Events:

Festivals

Arts/Entertainment

Transforming Legacies: South Asian Story Painting

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.
Arts/Entertainment

Exhibit: Filipino Nurses in America

Unheard Voices of Care: Filipino Nurses in America
Arts/Entertainment

Truth to Form: Selected Drawings from the Hundal Collection

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.
Community

Japan Fest Chicago 2026

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

Where Our Voices Unite: A Community Exhibition

‍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.
Arts/Entertainment

Sabir Khan

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).
Arts/Entertainment

KPop Demon Hunters Scavenger Hunt

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we are going to be GOLDEN at the branch with a KPop Demon Hunters scavenger hunt!
Business

Central Asian Business Expo Chicago 2026

Join leaders, investors, and businesses from the U.S. and Central Asia for a premier forum focused on trade, partnerships, and opportunity.
Food

Kimchi Making Workshop

Learn how to make kimchi in this hands-on experience with Kimchi Just For Fun.
Arts/Entertainment

Korean National Treasures: 2,000 Years of Art

From 6th-century gilt bronze Buddhist sculpture through Joseon dynasty painting and white porcelain and contemporary paintings of the late 20th century, the works of art in this exhibition demonstrate the artistic legacy produced on the Korean peninsula over millennia.
Community

CCKA Golf Outing: Swings & Wings!

Join us for a round of golf and networking afterwards!
Arts/Entertainment

Bobby Lee – The Finally Tour 2026

Bobby Lee takes the stage for his inaugural headlining stand-up performance.
Arts/Entertainment

Midnite City: Indie Disco [Chicago]

At Midnite City we’ll be exploring the more electronic (and dance floor-friendly) side of indie.
Arts/Entertainment

Japanese Culture Center's Japanese Papermaking

Learn the art of Japanese Papermaking with Takahashi Sensei!
Arts/Entertainment

Workshop: Japanese Papermaking

Explore the artistry of traditional Japanese paper-making with Human Body Watermarks, led by artist Mami Takahashi.
Community

Kapwa!: A Celebration of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage

The Village is hosting 2026 Kapwa: A Celebratio nof Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage on Saturday, May 30.
Food

The Chinatown Adventure Food Tour

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors and rich history of Chicago’s Chinatown on our top-rated TripAdvisor food and culture tour.
Community

Chicago Indian Literature Festival

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.
Arts/Entertainment

Umbrella Arts Festival 2026

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.
Arts/Entertainment

Henry Cho in Chicago

This clean comedy set offers relatable laughs through charming, high-energy storytelling.
Arts/Entertainment

Friday Tour: Beyond Boundaries

Join Associate Director of the Center for the Art of East Asia Ellen Larson for a guided tour of Beyond Boundaries.
Food

In-person class: Asian Dumplings (Chicago)

In this hands-on and interactive class, you will be guided step-by-step through refining your knife skills, making a Ginger Chicken Dumpling filling and learning the art of folding your dumpling wrappers into various traditional shapes: Mandu, Gyoza and Siu Mai.
Community

Cultural Voices 2026: Seeds of Impact

The largest and most comprehensive Asian American social service organization in the Midwest-Cultural Voices honors AANHPI Heritage Month, elevates community voices, and highlights the strength, leadership, and contributions of the AANHPI community.
Arts/Entertainment

Sanskrit Mantra Chanting Circle

Sacred Sound, Ancient Wisdom. Collective Chanting, Guided Practice. Peace, Clarity, Empowerment.
Arts/Entertainment

Dark Side of the Pillow

Better Together Sketch Comedy invites you to visit the finest comedy venue private equity has to offer!
Community

LGBTQ+ Meetup

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.
Arts/Entertainment

NAAAP Book Club Discussion with Author Rachel Khong

Come join NAAAP for a virtual conversation with Rachel Khong, the author of the New York Times bestseller "Real Americans", as we discuss her new short story collection "My Dear You"
Arts/Entertainment

Deepen Your Meditation Practice

Make spiritual progress by integrating meditation into your daily life.
Food

Eid Al Adha Kickoff: BBQ & Bazaar

We’re so excited to kick off Eid Al Adha prep and BBQ season this Memorial Day!
Arts/Entertainment

Chicago Public Library's 2026 Film Screening: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Join us for a screening of Shang-chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
Arts/Entertainment

