2023 Calendar
Throughout the month of May, celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with events and activities across Cincinnati. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Check individual event details for most accurate information.
* = family friendly event
♿︎ = wheelchair-accessible
Asian Food Fest*
April 29-30th | Check website for times | Court Street Plaza
The region’s premiere festival celebrating Asian food, music, comedy, and culture returns to Downtown Cincinnati. Experience over 150 dishes from 30+ vendors from the area. Cultural performances from regional artists and family-friendly activities fill each day with something fun and unique for everybody.
Free Admission, ♿︎
Visit the Asian Food Fest website
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Wokstar Asian Lager: Birthday Celebration*
May 1-7 | Restaurant Hours | Oriental Wok Restaurants
One year ago the Wokstar Lager was born! Oriental Wok and Rhinegeist collaborated to create an Asian-style lager. Celebrate this epic beer’s 1st birthday by collecting a special Wokstar souvenir glass with your beer purchase May 1-7; while supplies last.
FREE Souvenir Wokstar Glass with beer purchase, ♿︎
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Oriental Wok’s Signature Fortune Cookie Candle: Mother’s Day Deal*
May 1-7 | Restaurant Hours | Oriental Wok Restaurants
Celebrate Asian Heritage Month and Mother's Day with the scent of a delicious vanilla fortune cookie! Locally crafted, hand-poured, natural soy candles with signature Oriental Wok fortune cookie scent; while supplies last.
$32 per candle | Mother's Day Deal: $100 for (1) $75 gift card + (1) Fortune Cookie Candle ♿︎
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VOICES & VISIONS: Expressions by Cincinnati Asian American Artists*
Opening Reception: May 6th | 3-5 PM | Walnut Hills Branch Library
This exhibition celebrates the creativity and achievements of regional Asian American artists during the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Ten artists from six different cultural heritages will showcase their works of paintings, carvings, printmaking, ceramics, andsculpture to pay tribute to their artistic traditions. The exhibition is organized by Yu Ling Huang and Cincinnati Asian American artists. Voices & Visions runs May 5-May 27 at the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Library’s Walnut Hills Branch.
Free Admission, ♿︎
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May Midwest Pa’ina
May 6 | 12-6 PM | Kealoha’s Kitchen 3428 Decoursey Ave, Covington, KY 41015
Kealoha's Kitchen is hosting its 3rd Potluck Pa'ina Celebration at Pandemonium (next door to Kealoha’s Kitchen)! There will be slack key music and entertainment, vendors, food, and plenty of Aloha. If you would like to be a vendor or entertainer, please pm Kealoha's Kitchen. There is no booth fee, but spaces are limited. Kealoha's Kitchen will provide kalua pig, rice, and potato-macaroni salad. Please bring a dish to share.
Free Admission
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Japan America Community Night
with FC Cincinnati
May 6th | Pre-game 4:30 PM; Match time 7:30 PM | TQL Stadium 1501 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45202
An event that has become a JASGC tradition, Japan America Community Night is a fun opportunity to join fellow fans of FC Cincinnati and show your support for FCC striker Yuya Kubo, North America's only male Japanese professional soccer player.
Tickets from $31, ♿︎
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Bánh Appétit Pop-Up*
May 8th | 6-10 PM | Longfellow 1233 Clay St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Special AAPI Heritage Month Menu featuring croissant bánh mì's (3 options: pork, chicken, jackfruit), soup, and a refreshing Vietnamese dessert. Not to mention the venue is at a great bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks! Brought to you by two Cincinnati-based Vietnamese buds, one of whom was recently featured as a chef in Cincinnati Magazine’s Spring Savor dining event. Come eat and have fun with a spin on a classic Vietnamese sandwich.
Free Admission, ♿︎
Made possible by @meltedturnip, @longfellowcinti, @el_caminobakingco
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Trivia Night: AAPI History*
May 9th | 6:30 PM | Esoteric Brewing Company
Join the OPAWL team at Esoteric Brewing Company to test your knowledge of AAPI History. Grab a beer and a bite from Decibel - it’s going to be a good time!
Free Admission, ♿︎
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Beyond Barbed Wire: A Family's Living Legacy of the Japanese Internment Camps*
May 9th | 6-7 PM | Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church, 5950 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45213
Learn about the legacy of America’s illegal internment of people of Japanese-descent during World War II from Denny Kato, third-generation Japanese-American and graduate of both Walnut Hills High School & the University of Cincinnati.
