Events:

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Arts/Entertainment

Heritage Museum of Asian Art's Introduction of Jade

This lecture is in English. The Heritage Museum of Asian Art invites you to join us for an enlightening jade lecture hosted by Jade Expert Jun Wan.
Arts/Entertainment

Mandala Makers Festival 2025

Mandala Makers Festival is an annual platform that supports multidisciplinary South Asian performing artists.
Arts/Entertainment

Guardians of the Earth and Sky at Ping Tom Park 2025

Open to all ages. Come on an adventure with the Four Celestial Guardians! Explore seasons, elements, and colors through storytelling, music, and dance!
Arts/Entertainment

Shaurya Kumar: Living Without the Gods

Exhibition tickets for South Asia Institute.
Arts/Entertainment

Myx Presents: TFW Chicago

One night. One stage. One chance to feel it all.
Arts/Entertainment

OPTION: DoYeon Kim

DoYeon Kim performs "Silk Echoes Beneath the Light,” an improvisational work that explores the intricate resonance of the 12-string gayageum.
Arts/Entertainment

Guardians of the Earth and Sky at Palmisano Park 2025

Open to all ages. Come on an adventure with the Four Celestial Guardians! Explore seasons, elements, and colors through storytelling, music, and dance!
Arts/Entertainment

Kim's CASTING CALL for MFA Student Thesis Film Project - Reconnect

Casting "Reconnect," a student thesis film made in partial completion of the MFA Film and Television Directing Degree at DePaul University.
Arts/Entertainment

Fan Painting Workshop 2025

Immerse Yourself in Traditional Fan Painting. Led by a master artist, this hands-on workshop guides you through painting and calligraphy techniques on a Chinese fan. All materials are provided—and you’ll take home your own artistic fan, perfect for cooling off this summer.
Arts/Entertainment

4th Annual Words of Wonder Literary Festival

Step Into a World of Wonder at the 4th Annual Words of Wonder Literary Festival! Join us on the South Side of Chicago for a one-of-a-kind celebration where imagination runs wild and stories come to life!
Community

12th Annual Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival

Combines culture, sport & international flavors that incorporates a 2,500-year-old tradition with fun & excitement of an outdoor festival.
Community

Of Women by Women: South Asian Feminist Art and Artists

South Asia Institute is proud to present Of Women by Women: South Asian Feminist Art and Artists from the Hundal Collection
Arts/Entertainment

Jade Lecture Series No. 6 (玉器系列课程第6课)

Please note that this lecture is in Mandarin. The Heritage Museum of Asian Art invites you to join us for an enlightening jade lecture hosted by Jade Expert Jun Wan.
Arts/Entertainment

Guardians of the Earth and Sky at the Garden of the Phoenix 2025

Open to all ages. Come on an adventure with the Four Celestial Guardians! Explore seasons, elements, and colors through storytelling, music, and dance!
Community

Japan Festival 2025

Open to all ages! Get ready for a blast of all things Japan at Japan Festival 2025 - from food to music, we've got it all!
Arts/Entertainment

3rd Fridays Free Admission Night with Museum Tour - July 2025

Join us every 3rd Friday for Free Admission Museum Nights from 5-8 pm, with a guided tour at 6:00 pm. The event offers wine and appetizers.
Arts/Entertainment

Erick Esteban Comedy Special Release Show

Erick Esteban returns to celebrate the release of his second comedy special with Four By Three Comedy, MORE MISCELLANEOUS filmed right here at the Comedyplex.
Arts/Entertainment

Mandala South Asian Performing Arts' Homeward

Homeward blends contemporary, modern, ballet, and African diasporic movement with pedestrian gesture and classical South Asian dance traditions.
Food

Flavors of the Philippines - Mango Mania

Get ready to taste the delicious flavors of the Philippines at our events!
Arts/Entertainment

Saving Mes Aynak: Film Screening

Award-winning documentary following Afghan archaeologist as he races against time to save a 5,000-year-old site from demolition.
Arts/Entertainment