K-Pop Dance Party with Dance Center Evanston

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join Ms. Olivia from Dance Center Evanston for a family-friendly K-Pop Dance Party!
Food

Altea presents: Asian Night Market

Join us as we celebrate AAPI Month for an exciting night of local food and drinks, vendors, live music, and SO much more!
Arts/Entertainment

Suminagashi - Ink Marbling Workshop

Join us for a fun Suminagashi - Ink Marbling Workshop where you can learn the ancient Japanese art of paper marbling!
Arts/Entertainment

Butoh Dance Workshop

Butoh dance training is an invaluable tool for dancers, actors, and creative people of all types.
Arts/Entertainment

Ikebana Ohara Ryu [2-Week Session]

Join us for an Ohara Ryu 2-week Ikebana session! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.
Arts/Entertainment

Family Night featuring The Pokémon Fossil Museum

Join us for an evening celebrating the grand opening of the Pokémon Fossil Museum at the Field Museum!
Arts/Entertainment

Conversation: The People’s Treasures—Collecting and Sharing Korea’s Cultural Heritage

Once privately held, the artworks showcased in Korean National Treasures: 2,000 Years of Art now belong to the Korean people thanks to a single groundbreaking gift from the Lee family.
Arts/Entertainment

"Indonesia - ""OH!"" "

Join us for an evening of theatre across languages and cultures.
Arts/Entertainment

Pokémon Fossil Museum Member Preview Days

Members and donors are invited to special preview days before exhibitions open to the public.
Arts/Entertainment

Destination Discovery Story Time at Field Museum 2026

Join Mr. James of Sulzer Regional Library and Librarian Megan from Field Museum for a special story time for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Arts/Entertainment

Author Scott Kurashige: American Peril: The Violent History of Anti-Asian Racism

CPL is pleased to welcome historian and activist Scott Kurashige to discuss his new book, American Peril: The Violent History Of Anti-Asian Racism.
Arts/Entertainment

Smart Salon: Contemporary Chinese Artists in Chicago

Ellen Larson moderates a conversation with artists magicfeifei, Miao Wang, Linye Jiang, gallerist Qiuchen Wu.
Food

Sijo: Korea's Poetry Form

Lucy Park of Sejong Cultural Society will showcase the Korean art of Sijo.
Food

Paper Lantern Crafting

Discover the history and types of paper lanterns used throughout Asia.
Arts/Entertainment

Kwentuhan: Meet and talk with the Filipino-American artists from the Sinag Art Collective

This exhibition showcases diverse paintings, sculptures, and photography by regional artists.
Food

Build Like Yasmeen Lari

Build your own structure and learn how traditional materials and methods keep people safe from earthquakes and floods.
Community

Share this event Introduction to Zen Meditation 2PM in Person only

Learn the fundamentals of Zen Meditation and Zen Buddhism as taught and practiced at the Zen Buddhist Temple of Chicago in Evanston.
Arts/Entertainment

Bruno Mars in Chicago

Bruno Mars brings his highly anticipated global stadium tour to Chicago.
Arts/Entertainment

Anime Central 2026

Anime Central (ACen) is the largest anime, manga and Japanese popular culture convention in Chicago and the Midwest.
Arts/Entertainment

Pan-Asian Music, Dance, and Storytelling in Forest Preserves

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

Minhwa in a New Medium: From BTS to K-Pop Demon Hunters

The Korean Cultural Center of Chicago (KCCoC) is pleased to announce a special lecture titled “Minhwa in a New Medium: From BTS to K-Pop Demon Hunters.”
Arts/Entertainment

Kabuki Heroes & Samurai Imagery: Ukiyo-e Woodblock Printing Workshop

Join us for a hands-on introduction to Ukiyo-e style Japanese woodblock printing.
Food

CoffeeBreak: Omakase-style coffee tasting menu

Join us for a curated tasting menu of unique coffee beverages, served with thoughtful light food pairings.
Community

Open House: Asian American History at the Northside Neighborhood History Collection

In honor of AANHPI Heritage Month, drop by this open house and enjoy highlights from the Northside Neighborhood History Collection related to Asian American history.
Arts/Entertainment

Saturday Studio: Miniature Moon Jar

This Saturday Studio art-making program (intended for ages 13+) invites participants to reflect on Confucian ideals while making their own miniature moon jar using air-dry clay.
Arts/Entertainment

