, music, and community. Music by the Andrew Lin Quartet. Food by Kealoha's Kitchen Food Truck. Brought to you by Cincy Nice, Asianati/AACAC, and Afrochine. Sponsored by P&G.
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Asian Food Week 2021
May 3-9 | Participating Greater Cincinnati Restaurants
Visit participating restaurants May 3rd through May 9th to explore all the culinary offerings Cincinnati has to offer. Restaurants may offer a 3-course “prix fixe” menu for either $20 or $30 and/or a “secret menu item” not typically offered.
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Story Tree Time
Starting May 5 | 11 AM ET | Virtual
Bring your little one and join us as we play, dance, sing and listen to a new story every Wednesday (virtually) at 11 a.m. For Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we’ll be reading books by Asian-American authors. Available on the Cincinnati Museum Center’s YouTube channel and the Story Tree Time playlist. A new video is released every week
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Inhale/Exhale - Healing after Atlanta and Indianapolis
May 6 | 7-8:30PM ET | Virtual
Join Ohio Voice and OPAWL - Building AAPI Feminist Leadership for a collaborative Inhale/Exhale session open to progressive organizers and activists of all genders who identify as AAPI (Asian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander).
Sake Tasting with Certified Sake Sommelier
May 7 | 5-6 PM ET | Virtual
Join Certified Sake Sommelier Akisa Fukuzawa on Friday, May 7th, for a virtual event that is certain to put a smile on your face! She will teach us about sake and the culture behind the drink. We will be tasting 3 types of sake - Sparkling (Mio brand), Daiginjo (Dassai brand), and Ginjo (Kikusui brand). This event is 21+.
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Opening Reception: Yoshi Nakamura
May 8 | Wave Pool Gallery (2940 Colerain Ave)
Japanese artist Yoshi Nakamura has been in residence at Wave Pool since August 2020. Nakamura will be displaying a collaborative exhibition with Mark Harris and Froghole? in Wave Pool's upstairs space and solo exhibitions exploring communication and accessibility at The Welcome Project and Visionaries and Voices. Gallery will have limited attendance to ensure social distancing. Masks required
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Black and Asian Solidarity
May 10 | 7-9pm | Virtual
Join Urban Consulate Cincinnati for a virtual salon conversation about transracial identity, solidarity & healing. Featuring a live music performance by Steven Shinji Whipple and interactive dialogue with special guests Sulin Ngo (OPAWL), Angela Jo White (Debatable), and Ronnie Iquina (AACAC and NAAAP). Hosted by Naimah Bilal and Meg Trischler. Presented by Urban Consulate, AACAC, Afrochine, and the Mercantile Library.
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Early Japanese-American Settlers in Cincinnati: Beyond the WWII Incarceration Camps
May 12 | 6:00-7:15 PM ET | Virtual
Join Cincinnati native Denny Kato, born to Japanese-American parents who arrived in Cincinnati after their release from a WWII incarceration camp, as he discusses the lives of early Japanese settlers in Cincinnati and shares his personal story of growing up in Cincinnati during a period when there were very few residents from any Asian country
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Cincinnati "Unity Against Hate" - We are Cincinnati
May 16 | 2-4 PM ET | Fountain Square
Join the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association - Ohio State Chapter invites you to celebrate with the API community. Food and entertainment will be provided. This part of the "Unity Against Hate" national event. Please wear a mask, keep social distance
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Kamishibai (Paper Theater)
May 19 | 4 PM ET | Virtual
Join the Cincinnati Public Library for a virtual program to enjoy a vibrant form of storytelling popular in Japan, Kamishibai or “paper-theater.” Part of a long tradition of picture storytelling in Japan, Kamishibai flourished as a street-performance art from the 1920s to the 1950s and has seen a revival in recent years. Presented by the Japan America Society.
Register through the Cincinnati Library
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Cooking & Conversation: The Truth Behind MSG
May 19 | 7-8 PM ET | Virtual
In recognition of AAPI Heritage Month, we are breaking down the stereotypes surrounding MSG (monosodium glutamate). We will learn the art and science of the umami powerhouse, MSG, its craveability and tainted reputation, along with its cultural nuances and link to Asian cuisine. Grace Yek, Program Chair of the Culinary and Food Science program at Cincinnati State, and author of the blog, Our Kitchen Roots, will lead us in conversation as she prepares okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
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Home Design Fusion | Asian Influence on Interior Design
May 20 (6-7 PM ET) | May 22 (11 AM-12 PM)
An engaging and interactive home design workshop focusing on Asia’s influence on interior design, diving into design elements from the Far East, South Asia and the Middle East. Hosted by Kirii Design
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(Not) Knowing Asia: Why Stereotypes Emerge and Persist
May 21 | 1-2 PM ET | Online
Join the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library for a critical conversation to learn interesting facts about Asia, and how you can help eliminate stereotypes and contribute to the sense of belonging of Asian Americans in our communities. Presented by Professor Gergana Ivanova, interim director, Asian Studies, University of Cincinnati.
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Intro to Japanese Calligraphy Session 1
May 21 | 6:30-7:30 PM ET | Virtual
Join instructor Emiko Kuisel, a native of Japan and is excited to introduce you to the world of Japanese Calligraphy and brush, ink and paper.
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Summer Cinema's Cultural Family Movie Series: Moana
May 26 | 5-10 PM ET | Washington Park
Free movie screening at Washington Park! Dust off those lawn chairs, grab a picnic basket, and join us for a fun, relaxing evening over on Washington Park's civic lawn. Movie begins at 9pm. Drinks and alcohol available at The Porch. Food available for purchase from S.E.A. Cuisine. Join us from 7-8 PM for a pre-film discussion. Presented by 3CDC, Keng Enterprises, and AACAC.
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Origami for Kids
May 28 | 4 PM ET | Virtual
In this workshop presented by Teruko Nesbitt, kids will learn how to make one or more easy origami designs using basic materials commonly found at home including paper (printer paper or newspaper) and scissors
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APAHM Closing Celebration
May 30 | 4-8 PM ET | Five Points Alley
That's a wrap! Close out Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at Five Points Alley in historic Walnut Hills. Stop by Esoteric Brewery, Ohio's first Asian-owned and Black-owned brewery, for an early happy hour from 3-4 PM. At 3:30, join co-founder Marvin Abrinica for a group tour of the brewery and learn more about the Esoteric story. Afterward, grab a can or a growler and bring it to Five Points Alley. Beverages also available for purchase from Comfort Station. Music by Daybreaker Trio. Food by Mahope food truck. Brought to you by Cincy Nice, AACAC, and Afrochine. Sponsored by P&G.