MELA 2025

Join us Kalapriya's 3rd Annual South Asian Mela featuring live music & dance performances, amazing food, and activities for the whole family!
Arts/Entertainment

Echoes of Bengal: Folk Music & Dance (NOITP Chicago Series - First Show)

Open to ALL AGES! Ochin Pakhi blends Bengali folk songs including those from Baul or Fakiri traditions with a Chicago twist, uniting cultures through music.
Community

Chicago Public Library's Family Story Time July 2025

Your child learns best when having fun! Support your child’s pre-literacy skills through songs, stories and play.
Food

Matcha Craze

Get ready to dive into the world of matcha with Matcha Craze, where you'll discover all the unique ways to enjoy this trendy green tea!
Arts/Entertainment

Volleyball Nations League CHICAGO

Share the passion and feel every ace, block and towering smash live as the ultimate sporting entertainment arrives in Chicago.
Food

Nourish: A Celebration of Asian Comfort Food AAPI Art Show & Art Market

ALL AGES welcome! A heartwarming art show centered on the theme of Asian comfort food, childhood nostalgia & more, featuring local Chicagoland AAPI Artists.
Arts/Entertainment

Collector's Lecture: Chinese Lotus Shoes

The Collector’s Lecture will explore how footbinding was able to flourish in China for over 1000 years due to a complex interplay of factors.
Community

Bridging The Divide: Making & Mending

Join us for a moderated community conversation exploring how artists of South Asia and the diaspora navigate art and disability.
Arts/Entertainment

Documentary Film Chicago Premiere of HASIK: "To Sow"

Global Seed Savers is thrilled to host the Chicago premier screening of our recent graduate fellows Marissa Mejia and Mandy Qua feature-length documentary film, HASIK ("To Sow"), on Thursday, June 27th starting at 6pm at the FACETS Film Forum. This powerful documentary shares the compelling stories of 5 of our partner farmers across the Philippines and their fight to preserve their heritage and culture through saving seeds!
Arts/Entertainment

Stitching Stories: The First Thread Closing Artist Conversation

All ages are welcome! Stitching Stories: The First Thread is a pop-up exhibition that brings together Asian & Black artists whose works explore cultural exchange.
Arts/Entertainment

Today's Specials: A Delicious Comedy Variety Show (June 2025)

A comedy variety show every second Sunday of every month at Kamehachi hosted by Chicago's all-Asian improv team, Asian Takeout.
Arts/Entertainment

Stir Friday Night Presents: Rice to the Occasion An AAPI Comedy Showcase

Steppenwolf’s LookOut Series is pleased to announce its action-packed summer lineup of comedy, magic, storytelling, drag and more! The Summer 2025 Season includes captivating solo works from some of Chicago’s most accomplished storytellers; showcases of comedy, theatre and puppetry artists.
Arts/Entertainment

2025 DRAGON BOAT RACE FOR LITERARY

Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy is a family-fun activity enjoyed by visitors from all over the city and surrounding suburbs.
Business

Pearfat Parfum x Amina's Sweets

Our friends Alie + Amina will be popping up at The Center for an afternoon of Midwestern perfumes and South-Asian and SWANA inspired treats.
Arts/Entertainment

Looking Closely at The Indifference of Fire: A Woven Being Gallery Talk

Join Marisa Cruz Branco, in a conversation on The Indifference of Fire by Andrea Carlson. Gallery Talk.
Arts/Entertainment

Bridgeport Artist Community: Bridgeport Third Friday Art Walk

Art Centers, galleries, art studios, and local venues coming together to celebrate one of Chicago's most vibrant artistic hubs, Bridgeport!
Arts/Entertainment

3rd Fridays Free Admission Night with Museum Tour - June 2025

Join us every 3rd Friday for Free Admission Museum Nights from 5-8 pm, with a guided tour at 6:00 pm. The event offers wine and appetizers.
Arts/Entertainment

