Your Guide to AAPI Heritage Month in Detroit

Japanese drumming, hula, sake tasting, and rattan trivet weaving are just a few of the fantastic events happening across Detroit this month in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Detroit has a long list of ways to celebrate. Experience AAPI cultures across the city with art events, food, shopping, cultural demonstrations, heritage crafts, and more.

People of AAPI heritage have been part of the fabric of Detroit since the 1800s and continue to help make the city vibrant and diverse today.

When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the month of May

Where: 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

Throughout the month of May, the DIA has a series of events happening on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. They work together with AAPI community groups and artists to bring Detroit a wide variety of art forms, including traditional and contemporary dance, music, and art.

In 2025, the cultures highlighted include Chinese, Filipino, Hmong, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Mongolian, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese.

Check out some of the amazing programming, including a Uchiwa paper fans workshop, and Drawing in the Galleries. During Drawing in the Galleries, you get the chance to create a pencil drawing in the Japanese and Korean, and Indian and Southeast Asian art galleries to take home while exploring the collection up close.

There's also music by the ensemble Asian Sound Revolution, a guest artist workshop with Shingo Brown, and a cultural demonstration on Taiwanese tea culture.

When: Saturday, May 3, 2025

Where: MGM Grand Detroit, 1777 3rd Ave Detroit MI 48226

The Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce is putting on the 24th Annual APACC Gala to celebrate the past year's achievements. The gala will include cultural performances, dinner, a keynote speaker, and a silent auction. There will also be an afterglow with DJ Leo and a special performance that's still to be announced.

When: Saturday, May 4, 2025

Where: 32737 W. 12 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334

The Farmington Community Library has a Day of Celebration planned with lots of great events to honor their AAPI community. Everyone is invited to dress in their sari, dhotis, kimonos, hakama, and handfuls to join in the celebration. The day will feature the Michigan Lion Dance Team and an introduction from Richard Mui, President of the Association of Chinese Americans. Japanese taiko drumming is performed by an ensemble from the Great Lakes Taiko Center, hula from the Polynesian Dancers of Michigan, and bhangra from Fur Teelay Dance. The fun doesn't stop there, adults over 21 can try Japanese sake during a special tasting event.

When: May 4 and 18, and other Sundays throughout the year

Where: 29750 Ryan Rd, Warren, MI 48092

The Midwest Buddhist Meditation Center hosts Sunday markets from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the market, you can shop and enjoy a taste of Thailand, including papaya salad, Thai noodles, and more. It's a great way to experience delicious Thai food, enjoy the company of others in the community, and support vendors.

Detroit has many AAPI-inspired restaurants across the area, bringing the food, culture, and heritage of many Asian communities right to the city. Authentic food is a great way to experience and get to know the diverse cultures that are alive here in Detroit. With many AAPI restaurants across metro Detroit, this list contains some area