Events:

Theater

Community

What is Seen and Unseen: Mapping South Asian American Art in Chicago

The first comprehensive exhibition to map and disseminate this vital chapter of Chicago’s art history.
Arts/Entertainment

Asian Fashion Show Chicago 2024

Join us as we recognize and celebrate AAPIs in fashion!
Food

Chicago Food Truck Festival

The Fest is a long-standing commercial corridor activation designed to support Chicago’s food truck industry while bringing new and diverse lunch options to Chicago’s Loop.
Arts/Entertainment

Miss Asian Chicago 2024

Join this celebration of Asian women and a culmination of their months-long training program with Chicago Asian Women Empowerment (Chi-AWE)!
Arts/Entertainment

Shared Lines: The AAPI Experience on Route 66 by Sammy Yuen

CAMOC presents “Sammy Yuen, Shared Lines: The AAPI Experience on Route 66” from April 14, 2024, to September 28, 2024. Opening reception on April 14th at 2pm. Don’t miss this cultural journey!
Arts/Entertainment

Asian Moon Festival and Business Excellence Celebration

Join us September 15th for a spectacular event from 12 PM to 7 PM celebrating both the Asian Moon Festival and Business Excellence.
Business

2024 ARGYLE NIGHT MARKET

Started in 2013 by Uptown United, the Argyle Night Market is an annual event that features food from local Argyle restaurants plus live cultural and musical performances on Thursday evenings each summer.
Community

Chicago Narratives: Artists Navigating South Asian Identities

A storytelling event led by award-winning storyteller Jitesh Jaggi, featuring artists from What is Seen and Unseen.
Politics

Democratic National Convention "Our Dreams, Our Votes" Reception & Briefing

Register to attend APIAVote's reception and briefing on the latest research and trends on the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, including data from our latest surveys.
Food

Taste of Asia - Chicago

Get ready to experience the vibrant flavors and rich culinary traditions of Asia right here in Chicago at Taste of Asia!
Arts/Entertainment

Guardians of the Earth and Sky: Performance and Art-Making Activity

Aug 17, 2-4PM, Garden of the Phoenix. Dance, music, storytelling, and artmaking inspired by the four guardian animals.
Arts/Entertainment

Jake Shimabukuro in Chicago!

Jake Shimabukuro is gracing the stage of Irish American Heritage Center in August!
Arts/Entertainment

Cinema/Chicago Free Screening: Radiance

Watch Next Sohee for free at Cinema/Chicago's Free Summer Screening!
Arts/Entertainment

Toro Nagashi (Lantern Ceremony)

The Japanese Arts Foundation is proud to welcome you to our annual Toro Nagashi lantern ceremony, in Jackson Park’s Garden of the Phoenix.
Community

2024 Dim Sum & Then Some: The Uptown 5K/10K & Kids Dash

Grab your friends, family, co-workers and run crew to join 2,000 runners & walkers on August 3rd, with kick off at Asia on Argyle.
Arts/Entertainment

Developing Indian Modern and Contemporary Art at the AIC

A talk by Madhuvanti Ghose, the Art Institute of Chicago's Inaugural Alsdorf Associate Curator of Indian, Southeast Asian and Himalayan Art
Arts/Entertainment

Shinkai no tamashīi

Chicago Premiere of Tadashi Endo's new solo work. The souls of the dead live in the depths of the sea. Every roar of the waves is their cry.
Community

AceNextGen Chicago Happy Hour

Happy hour to connect with local entrepreneurs and build community
Community

McDonald's Chinatown Summer Fair 2024

Saturday will be from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This neighborhood street festival will open with a lion dance procession at 12:30 p.m., a welcome at 1 p.m. on the main stage, followed by Asian performances, kung fu demonstrations, samplings from Chinatown’s restaurants & unique gift shops, arts & crafts exhibits, street vendors with an array of merchandise, and a children’s area–a fabulous family event !!!
Business

2024 Leadership Convention by NAAAP

The Leadership Convention by NAAAP is a premier event that brings together over 700 Asian and Pacific Islander (API) leaders for professional development, networking, and community building. This year marks the 37th annual convention, themed "Future Forward: Leading into the Unknown."
Arts/Entertainment

Guardians of the Earth and Sky: Performance and Art-Making Activity

July 27, 2-4PM, Palmisano Park. Dance, music, storytelling, and artmaking inspired by the 4 guardian animals of the Chinese constellation.
Community

From India to Chicago: Mantras and Temple Life by Jangchub Choeling Nuns

The Jangchub Choeling nuns from India are on tour! Stop by to hear their mantras, captivating performances, and the inspiring stories.
Arts/Entertainment