Juneteenth Special Activation at the Heritage Museum of Asian Art

All ages are welcome! A celebration featuring a special performance by a Muntu Dance Theatre Masquerade artist and Baba John Chapman from Azania Drum Ensemble.
Arts/Entertainment

Comedy in the Pocket

Open to all ages! Get ready to laugh your socks off at Comedy in the Pocket, where hilarious comedians will have you rolling in the aisles all night long!
Arts/Entertainment

Ricky Sim: Coming Out To Dead People (Hit Edinburgh Fringe, NYC, London Comedy Show Live in Chicago)

Following sold-out shows and multiple rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, London's Soho Theatre, and Off-Broadway at Soho Playhouse, comedian and storyteller Ricky Sim brings his critically acclaimed solo comedy show ‘Coming Out To Dead People’ about grief, secrets, and queer joy to Chicago for one night only on Saturday, June 14th at The Annoyance.
Community

2025 CMAA Red Party

As Chicago’s longest running AAPI Men’s Fashion Show, this prestigious event will feature some of the city’s biggest names in the AAPI community as they strut the runway.
Arts/Entertainment

An exploration of orientalist photography

A conversation with Liz Siegel, Nicolas Revire, Laetitia Zecchini, and Marc Maillot.
Community

Standing Together | CBCAC 2025 Annual Fundraiser

Celebrate the power of community and advocacy! You are invited to CBCAC's Annual Fundraiser on June 9!
Community

EXTRA MSG: AAPI Pride Party by Về Lại and HAIBAYÔ!

JOIN US as we transition from the end of AANHPI month to the beginning of Pride! Featuring LGBTQIA+ and Asian vendors, performers, and artists in a celebration with the community and our allies.
Food

Cà Phê Đá—Vietnamese Coffee with Vietfive

Join us for an intimate and engaging Vietnamese coffee workshop, in collaboration with local Vietnamese-owned coffee shop VietFive!
Arts/Entertainment

Vaishnavi Patel: "Ten Incarnations of Rebellion" at Bookends & Beginnings

An evening celebration of the new novel by the New York Times bestselling author of "Kaikeyi" and "Goddess of the River."
Community

Chai Social with @vegtourist at Mango Pickle

Let's connect over some authentic masala chai and delicious Indian bites at Mango Pickle on Sunday, June 1st from 1-3pm!
Arts/Entertainment

Through the Mist: Typhoon Dance Troupe Spring Show 2025

Through the Mist: Typhoon Dance Troupe Spring Show 2025 at Ryan Auditorium on June 1, 2025 at 7:00 PM (Central Time)!
Arts/Entertainment

Citizenship for All: Storytelling Through Nonggi Community Gathering

Gather at Hull-House and celebrate over one hundred and thirty years of immigrant narratives in Chicago.
Arts/Entertainment

Hokusai & Ukiyo-e: The Floating World - Exhibition Opening Day

The Cleve Carney Museum of Art will feature over 60 original works and artifacts by the masters of Japan’s Edo Period (1603-1868).
Arts/Entertainment

Ravi Chary & Amit Kavthekar: Sitar & Tabla Recital

South Asia Institute and Gandharva Mahavidyalaya North America are proud to present Ravi Chary on sitar and Amit Kavthekar on tabla.
Food

AAPI Month at Sunda New Asian

In celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May, Sunda New Asian is showcasing a limited-time lineup of chef-driven dishes that honor bold Filipino flavors with a modern twist.
Community

Umbrella Arts Festival 2025

The Umbrella Arts Festival is a celebration of Asian American history, culture and art.
Arts/Entertainment

Japanese Papermaking with Spring Bloomings 2025

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

Celebrate Heritage Month at Raven Theatre

OCA Greater Chicago, in collaboration with Raven Theatre Company and Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, invites you to a new play by Keiko Green titled 'Gorgeous" in celebration of AANHP Heritage Month.
Arts/Entertainment

Project of the Month: Paper Lantern (Adults)

In celebration of AAPI Heritage month, let's cut beautiful lanterns using the Silhouette Cameo. Tealight provided. One person per appointment.
Community

