Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Long Beach

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and many local businesses and organizations are celebrating with special events and happenings. Explore the arts, cultural practices and lived experiences of people in the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities this month in Long Beach.

Long Beach Public Library

The Long Beach Public Library is offering programming throughout May for people of all ages to explore Asian American and Pacific Islander culture, including a kickoff event on May 3 at 12 PM at the Billie Jean King Main Library featuring Cambodian dance, a film screening, and Q&A with the filmmakers. Other AAPI events in May include crafting sessions, music and dance performances, storytimes, art workshops, author talks, and more. Perhaps you would like to join the Adult Art Club at the Brewitt Neighborhood Library on May 3 to create Samoan flower hair picks, or enjoy a performance of Korean classical music at the Los Altos Neighborhood Library on May 13. You can also participate in a workshop on Kathak dance from Northern India at the Bach Neighborhood Library on May 21. For all the details, visit the LBPL calendar.

MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICAN ART

On May 18, the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave) will host a free event in collaboration with the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum featuring a film screening, exhibition tour, and performance celebrating AAPI and AAPI Latinx communities. See a screening of Standing Above the Clouds, a film documenting how three Native Hawaiian families rose up to protect Mauna Kea after a proposal to build a 30-meter telescope on the sacred mountain. The screening will be followed by a performance by Micah “Manaitai” Garrido, a composer who incorporates CHamoru language and traditions of Guam in his music. Master mixologist Lala Robinson, known for creating culturally relevant drinks, will be mixing a signature cocktail tailored for the event. This free family celebration will be held from 2:30 to 6 PM, with food and drink available for purchase. For details and to RSVP, visit the MOLAA website.

ART THEATRE OF LONG BEACH

Celebrate and explore AAPI heritage and culture by attending film screenings at the Art Theatre of Long Beach (2025 E 4th St) in May. The theatre has created a retrospective program called “Where We Were, Where We Are: Asian and Asian-American Cinema Across Time and Place,” focusing on East Asian cinema. The series highlights East Asia’s long history of cinematic innovation as well as recent popular films that explore immigration, identity, and the legacy of Asia on second and third generation Asian-Americans. Some events include a Q&A with special guests. For show times, visit the Art Theatre’s website.

COMPOUND

Special events at community art space Compound (1395 Coronado Ave) this May will combine art, food, and performance celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage. On May 22 from 5 to 9 PM, Compound will host an AAPI Art Night Market curated by Baryo, featuring AAPI vendors and makers and art works by AAPI students from Milliken High School and live illustration by Olivia Sawai, a Khmer and Laotian first generation artist. This event will also include an open mic and happy hour specials all night from Compound’s in-house restaurant, Union. On May 31, Compound and UNION will host an Artist Symposium with artist Fay Ray at 2 PM and a Dinner Party at 5 PM also led by UNION Chef Eugene Santiago. Chef Eugene and Fay Ray will collaborate on an artful three-course menu inspired by smoke, salt, and seed elements that also inspire Fay Ray's artistic works.

About the Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.