Transforming Legacies: South Asian Story Painting explores the fluidity of the great books of the traditions of the subcontinent and the diaspora into the painted medium from their inception to today.

This explores the connection between intimacy and artistic experience. We encourage viewers to consider how the techniques used to make drawings not only reflect the motivations of the artist, but also broader ideas about life, love, conflict, and memory.

Join us at a premier Midwest festival on July 11th & 12th celebrating Japanese culture and community!

‍Inspired by this year’s national theme, Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together, the exhibition highlights the importance of storytelling, shared experiences, and collective voices.

Eighth annual Mandala Makers Festival continues with Sarangi and Tabla Indian Classical Concert with Sabir Khan on sarangi (stringed instrument) and Hindole Majumdar on tabla (drum).

The festival is envisioned as a vibrant, inclusive gathering that brings together authors, poets, thinkers, journalists, translators, publishers, and readers to explore Indian literature in all its diversity - across languages, regions, and the diaspora.

Come enjoy over 60 artist and artisan booths, hands-on art making activities, multicultural performances and an array of food and drinks representing different cultures and ethnicities.

Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with LGBTQ+ community at the queer, Black women-owned bar Nobody's Darling, where they serve both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Through live interviews collected by Mandala team, musicians, dancers, and narrators transform these stories into a vibrant, immersive performance experience.

To celebrate and acknowledge AAPI month, we are hosting a fundraiser class benefiting KAN-WIN, a Chicago-based organization working to eradicate gender-based violence through comprehensive, survivor-centered services, education, and outreach to Asian American communities and beyond.

MatchaFest Chicago is a one day celebration of matcha culture bringing together some of the best matcha brands, coffee shops, and local vendors from across the region.

‍The Sejong Book Club invites readers from around the world to explore Korean literature in English translation.

FAAIM screens films created by emerging Asian American talent, actively supporting these diverse artists by helping them build a dedicated grassroots audience for their creative work.

The MWRD will host an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month lunch event featuring Don Villar, Secretary-Treasurer, Chicago Federation of Labor.

All proceeds support KAN-WIN, helping empower and uplift our local community.

Celebrate a dual anniversary event with a legendary double feature of two historic films, with special guests and Godzilla themed snackboxes by 2D Restaurant.

Eighth annual Mandala Makers Festival continues with U Rajesh performing Carnatic classical music on mandolin, joined by Praveen Narayan on tabla.

Dive into a vibrant evening filled with tasty bites, cool crafts, and nonstop fun at the Asian Night Market!

Jazz Live Show to Celebrate AAPI Month!

Experience the thought-provoking sci-fi drama Happyend at the upcoming Chicago Critics Film Festival.

From explosive performances, fine art, and independent film to a curated food and craft marketplace, join us in celebrating the growing legacy of Asian American, Pacific Island, Native Hawaiian AAPINH artistry.

Discover the art and philosophy of Kintsugi — the Japanese practice of repairing broken pottery with gold — in this all-level, hands-on work.

E-tegami means picture letter (e=picture, tegami= letter) and is a kind of Japanese mail art.

See a showcase of the principles of Ikebana and how Ikebana interacts with nature, space, and human beings.

Join Chicago Public Library for a screening of Abominable!

Be reborn with a heated and candlelit yin yoga, balancing sound healing with crystal bowls, & loving, intentional ambiance!

Mandala Makers Festival continues with this evening-length performance that explores improvisation across classical Indian dance traditions, including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi, by male dancers.

Anuv Jain brings a limited US run of the Dastakhat World Tour 2026 to Chicago on May 1.

A conversation with leading AI practitioners from across the tech space, sharing real-world insights, best practices, and what’s actually working today.

Come help us kick-off The Foundation for Asian American Independent Media (FAAIM)'s 29th Annual Showcase with our AAPI Heritage Month Night Market!

The Asian American Heritage Month Kickoff will feature cultural performances and a program highlighting local celebrations and events taking place throughout the month.