Discuss with AABA: United States v. Wen Ho Lee, 25 Years Later

AABA will discuss the case and re-enact parts of this major case in Asian-American legal history which offers valuable lessons for our time.
Arts/Entertainment

Asian Pacific/American Heritage Month Zoom Reading

Chicago Literary Hall of Fame Board Secretary Jane Hseu will host a showcase of Chicago's Asian American literary community.
Food

Skokie Public Library's Morning Movie: Spirited Away

Join us for a film screening of Spirited Away.
Arts/Entertainment

Franny Choi Poetry Reading

Come listen to poet Franny Choi read from their work, followed by a Q&A and book signing!
Arts/Entertainment

Cubs AAPI Heritage Month Celebration Special Ticket Offer

Fans are invited to Wrigley Field Wednesday, May 28, to celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States with a dedicated theme game including special entertainment, music and other recognitions.
Arts/Entertainment

Evanston Public Library's Let's Learn and Sing in Japanese!/ にほんごでうたお!

Sing and move to seasonal songs and nursery rhymes with Ms. Doremi!
Arts/Entertainment

Second City Victor Wong Fellowship Preview 2025

See the great new pieces from the students of Victor Wong Fellowship!
Arts/Entertainment

[Sunday Mahjong Club] AAPI Month Mahjong Party

eady to play? Save the date for our AAPI Month Mahjong Party on Sunday, May 25th at Kapitan! $20 for a great time with friends and fellow mahjong lovers.
Community

Aikido in Action: Leadership & Resilience in Motion

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join us for a special event exploring leadership and resilience through the lens of Aikido, a Japanese martial art rooted in harmony, presence, and non-resistance.
Food

2025 AAPI Restaurants Week

Join us in celebrating AAPI Restaurants Week 2025, hosted by OCA Greater Chicago for the fourth consecutive year in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month!
Community

Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Community Festival

Join us on May 24, 2025, from 2 PM - 7 PM CST at Pacifica Square in Aurora, IL, for a dynamic celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander cultures!
Arts/Entertainment

Stitching Stories: Tatreez Workshop

Join us for a special workshop led by Jenin of 'Tatreez Jenin', where participants will learn about the rich history of this traditional craft and experience hands-on instruction in basic tatreez techniques.
Food

Masala Memories: Celebrating South Asian Food In Chicago

Featuring a panel discussion and tasting by leading local journalists and chefs on the evolution of Chicago’s South Asian food scene.
Food

Fold & Bite: Make Your Own Dumpling Workshop!

Learn how to fold, pinch, and pan-fry delicious Taiwanese dumplings in this hands-on experience that’s perfect for beginners and food lovers alike.
Food

Say "Ni-Hao!" - Mandarin Junior Chef Donut Decorating Class

Let your little ones become donut chefs and language explorers!
Food

Roll With It – Vietnamese Spring Roll aka " Gỏi cuốn" works shop!

Fresh, flavorful, and full of fun—this workshop teaches you how to roll Vietnamese gỏi cuốn (spring rolls) like a pro!
Community

Teach-In and Discussion with Gerald Roche

In this teach-in, Dr. Roche wants to focus on one of the barriers to developing an anti-colonial analysis of China that arises not from the Chinese state, but from sections of the Left outside China.
Arts/Entertainment

FAAIM's 28th Annual Asian American Showcase

The official lineup for The 27th Annual Asian American Showcase is now here. All of the fun and films will take place at the Gene Siskel Film Center with a closing comedy show at iO Theater!
Community

MWRD's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration

For all ages. Join the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago for a celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Business

Awesome Adventures in Product & Innovation Small Business Expo

Join us at CMAA's signature Small Business Expo to connect with small businesses, banks, government agencies, and prime contractors!
Arts/Entertainment

Geneva Public Library's Let's Play Mah-Jongg! (Adults)

Join us to watch and then discuss a foreign film led by members of Geneva's International Cultural Exchange Committee (ICEC).
Community