Bang Zoom! Open Auditions at Anime Central

Visit our booth all weekend for exciting panels, behind the scenes insights from our team.
Community

Women Produced Wines & Rinds: A Fundraiser for KAN-WIN

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.
Food

Matchafest Chicago 2026

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.
Food

In-person class: Intro to The Art of Sushi (Chicago)

Come and learn how to spread, layer, tuck and roll your way to sushi heaven.
Food

Trogo's Table: Sushi Rolling Workshop

Learn the fundamentals of sushi making as you roll, slice, and build your own sushi creations.
Arts/Entertainment

Sejong Book Club

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

Tubular Designs with Fazlur

Engineer some totally tubular buildings using the methods of Fazlur Rahman Khan!
Arts/Entertainment

Chicago Public Library's 2026 Film Screening: Up

Bring the whole family for a screening of Up!
Arts/Entertainment

Dot Art Inspired by Artist Yayoi Kusama

Join us as we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a fun craft!
Community

AAGL Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration 2026

Join us for a dynamic conversation on how working together can elevate leadership and expand impact for all.
Arts/Entertainment

FAAIM's 29th Annual Asian American Showcase

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.
Food

Parol Magic: Filipino Lantern Workshop

Create your own parol, a Filipino holiday tradition and iconic star-shaped lantern!
Food

Fountaindale Public Library's Night Market

Explore Fountaindale's Night Market!
Community

AAPI Heritage Month Lunch Event - Power In Unity: Strengthening Communities Together

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

The 29th Annual Asian American Showcase: Screenwriting Workshop

This screenwriting workshop for filmmakers offers participants direct exposure to working screenwriters and an industry-based educator, creating a practical and inspiring space to develop their craft.
Arts/Entertainment

Chicago Public Library's 2026 Film Screening: The Joy Luck Club

Bring the whole family for a screening of Raya and the Last Dragon!
Arts/Entertainment

Yoonshin Park: Prompt and Prompted

The title of the exhibition, Prompt and Prompted, refers to the reciprocal exchange that takes place in Park’s classroom.
Business

The Wealth Blueprint - Real Estate Workshop

Stop waiting on the sidelines. Are you ready to build true wealth through real estate in 2026?
Arts/Entertainment

Chicago Public Library's 2026 Film Screening: Raya and the Last Dragon

Bring the whole family for a screening of Raya and the Last Dragon!
Arts/Entertainment

Conscious Connected Breathwork Journey: Your Unshakeable Inner Ground

This journey is an invitation to find that ground within yourself and discover that it has been there all along.
Community

5K Dokie Run

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

70 Years of Godzilla

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

Naomi Watanabe in Chicago

Expect an unforgettable night of bold humor and vibrant performance from this superstar.
Community

金曲時光機 - 芝加哥

This party is for all Taiwanese people striving in Chicago!
Community

Mental Health Fair

Join us for our FREE Health Fair to promote community wellness and increase awareness of available mental health resources.
Arts/Entertainment

U Rajesh (mandolin) with Praveen Narayan (tabla)

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

Asian Night Market 2026

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

The 29th Annual Asian American Showcase Opening Night Film: Forge

"Forge" serves as the opening night selection for the 29th Annual Asian American Showcase.
Arts/Entertainment

Bonsai Workshop

Discover the perfect blend of creativity and relaxation with our beginner bonsai workshops.
Arts/Entertainment

Mother's Day Origami Dress Workshop

Work with beautiful patterned papers to create something personal, whether for someone special or yourself.
Food

Sushi Making With Chef Janet at a Local Distillery - Sushi Making Cooking Class in Chicago

Join Chef Janet for “Sushi Making With Chef Janet at a Local Distillery."
Community

AREAA Greater Chicago’s Emerald Anniversary Gala

AREAA Greater Chicago’s Emerald Anniversary Gala Celebrating 20 Years of Advocacy, Education & Empowerment.
Arts/Entertainment

Kapa Cloth Painting

Create a painting inspired by traditional Hawaiian kapa!
Arts/Entertainment

Chicago Public Library's The Short of It: A Short Story Book Club (May 2026)

Short stories are a great way to explore genres, authors, and ideas without the commitment of a longer book.
Arts/Entertainment

Chicago Public Library's 2026 Film Screening: Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior

Bring the whole family for a screening of Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior!
Arts/Entertainment

Sushi Made Easy

Learn to make California and salmon rolls!