Tickets $10 ($5 for students), ♿︎
For more info, visit the JASGC website
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Culture Awareness Workshop: East Asian Business Etiquettes
May 11th / 12-1 PM / Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce, 3 E 4th St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce offer a lineup of stellar speakers familiar with the AAPI topics, ranging from diversity, equity and inclusion, to economic development and future leadership. You don’t want to miss this special learning experience in honor of AAPI Heritage Month!
Free Admission
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Happy Asianati Day!*
May 12th / ALL DAY / Asianati
Our sister-organization Asianati has been recognized by the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners for the hard work they do to support the AAPI Community in Cincinnati. May 12, 2023 is officially “Asianati Day” throughout Hamilton County and to celebrate, a number of Bubble Tea shops in the area are offering special “Asianati Day” bubble tea drinks.
All proceeds go to the University of Cincinnati’s Bearcats Pantry. Available at Eighteen Bubble Tea shops around Cincinnati.
Visit Asianati’s website for a listing of all locations and flavors!
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Dancing to Blissful Poetry*
May 13th | 2 PM | Sharonville Public Library, 10980 Thornview Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45241
Nishita will be performing a thematic show, Dancing to the Blissful Poetry as a part of the Ohio Arts Council Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grant award. Nishita celebrates the 14th century poetry and compositions which are still relevant and popular today. Nishita will be performing these dances in Folk, Kuchipudi and Bharata Natyam dance styles. Each dance tells heritage stories while being inclusive of everyone regardless of their social status. Sponsored by the Ohio Arts Council.
Free Admission, ♿︎
Visit culturalcenterofindia.com for more info
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Screening: Yellow Rose presented by Woodward Cinema
May 15th | 7 PM | The Woodward Theater
FASO and Woodward Theater present the FilAm drama Yellow Rose starring Eva Noblezada and Lea Salonga. Yellow Rose tells the story of a FilAm teen growing up in Texas who wants to be a country music performer.
Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 day of show
Visit FASO's Facebook page for more info
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Culture Awareness Workshop: The Warring States of the Middle Kingdom
May 18th / 12-1 PM / Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce, 3 E 4th St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
The Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce offer a lineup of stellar speakers familiar with the AAPI topics, ranging from diversity, equity and inclusion, to economic development and future leadership. You don’t want to miss this special learning experience in honor of AAPI Heritage Month!
Free Admission
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AAPI Night at the Movies*
May 18th / 7 PM / Esquire Theatre, 320 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220
Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati and FASO present a rare showing of the Broadway musical Allegiance based on the real life experience of George Takei. One of two screenings (May 18 & 21).
Tickets: $10.25 Adults / $7.75 Children & Senior Citizens; ♿︎
Purchase tickets through the Esquire Theater
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VOICES & VISIONS: Expressions by Cincinnati Asian American Artists at CAC*
May 19 Opening Reception / 5-8 PM / Contemporary Arts Center
This exhibition celebrates the creativity and achievements of regional Asian American artists during the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Ten artists from six different cultural heritages will showcase their works of paintings, carvings, printmaking, ceramics, andsculpture to pay tribute to their artistic traditions. The exhibition is organized by Yu Ling Huang and Cincinnati Asian American artists. Voices & Visions runs May 17-June 18 at the CAC.
Free Admission, ♿︎
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Conversations with Artists*
May 20th / 2-4 PM / Walnut Hills Branch Public Library
The event will invite several highly accomplished AAPI members in the arts to serve as panelists. They will share their experiences including opportunities and challenges with the audience. Audience is welcome to ask questions and exchange thoughts with the panelists.
Free Admission, ♿︎
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AAPI Night at the Movies*
May 21st / 1 PM / Mariemont Theatre, 606 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, OH 45227
Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati and FASO present a rare showing of the Broadway musical Allegiance based on the real life experience of George Takei. One of two screenings (May 18 & 21).
Tickets: $10.25 Adults / $7.75 Children & Senior Citizens; ♿︎
Purchase tickets through the Mariemont Theatre HERE
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Happy 1st Birthday, Wok Star
May 20th / 2-6 PM / The Hilltop, Mt. Adams
950 Pavilion St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Oriental Wok and The Hilltop are collaborating to celebrate the 1 year anniversary of Wok Star. Purchase a pint and take home a limited edition glass. We will be offering egg rolls and crab rangoon prepared by Oriental Wok. Live music by Cybele from 2-4 on our patio. Special guest bartender.
