Mayor Brandon Johnson gave a standing ovation to the Chicago Asian Network and Lakhi Siap for uplifting Chicago’s Asian American voices. With cultural flair and community pride, the Asian American Heritage Month kick-off proved Chicago’s diversity takes center stage!

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with our exclusive 2025 Chicago APAHM Calendar! This free booklet features 120+ events across the city highlighting Asian American and Pacific Islander culture, along with a directory of local ethnic organizations you can support or get involved with.

From veteran icons like Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Mindy Kaling to new-generation standouts like Gina Alice Redlinger, their appearances underscored the global and intersectional spirit of the night.

The first quarter of 2025 has been a groundbreaking period for Asian and Asian American representation across various industries. From historic firsts in film and music to significant wins in politics, sports, and business, Asian voices are being recognized and celebrated on a global scale.

This year’s finalists showcase the rich diversity and innovation within Asian culinary traditions, celebrating their heritage while pushing boundaries. Here’s a closer look at Asian excellence among the 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award finalists.

From the grasslands of Inner Mongolia to the grand stage of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Peixin Chen proves that bass-baritones really do go big or go home. With a voice as rich as Puccini’s score and a heart as warm as Colline’s farewell to his coat, Chen brings depth, charm, and just the right amount of drama to La Bohème. Don’t miss this operatic gem—your ears (and soul) will thank you.