Mary Cait McManamon
American Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month: 12 ways to celebrate locally
May 1, 2025
May is American Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI), a time to celebrate the rich history, vibrant cultures and lasting contributions of AAPI communities across the United States. Check out these events happening across Dane County to honor and learn about the rich cultures and traditions of AAPI communities.
Duck Soup Cinema: The Dragon Painter
Saturday, May 3 at 2pm & 7pm at Overture Center
Starring the incredible Sessue Hayakawa, this film tells the tale of Tatsu, a passionate artist who loses himself in his art—literally! Believing his beloved princess has been captured by a dragon, Tatsu’s obsession blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. This is more than just a love story; it’s a piece of cinematic history. Once thought lost, “The Dragon Painter” is a treasure of Asian American film that you won’t want to miss. Come see for yourself why Sessue Hayakawa was a true star of the silent era!
AAPI Celebration with MACCO
Thursday, May 8 from 6-7pm (Free!) at Cottage Grove School Library
Cottage Grove School is hosting a special celebration with Madison Area Chinese Community Organization (MACCO), bringing the beauty of Chinese culture to life through an exciting event featuring calligraphy and lion dance costumes for kids.
MACCO is a non-profit corporation dedicated to serving the Chinese American community in the Madison area. Their mission is to provide cultural, educational and social programs that promote the identity and cultural heritage of Chinese Americans while enhancing their quality of life.
Exhibition Reception: Honoring 50 Years of Diaspora
Friday, May 9 from 5-7pm (Free!) at Overture Center
Join The Hmong Institute in Overture Center’s Playhouse Gallery for food and discussion about the history and significance of the refugee-made story clothes.
2025 marks 50 years since the Hmong diaspora from Laos, and this historic collection preserves their lived experiences and stories through textile art. Woven and embroidered story cloths offer insight into Hmong history and the Ban Vinai refugee experience, educating and inspiring the Hmong community and beyond. This exhibition is part of The Hmong Institute’s 50th-anniversary activities commemorating the Hmong diaspora.
Playhouse Gallery: Honoring 50 Years of Diaspora
Chinese Storytime
Saturday, May 10 from 10-11:30am (Free!) at Sequoya Library
Join TingTing for stories and crafts from China. The program is presented in Mandarin;, however, all are welcome.
Filipino Bruch cooking class
Sunday, May 11 from 1-3:30pm at Delectable
Ever wondered what makes Filipino brunch so irresistibly flavorful and comforting? This is your chance to explore it firsthand with an interactive cooking class led by the talented Chef Joel. He'll guide you through creating a vibrant and diverse menu filled with Filipino brunch classics that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your brunch guests.
An Evening of Dim Sum cooking class
Tuesday, May 13 from 6-8:30pm at Delectable
Roll up your sleeves, bring your appetite and experience the thrill of creating your own dim sum!
Learn to prepare a mouthwatering menu of Char Siu Bao (BBQ pork buns), Shrimp and Vegetable Siu Mai with sweet and hot red pepper sauce, Mushroom and Bean Sprout Spring Rolls, Chicken and Sweet Corn Potstickers, Watercress Hot and Sour Soup, Scallion Pancakes and Chinese Egg Tarts.
Deliciouser Discovery Dinner: Asia Pacific With Chef Juan Umaña
Wednesday, May 14 from 6:15-8:45pm at the Deliciouser
Join team Deliciouser as they welcome back guest chef Juan Umaña for a vibrant culinary exploration inspired by recent travels through Hawaii, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia and Nepal. This immersive, fully plant-based dining experience will celebrate bold flavors, nourishing ingredients and the deep connections between food, culture and technique.
Each course will highlight local produce paired with global inspiration, showcasing how veggie- forward ingredients can be transformed through traditional and modern cooking methods. The multi-course, vegan tasting menu will be revealed upon arrival, unfolding as a journey of taste and storytelling.
Asian American Celebration Night 2025
Friday, May 16 from 5-8:30pm (Free!) at Madison East High School
Bring your family, friends and community for a night of culture, fun and celebration at the Asian American Celebration Night, proudly hosted by the United Asian Consortium. This free event includes an Asian cuisine dinner, photo booth, Asian-inspired activities, Asian cultural fashion show, performances and free raffle giveaways!
Madison College AAPI Celebration with Amasian
Saturday, May 17 from 1-5pm (Free!) at Madison College
You’re invited to Madison College’s first AAPI Celebration event! This event is about uniting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) to celebrate their incredible cultures, traditions and stories of communities. Get ready for a day filled with delicious food, live performances, kids' activities, an Asian heritage exhibit, a silent auction and the chance to connect with an incredible community. All are welcome to join the celebration.
The Spice Box
Monday, May 19 from 6:30-8pm at Sequoya Library
Join local chef Huma Siddiqui-Seitz for a special cooking class. Siddiqui-Seitz's cooking classes are based on using Pakistani and Indian spices in simple, easy and delicious recipes. In this class, she will demonstrate cooking sauteed okra, rice with peppers and yogurt sauce.
Artist Talk: Anthony Cerulli
Thursday, May 22 from 5-7pm (Free!) at Overture Center
Presenting an exhibition of visually contrasting works documenting creation, Anthony Cerulli’s work captures Indian manuscripts and archives through photography. Hear him talk about his work at his Artist Talk in Overture’s Wisconsin Studio.
Overture Spring Gallery II: Inverse Testaments of Creation
Hmong Institute 50th Anniversary Hmong Diaspora Celebration
Saturday, May 31 from 4:30-10pm at Monona Terrace
Join The Hmong Institute for a festive night at the Hmong Diaspora Banquet, filled with music, culture and celebration paying tribute to the incredible individuals who have shaped the modern Hmong music scene. Guests will have the chance to bid on exciting silent auction items, all in support of The Hmong Institute’s important work.
Whether it’s through food, music, community or art, there are so many ways to learn and celebrate AAPI month in Madison. We hope you check out a few of these events!