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Immersive Dinner Experience
May 22nd / 6-8 PM / Oriental Wok (FT Mitchell location)
317 Buttermilk Pike, Fort Mitchell, KY
In Honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Brighton Center and Oriental Wok are partnering to offer an immersive dinner highlighting the immigrant experience on Monday, May 22, 2023, at the Fort Mitchell location. The dinner will include an authentic meal, drinks, and an opportunity to hear from Mike and his daughter Susanna Wong about their experience immigrating to the U.S. and opening their own business.
Tickets: $95, ♿︎
To purchase tickets, visit the Brighton Center Website.
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Tune In: AAPI Artists on Cincinnati Edition*
May 25th | 12 PM | 91.7 WVXU
Several exhibits in Cincinnati are highlighting the works of local Asian American artists for AAPI Heritage Month. The subject matter explores issues of heritage, immigration and social justice. Curators Yuling Huang and Saad Ghosn have brought together more than a dozen artists for the month of May.
The exhibit Voices & Visions: Expressions by Cincinnati Asian American Artists is on display through May 27 at the Walnut Hills Branch Public Library and through June 18 at the Contemporary Arts Center.
The AAPI Celebratory Art Event and Art Exhibit is May 27 from 2-6 p.m. at the Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church. The exhibit runs through June 11.
On Cincinnati Edition, we discuss the contributions of local AAPI artists. Guests:
Yuling Huang, artist and part-time faculty of art history, Northern Kentucky University School of the Arts Art & Design program
Saad Ghosn, organizer, founder and artist, SOS Art
Listen on 91.7 WVXU’s website
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Culture Awareness Workshop: The Silk Road Legacy
May 25th / 12-1 PM / Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce
3 E 4th St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
The Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce offers a lineup of stellar speakers familiar with the AAPI topics ranging from diversity, equity and inclusion, to economic development and future leadership. You don’t want to miss this special learning experience in honor of AAPI Heritage Month!
Free Admission
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Indian American Chamber of Commerce Open Networking Event
May 25th / 5:30-7 PM / Champlain Architecture, 720 E Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Join the IACC for our annual free Open Networking Event. We will have food, drinks and guest speaker Kal Patel, CEO/Entrepreneur will be joining us. Come to socialize and network with other like-minded individuals. Hear about our upcoming events and our membership benefits.
Free Admission, ♿︎
For more info and to RSVP, visit the IACC website
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Artist Talk: Inside Out, Interplay Between Mark and Word*
May 25th / 6 PM / Westheimer Gallery, 11165 Reading Road Sharonville, Ohio 45241
Join us at the Westheimer Gallery for a special conversation with our May Gallery Artist, Priya Rama! This event is free and open to the public. Priya Rama's art is born from her chronic migraines. When one begins, along with the pain and pressure, colors and shapes appear in her mind's eye. These get transformed into hyperchromatic paintings of resilience. Often, completing a painting acts as a release, reminding us that the mind can do more than just process pain: It can transform pain into beauty. Hosted by the Sharonville Cultural Arts Center
Free Admission, ♿︎
For more info, see the Event Information on Facebook
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Paper Lanterns Burlesque & Aerial Variety Show
May 25th and 26th / 7-10:30 PM / Somerhaus Event Space - 1415 Republic Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
FUNKē Presents "Paper Lanterns" at Somerhaus, a sexy, sensual, energetic, and empowering Spring burlesque and aerial show starring the legendary Frankie Fictitious and a beautiful blend of artists showcasing favorites from our main cast and celebrating Asian-American artistic contributions to burlesque. As Kasey Crimson, Madame Mira, Ling, Mirage, Mizzo, and Pam Blessing take to the floor and air in epic, spell-binding performances, guests will be teleported into a beautiful dream of rich colors, hypnotic movement, and inspiring music. Don't miss this opportunity to see Frankie Fictitious and our super-star cast up close and personal in this incredible night club setting.
Tickets: $45-75, ♿︎
Purchase tickets on Eventbrite
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Esoteric presents: A Filipino Fiesta*
May 27th | 11 AM - 3 PM | Esoteric Brewing, 918 E McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45206
Help close out AAPI Heritage Month Cincinnati with a Filipino Fiesta celebration at Esoteric Brewing. Potluck Filipino desserts are encouraged. FACPA will be performing traditional Philippine dances at 1:00. Hosted by Esoteric Brewing Company and FASO.
Free Admission, ♿︎
Visit the Facebook Event page for more info
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Adopteen Lunch for Adoptees*
May 27th | 12-1 PM | HARU, 628 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45202
CALLING ALL ADOPTEES. This is a special Korean lunch at the restaurant Haru for adoptees. If you identify as AAPI and are an adoptee, join Aidan Curran and Jane Rudnick with the Southern Ohio and Kentucky Adopteen Chapters to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month together!