AAPIP 35th Anniversary Conference

Join AAPIP in Chicago as we honor 35 years of seeding and cultivating long-term partnerships between Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities and institutional philanthropy!
Arts/Entertainment

Yatra: A Classical Exploration

Yatra: A Classical Exploration, an immersive cultural experience displaying a collaborative Indian classical dance and music performance
Food

Skokie Public Library's Asian Snack Week

Each day this week, try a different Asian snack and learn about Asian American and Pacific Islander history and pop culture.
Community

Cultural Voices Celebrating Our Legacy, Present, and Future

This luncheon is a chance to come together as a community, honor the voices that have shaped us, and inspire the stories yet to be told. Let's come together and celebrate the threads that unite us all!
Community

Chicago Public Library's Film Screening: Better Luck Tomorrow (2002)

Join us for a screening of Better Luck Tomorrow.
Food

2025 Taste of Asia - Food & Restaurant Industry Confere (Chicago)

For ages 21+ only. Join us at the 2025 Taste of Asia(Chicago) to connect with industry leaders, discover cutting-edge trends and innovation in Asian cuisine!
Community

The Ultimate Bridal Expo 2025

Calling 2025, 2026 South Asian and Western Brides to Meet the Vendors Face to Face. Get Inspired and Create Your Perfect Wedding with Us.
Arts/Entertainment

Geneva Public Library's Foreign Film Sunday - Ju Dou: China (Adults)

Join us to watch and then discuss a foreign film led by members of Geneva's International Cultural Exchange Committee (ICEC).
Food

Flavors of the Philippines - All Things Avocado

Get ready to taste the delicious flavors of the Philippines at our events!
Community

Chicago Public Library's Ikebana for Kids: Japanese Flower Arranging

Join us for a hands-on experience of Ikebana, Japanese flower arrangement. Kids will learn how to construct a basic arrangement style. All materials will be provided and kids will be able to take home their flower creations.
Community

Chicago Public Library's Film Screening: Umma (2022)

Join us for a screening of the film Umma.
Community

Skokie Festival of Cultures 2025

Join us for Skokie’s Festival of Cultures on May 17 & 18, 2025, 11AM–6PM at Oakton Park! Celebrate global traditions with music, dance, food, cultural booths, and the iconic flag display.
Community

Chicago Public Library's Celebrating Ikebana for Everybody: An Exhibit in Harmony and Happiness

Enjoy the different styles of guzheng music from east to west, traditional to contemporary with Menghua Guan.
Arts/Entertainment

Diverse Desires (Defiant Silk Festival) 2025

Join a cast of nationally-touring Asian American performers fusing the East and West with burlesque, variété, and live music! This is for ages 21+ only.
Community

Chicago Public Library's Ikebana Demonstration

Enjoy the different styles of guzheng music from east to west, traditional to contemporary with Menghua Guan.
Community

Chicago Public Library's Guzheng Music Appreciation

Enjoy the different styles of guzheng music from east to west, traditional to contemporary with Menghua Guan.
Community

Chinatown Fun Run with author Kara Eng

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with a literary-inspired route with Kara Eng, visiting several Chinatown locations featured in her books! Under 18 should be with a parent or legal guardian.
Arts/Entertainment

Alam Khan: A Classical Sarod Concert

Join sarod master Alam Khan for a concert of hindustani classical ragas at South Asia Institute.
Arts/Entertainment

Ikebana Ohara Ryu [2 Week In Person Course] [May]

Join us for an in-person Multi-level 2 Week Ohara Ryu Ikebana Course! No experience necessary. All levels welcome.
Arts/Entertainment

Fire + Dragons (Defiant Silk Festival) 2025

Join a cast of nationally-touring Asian American performers fusing the East and West with burlesque, variété, and live music! This is for ages 21+ only.
Arts/Entertainment

South Asian Classical Music Talk and Workshop by Alam Khan

Learn the basics and foundation of Hindustani classical music on this deeper dive into the history and scales of ragas with Alam Khan.