Cinema/Chicago Free Screening: Next Sohee

Watch Next Sohee for free at Cinema/Chicago's Free Summer Screening!
Business

Chicago Summer Pop-Up: Hosted By Merakhi, Amaaya Jewelry & Chicago Kasam

Join us for a 2-day Summer Pop-Up in Chicago. Come shop, sip and socialize with your favorite South Asian brands.
Food

Winfield Food Truck Festival

Join us for the 4th Annual Winfield Food Truck Festival ~ during the Chicago Intelligentsia Cup bike race & Winfield Summerfest!
Arts/Entertainment

Sumo + Sushi in Chicago

For the first time ever Sumo + Sushi is coming to the Windy City! July 19 - 21 at The Fields Studios. Tickets are on sale now!
Arts/Entertainment

万珺: 玉器讲座第二课,玉的文化源头 Jade Series Lesson 2: The Cultural Origins of Jade

The Heritage Museum of Asian Art invites you to join an enlightening lecture hosted by Jade Expert Jun Wan and offered in Mandarin only.
Food

Chicago Food Truck Festival - Season 11, "The Summer of the Daisy"

Here we go again foodies! Season 11 of one of America's top food truck festivals, the Chicago Food Truck Festival is back!
Arts/Entertainment

Gaurav Gupta x Studio East6 Trunk Show

Global designer, Gaurav Gupta Trunk Show hosted by Studio East6 Chicago
Arts/Entertainment

Guardians of the Earth and Sky: Performance

July 13, 2-3PM, Calumet Park. Dance, music, and storytelling inspired by the 4 guardian animals of the Chinese constellations.
Arts/Entertainment

East of California West of New York - July 2024

East of California West of New York is a stand-up show that features Asian American comedians in the midwest.
Arts/Entertainment

Nur Melange: A Ghazal Anthology Book Launch and Reading

Experience the unveiling of the new book 'Nur Melange' by Glass Lyre Press & SAI, featuring mesmerizing Ghazal readings by featured poets.
Arts/Entertainment

Tiger Daughter, Or: How I Brought My Immigrant Mother Ultimate Shame

Millennial Asian American rock star Charlene Kaye shares the unhinged story of her tumultuous relationship with her immigrant Chinese mother.
Arts/Entertainment

Chinese Calligraphy Workshop

Chinese calligraphy is one of the oldest and most respected art forms in China - visit the HMAA and learn how to create calligraphy!
Community

TJCCC's Annual CHI/T Chat Summit

TJCCC is thrilled to welcome you again to our signature annual event, where we take this opportunity to build a platform connecting cross-generational Taiwanese communities to the general public in displaying how “Made in Taiwan” could lead the changes to the future.
Arts/Entertainment

Interartist Art Show

Join us for Inter Artist, an immersive and interactive art event that brings together the best of Chicago's local and multicultural talent. Set against the stunning backdrop of Vertiport, Chicago, this unique experience not only celebrates artistic diversity but also supports a cause close to our hearts.
Arts/Entertainment

Dr. Azra Raza Presents Paths to Altruism through Science and Poetry

A SAI special talk by Dr. Azra Raza on poetry and science.
Arts/Entertainment

The Tower Players presents Arsenic and Old Lace

The Tower Players Winnetka brings you a hilarious and thrilling live performance of Joseph Kesselring's Arsenic and Old Lace.
Arts/Entertainment

Artist Talk: Patty Carroll

Don't miss this opportunity to engage with Patty Carroll and gain a unique perspective on her thought-provoking work.
Arts/Entertainment

Arlo's Living Room Gallery: Chicago Pride Opening Reception

Arlo's Living Room Gallery series is expanding to Chicago and celebrating Pride with artworks by David Antonio Cruz and Antonius-Tín Bui.
Arts/Entertainment

SAI Summer Celebration and Annual Fundraiser

Support & Celebrate SAI at our annual fundraiser. Includes food & drink, Plus DJ Rekha, Comedian Sonal Aggarwal and Emcee Jitesh Jaggi.
Arts/Entertainment

In-Person: THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL: LOVE IN BLACK & BROWN by Nina Sharma

A hilarious and moving memoir in essays about love and allyship, told through one Asian and Black interracial relationship.
Arts/Entertainment

Immigration Improv Comedy Night! (During AILA AC 2024!)