Lunch ranges between $10-$20, ♿︎
Check out Adopteen’s Facebook page for more info | The Park Community Website
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AAPI Cultural Heritage Celebratory Art Exhibit and Art Event*
May 27th | 2-6 PM | Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church, 103 William Howard Taft Road
A celebration of artistic expressions by Asian Americans of East Asian, SouthEast Asian, and Pacific Islander descent presented by SOS ART. Featuring panel discussions, poetry readings, art presentations, and performances -all by Asian American artists from Greater Cincinnati.
Additional Gallery Openings: May 28, June 3 & 4, June 10 & 11 from 2-6pm.
Free Admission, ♿︎
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Oriental Wok on Cincinnati Edition*
May 31st | Noon | 91.7 WVXU
Join host Lucy May as she has an insightful and hilarious conversation with Mike Wong and his daughter Susanna about coming to America and running one of the most visible Asian restaurants in Cincinnati.
Free Admission, ♿︎
Listen on 91.7 WVXU’s website
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AAPI Heritage Month Closing Party*
June 1st | 5-9 PM | Five Points Alley, 2425 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206
Join us for the third-annual AAPI Heritage Month Cincinnati Closing party. Hosted this year by our sister-organization Asianati and our friends Cincy Nice featuring an Express Yourself Open Mic and an exhibition of “52 Voices.” Food Trucks and Drinks will be on-site.
Free Admission, ♿︎
BEYOND MAY
Cincinnati couldn’t fit all the events into May. Join us in celebrating AAPI culture, stories, and food beyond AAPI Heritage Month!
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Asian American Cultural Celebration Youth Concert*
June 2nd | 6:30 - 7:30 PM | Fairfield Lane Library, 1485 Corydale Dr, Fairfield, OH 45014
Youth members of the Asian American Coalition of Ohio (AACO), who are also distinguished musicians with the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra, Junior String and Youth Wind Ensemble will delight us with a very special performance. In addition to the beautiful concert they've put together for us, they'll also regale us with a singing performance, and a traditional dance performance as well. After the concert, we'll have the opportunity to engage them in conversation and hear a little about their stories and experiences growing up bi-cultural and bilingual. This will be an unforgettable evening and we can't wait to experience such authentic and heart-felt performances by these incredibly talented individuals. Please join us for this exclusive, after-hours event.
Free Admission, ♿︎
To register for the event, visit the Lane Libraries website or call (513) 858-3238.
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Asian American Mini-Fest*
June 3rd | 1 - 4 PM | Fairfield Lane Library, 1485 Corydale Dr, Fairfield, OH 45014
Asian American Coalition of Ohio (AACO) presents a family-friendly event full of Asian crafts, games, displays, traditional costumes and so many more activities to celebrate Asian culture and traditions. The Mini-Fest, unlike the concert, does not require registration, and we just encourage families to drop in anytime during the festival!
Free Admission, ♿︎
Visit the Lane Libraries website or call (513) 858-3238 for more info
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Taste of Lebanon*
June 4th | 12 - 7 PM | St Anthony of Padua Church, 2530 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH, United States, Ohio
This crowd-pleasing Mediterranean Food Festival returns featuring delicious homemade Lebanese cuisine. Featuring Kibbee, Falafel, Hummus, Tabouli, Shawarma, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Spinach Pies, Meat Pies, Green Beans and Rice. Items sold a-la-carte. Dine-in or Carry out. Vegetarian options. Pastries including Baklawa, Lebanese Coffee, Craft Beer sponsored by Dead Low Brewing. Traditional music, dancing, and imported grocery booth completes this Cultural experience! Free parking and admission, grounds are handicap accessible.
Free Admission, ♿︎
For more info, view the event on Facebook.
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Dances of India*
June 13th | 2 PM | Anderson Branch Public Library, 7450 State Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230
Free Interactive Family Friendly Show Music, dance, action, drama, glamor all comes together in Bollywood movies and dance numbers. These dances have a touch of tradition, includes many different flavors and walks of life. These dances are very popular all over the world given they are earthy, simple yet energizing in nature. You will see fun, celebration and happiness in all these dance sequences. Dancers dressed in colorful costumes, intricate jewelry and theatrical makeup will entertain you with breath-taking footwork and ancient story-telling techniques. Create a magical moment for you with this spectacular showcase of artistic expression, energy and the beauty that will make you experience incredible Dances of India. Hosted by the Cultural Centre of India.
Free Admission, ♿︎
For more info, view the event on Facebook.
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