Join us for the 3rd Annual Asian-American Conference on Problem Gambling, an empowering event designed for counselors, social workers, community leaders, and community influencers. Taking place on May 1, 2026, this dynamic gathering will bring together professionals and advocates committed to ad

Join KAN-WIN for our largest community-powering event to take action against domestic & sexual violence! Together, we will shine a light on survivor stories and fund critical resources to help individuals rebuild their lives with safety and dignity.

Join us for CMAA’s 2026 Voice & Vision Gala: Building for Our Future, celebrating 45 years of community, culture, and impact. We honor the voices that shaped our journey and the vision guiding what’s next. 2026 Gala Awardees: Visionary of the Year: Asian Giving Circle & Chicago Community Trust; Outstanding Community Partner Award: Chinatown Parking Corp.

PARA KAY MAMA (For Mama)! Join us for a Mother’s Day market, Filipino style.

A bioplay of the life and music of Ravi Shankar.

The Busan Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International hosts a special Korean Cultural Food & Soju Experience fundraiser on Thursday, April 23 from 5–7:30 PM. The event will include a live chef demonstration, Korean food, and soju tastings. This fundraiser is being held in support of the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Chicago–Busan Sister Cities partnership.

Join us for a presentation on the revival of Buddhist pilgrimage and culture in the holy places of the Buddha in India.

In honor of Raj Mehta Day of Good, The Chicago Kasam presents our 1st Chai and Paint!

Celebrate Filipino Food Month with us at PABILI PO!

Western-themed Pride fundraiser for LGBTQ Asian social organization.

Chicago's Southeast Asian New Year celebration. Elements West Loop — house, techno & LED production. April 17. RSVP for complimentary entry.

A “north-meets-south” Indian classical music concert opens the Mandala Makers Festival, an annual platform that supports multidisciplinary South Asian performing artists.

Catch this film where Chang Chen gives a powerful award-winning performance as an immigrant down on his luck in this modern take on Bicycle Thieves.

Catch this film about two young people from different cultures caught in an intercultural inter-family conflict in this comedy of errors.

Experience WHITE ROOSTER, a world premiere dark comedy blending ghost stories, Chinese folklore, and gothic folk-rock. Join AAPI Night on April 9 and enjoy 20% off tickets with code GHOSTWEDDING.

A site-specific exhibition by Chicago-based artist Maya Nguyen connecting Germany, Vietnam, and the US exploring migration and camouflage.

CHINA Town Hall (CTH) is an annual program that provides a snapshot of the current U.S.-China relationship.

Asian Pop-Up Cinema presents the most successful animated film of all time in Hong Kong, a dark and fantastical adventure about death and reincarnation.

Asian Pop-Up Cinema presents the Midwest premiere of Sisterhood (시스터후드), a chilling South Korean thriller, starring Kim Joo-ryoung (Squid Games).

Asian Student Achievement (ASA) is hosting our first ever fundraiser, featuring food from local Asian businesses, karaoke, and door prizes.

A trio of kids team up to stop climate change in this unconventional and keenly observed children’s film.

Experience Duo Chinoiserie at the Chicago Artopia Int’l Guitar Series—where East meets West in a stunning fusion of guzheng and guitar.

South Korean film Halo in Chicago with Q&A featuring Roh Young-wan & Choi Gang-hyun plus Bright Star Award presentation.

Watch a film about a young woman with the power to control time wreaks havoc in the big city in this richly imaginative animated fantasy.

Three transgender women ignite a nationwide debate on identity and being queer in 1960s Japan in this fact-based drama.

A journalist and the guardian spirit of a soon-to-be-demolished theater share a friendship in this compassionate film about heritage and mod.

Join us for this screening of Seaside Serendipity (海辺へ行く道).

In the group’s debut tour, the Ravi Shankar Ensemble pays tribute to Ravi Shankar’s legacy with a presentation of his masterful compositions alongside rare archival visuals.

Asian Pop-Up Cinema presents the U.S. premiere of A GOOD CHILD, starring Richie Koh as a drag queen in this tender family drama.

Let's welcome the spring season through connecting with our roots, sharing stories, and being in the mess & joy of junk journaling!