The best AILA Annual Conference afterparty this year!! Laugh alongside AILA colleagues, experience a historic Chicago theater, and have fun!
Community

2024 Building CAPACD Convention Volunteer Sign-Up

Volunteer sign-up form for the National CAPACD Convention is now open!
Arts/Entertainment

In-Person: NINETAILS: Nine Tales by Sally Wen Mao

A “lyrical and virtuosic” fabulist debut collection of stories re-imagining the nine-tailed fox spirit of Asian folklore (Gina Chung).
Arts/Entertainment

Amy Tan: The Backyard Bird Chronicles

A night of storytelling and inspiration with bestselling author Amy Tan and Field Museum ornithologists Shannon Hackett and John Bates.
Community

The Great Baklaan: A learning space and performance for Filipinx/a/o people9

The Great Baklaan is a community-driven collaboration that reimagines opportunities to showcase the Filipinx/a/o LGBTQ+ community.
Community

Piyesta Pinoy (Philippine Fest)

Piyesta Pinoy is a festival of Filipino culture, arts, music and food in celebraqtion of the Philippine Independence Day.
Arts/Entertainment

RO Kwon, author of EXHIBIT - an in-person Boswell event

RO Kwon, author of EXHIBIT - an in-person Boswell event
Arts/Entertainment

SIRENA

SIRENA blends a personal story, family secrets, a mythic love triangle ending in the beginning of a nation, the displacement of its people, an individual’s perspective of belonging and a spectacular celebration of community through music, art and poetry.
Arts/Entertainment

Mâst Be Nice Chicago Presents: Samosas & Mimosas

Embrace in the vibrant Desi summer spirit at Samosas & Mimosas, the official summer kick off party of Chicago, hosted by Mâst Be Nice!
Community

Asian Heritage Night 2024

Join us to celebrate Asian Heritage on June 1st as the Chicago Fire face off against LA Galaxy. Included with your ticket is an Asian Heritage X Chicago Fire FC Scarf designed by local artist, Alyssa Low! Come out and cheer on Chicago Fire's own Asian American player, Kellyn Acosta!
Arts/Entertainment

An Evening with Ochin Pakhi and Friends

A special Ritual Rhythms Chicago event featuring Ochin Pakhi and a fantastic array of musicians and dancers!
Arts/Entertainment

The ENERI Access Series Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2024 Edition: “Coast to Coast”

ENERI Communications presents The ENERI Access Series Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2024 Edition: “Coast to Coast”!
Arts/Entertainment

Preserving Korean American History in Chicago

Join us for a panel discussion and a 20-minute screening by Man-Sung Son, a retired Columbia Film School professor and filmmaker. The film documents the Korean community in Chicago.
Arts/Entertainment

Film Screening: Yellow Rose (2019) 2nd Show

Join us for a second screening of Yellow Rose!
Politics

Informational Session: US Asylum Law

Join Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago for an Informational Session on US Asylum Law!
Arts/Entertainment

Artist Talk With Susanna Kim Vitayaudom

Susanna Kim Vitayaudom, a featured artist of 2024 AAPIHM's coloring sheet, talks about her artistic journey and the process of making art.
Community

AAEN Informational Webinar - Friends of the National Asian Pacific American Museum

Join us for an online webinar to learn about the Friends of the National Asian Pacific American Museum!
Arts/Entertainment

In-person Event: RELINQUISHED by Gretchen Sisson in conversation with Jessamine Chan

A timely and gripping social-suspense novel about book banning, activism, & standing up for what you believe.
Arts/Entertainment

Virtual Lunchtime Book Club Discussion with AABA Chicago and IPLAC

Join a virtual lunchtime book club meeting to discuss R.F. Kuang's satirical novel, Yellowface.
Community

FALA CHICAGO SUMMER SOIREE AND INSTALLATION CEREMONY

FALA Chicago invites members, colleagues, and friends to its annual summertime cultural celebration!
Community

2024 FYLPRO Immersion Program Applications Are Now Open

Every year, FYLPRO works with the Philippine Embassy and the Consulates General in the United States to search for the most outstanding, next-generation Filipinos between the ages of 25 to 45 in the United States to participate in its distinguished Immersion Program in the Philippines. The program is held in partnership with the Ayala Foundation, Inc. and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.
Arts/Entertainment

Explore Indian Culture with the Meher Dance Company

Explore South Asian culture through storytelling and dance with the Meher Dance Company in this interactive family program.
Arts/Entertainment

Film Screening: Yellow Rose (2019)

Join us for a screening of Yellow Rose.
Business

Celebrate & Connect: AAPI Heritage Month Closeout Small Business Symposium & Networking

In collaboration with the North River Commission/Albany Park Chamber of Commerce, Fifth Third Bank, and Chicago Asian Network, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) invites you to celebrate the end of AAPI Heritage Month with a panel discussion by distinguished AAPI food entrepreneurs, essential business resources from government agencies, and networking opportunities!
Arts/Entertainment

Türkiye: Diverse History and Culture with Dr. Lee Hee Soo

Join Dr. Lee Hee Soo as he talks about his personal fascination with and dedication to Turkey, Turkey's special geopolitical position, and Turkish culture and history.
Community

May Chicago Chapter Happy Hour

Professional Networking Event for local entrepreneurs and aspiring ones!
Community

What Do You Mean…? A Workshop on Language and Translation

In this interactive workshop, we will discuss various meanings associated with different words and what kinds of political possibilities and tensions may arise in processes of translation and interpretation.
Food