Join this book event about a remarkable young woman flees India to chase the dream of self-reinvention in America.

We're making Mahjong social again — come for open play, enjoy live DJ sets, and meet some new friends.

Join our conversation group with Literacy Chicago and improve your ability to communicate.

Join AAEN at the National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission in Chicago for a live community listening session!

South Asia Institute invites you to attend our opening reception, followed by a curator led tour!

Night Madness is coming to CHICAGO!! TWO NIGHTS of surprises in store for this sayawan - you won’t want to miss it!

Lunar New Year Dinner and Show, featuring musical performances by members of the LGBTQ community, raffle and Cantonese-Mandarin cuisine.

Join us for a book talk with Lisandro Claudio on his book, "The Profligate Colonial: How the US Exported Austerity to the Philippines."

Celebrate the Year of the Horse at Chicago’s Lunar New Year Parade—join us for a vibrant day of culture, color, music, and powerful traditions charging into a lucky new year!

Irene Hsiao and soprano Mickey Farès perform with a sculpture by Dominic Kießling!

Get ready to experience a rollercoaster of emotions in a heart-stopping performance at The Playground Theater.

A truly immersive concert of live music, visuals projections, dance, costumery, and perfumery based on characters from various myths & legends of the past!

Join the AAEN section @ AACC 2026 Lunar New Year Gala—fun, food, and traditions all in one place!

Jumpstart your career with AAEN & Allstate at this fun, in-person discovery day—don’t miss out!

Join us for a Spectacular Lunar New Year Celebration at 2d restaurant to learn the art of dumpling making, tasting and writing of good luck scroll.

Join us for an elevated Lunar New Year evening, part gala, part mahjong night, welcoming the Year of the Horse in style.

Hands-on class, kids will decorate colorful mochi donuts while learning basic Mandarin words for colors, shapes, numbers, and greetings.

Join us for a fun and festive Lunar New Year Dinner with good food, friends, and great vibes!

Come celebrate the Lunar New Year with us at the Lunar New Year Market — a vibrant, community-filled afternoon of culture, creativity, and connection.

Mandala Arts presents Śiva Bhāva, an intimate performance dedicated to dance and love.

BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA, a play written by Anna Ouyang Moench, featuring talented AAPI artists lighting designer Seojung Jang and dramaturg Jojo Brown.

Get ready to indulge in a fun-filled afternoon of family style celebration as we welcome the Year of the Horse!

Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind presents one of the most comprehensive exhibitions to date of Yoko Ono, the trailblazing artist, celebrated musician, and formidable campaigner for world peace.

Join us for the free Global Connections Lunar New Year celebration at Navy Pier!

Join Uptown United and the local business, non-profit, and cultural organizations on Argyle Street in 2026 as we continue the annual tradition going back 40+ years of celebrating the Lunar New Year along the Argyle commercial corridor in Uptown!

Chicago Asian Pop-Up Cinema presents ESCAPE FROM THE 21ST CENTURY for our annual Lunar New Year screening at the Chicago Cultural Center!

Join CMAA for an unforgettable FREE event as we celebrate the vibrant Year of the Horse!

Philippine Baseball Group Midwest's 21+ Fundraising 90s Party!

Join us at DePaul 2026 Lunar New Year Gala for a night of festive vibes, cultural performances, and mouthwatering food.

The evening will also feature an artisan market highlighting local vendors, restaurants, and artists.

Join us at CMAA's LNY Small Business Showcase for a panel, showcase, and networking!

Enter the claustrophobic nightmare of the House on Zapote Street with the 4K restoration of KISAPMATA—Mike De Leon’s harrowing true-crime masterpiece that exposes the suffocating horrors of patriarchal control.

Epic loves, heartrending tragedies, and... card-making!

AnimeChicago’s panel discussion on exploring the ways in which Black and Japanese cultures have influenced each other.

Step into the shadows of Alpha Kappa Omega. Gene Siskel Film Center is screening the 4K restoration of BATCH ’81—the film that redefined psychological horror in Philippine cinema.