Duck, Dine, Donate! A Stir Friday Night Fundraiser

Are you hungry for Peking duck? Feeling generous? This Memorial Day, share a meal with SFN & bid on prizes to help SFN's trip to Amsterdam
Food

2024 AAPI Restaurants Week

Join us for our annual 2024 AAPI Restaurant Weeks in Chicago!
Arts/Entertainment

FAAIM's 27th 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!
Arts/Entertainment

The Asian Persuasion Comedy Variety Show

In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, iO presents The Asian Persuasion Comedy Variety Showcase in partnership with The Foundation For Asian American Independent Media (FAAIM).
Arts/Entertainment

Rhythms of India: A Beginner's Workshop in Bharatanatyam Dance

Want to explore Indian dance and storytelling? Try it out in an hour-long beginner's workshop of Bharatanatyam dance with Shalaka Kulkarni!
Arts/Entertainment

Asian-American Professionals (Chicago) Book Club

Come join the National Association of Asian Professionals (Chicago) for a lively discussion of "Arsenic and Adobo" by Mia Manansala.
Arts/Entertainment

Defiant Silk Festival: AAPI Speakeasy Spectacular

Experience spectacular performances from Chicago’s Asian American Pacific Islander community!
Arts/Entertainment

Story Time

Join us for a story time especially for our littlest patrons!
Arts/Entertainment

Sinag: Ray of Light

"Sinag - Ray Of Light” is a show featuring works of the Sinag Art Group, an art collective of 40 Filipino-American artists based in greater Chicago.
Arts/Entertainment

AAPI Cooperative Concert: Taiwanese and Carnatic 亞裔聯合音樂會

This concert brings East and South Asian music elements together, especially elements from Taiwan and South India!
Community

Giggles Jubilee

A day of fun in celebration of Giggles' one-year anniversary!
Community

Picnic in the Library with Museum Squatters

Come have an alternative experience to celebrate AAPI Month. Join the artist takeover of CAMOC's library and enjoy the museum in a new way!
Arts/Entertainment

Fire + Dragons: AAPI Speakeasy

Join a cast of nationally- and internationally-touring Asian American performers for drag, burlesque, traditional music, comedy, and more!
Arts/Entertainment

Film Screening: The Crimson Kimono (1959)

Join us for the groundbreaking thriller from legendary director Sam Fuller, The Crimson Kimono.
Arts/Entertainment

AAPI Month Celebration at 2d restaurant!

Celebrate AAPI Month at 2d restaurant with dumpling making and caligraphy!
Community

2024 Otaka Judicial Reception

Be part of the 2024 Installation Ceremony of the Asian American Judges Association of Illinois celebrating President Justice Sanjay Tailor!
Food

Jr Donut Chef AAPI Celebration Mochi Donut Workshop

Kids can learn how to decorate mochi donuts using popular Asian flavors and ingredients.
Arts/Entertainment

Film Screening: 95 and 6 to Go (2016)

Join Humboldt Park Branch for a screening of 95 and 6 to Go!
Arts/Entertainment

Authors on Tap: Shze-Hui Tjoa and Lindsay Hunter

Please join us in person for Author on Tap featuring Shze-Hui Tjoa and Lindsay Hunter!
Arts/Entertainment

Film Screening: Alternative Facts: The Lies of Executive Order 9066 (2019)

Join us for a free film screening of Alternative Facts: The Lies of Executive Order 9066!
Community

A Just Chi Giving Project | Tropic Like It's Hot 3: Our Voice Our Power

Join us for our May Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month FRIENDraiser Happy Hour hosted by A Just Chi's Giving Project.
Community

Weird Book Club: Interior Chinatown

Join the Weird Book Club on May 20 as they discuss Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu!
Arts/Entertainment

Ribbon Stitchery Art at Your Fingertips

Learn the Art of Ribbon Stitchery, an ancient form of art decor with colorful silk ribbons in lieu of pallet and paint brush.
Arts/Entertainment

Film Screening: Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Join us for a screening of Crazy Rich Asians.
Arts/Entertainment

Chicago Cubs AAPI Heritage Celebration

On Sunday, May 19, the Cubs will host a new ballpark celebration during the 2024 regular season in recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage.
Arts/Entertainment

Drop-In Sketching

Immerse yourself in the captivating arts of Asia with a unique opportunity to sketch in our galleries. All materials will be provided.
Arts/Entertainment

AANHPI Celebration at Pacifica Square Aurora Illinois 2024

Celebrate Diversity: AANHPI Extravaganza at Pacifica Square, Aurora - Saturday May 18th, 2024 - Free to All
Community

Argyle AANHPI Block Party

Uptown's asia on argyle district hosting argyle aanhpi block party in May!