May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and with such a high population of Asian immigrants and families from across different cultures in the DMV, there are plenty of ways to celebrate and learn about these rich cultures, their arts and their histories. We’ve highlighted a few, from Chinese, Filipino and Hawaiian events to pan-Asian street festivals.
Dance Across Oceans: Pacific and South Asian Heritage
May 3, 2-3 p.m.
Columbia Pike Branch Library
816 S Walter Reed Drive, Arlington, VA 22204
Welcome AAPI Month at this showcase of dance from the Pacific Islands and South Asia, including traditional hula dance. Registration is recommended, as seating is first-come, first-served. There is also a virtual option for those who cannot attend in person.
Free | library.arlingtonva.us
Potomac Bonsai Festival
May 9-11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
National Bonsai and Penjing Museum
3501 New York Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20006
Bonsai trees take great effort and skill to maintain. See masters of the craft at work at this annual festival who will be displaying their creations and leading workshops. There are plenty of activities available for children and beginner bonsai gardeners.
Free | potomacbonsai.com/pba-festival
Global Tales and Traditions Series: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage
May 10, 11 a.m.-noon
Surratt House Museum and Research Center
9118 Brandywine Road, Clinton, MD 20735
Kids can explore Pacific Islander culture at this AAPI Month edition of a monthly story time series, which focuses on different cultures from around the world. This month’s book will be “‘Ohana Means Family,” by Ilima Loomis with illustrations by Kenard Pak. A craft will follow the reading.
Free | pgparks.com
Washington D.C. Dragon Boat Festival
May 17, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thompson Boat Center
2900 Virginia Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20037
See the traditional Chinese sport of dragon boat racing at this annual festival and race, where dragon boat teams from across the Mid-Atlantic compete in gorgeous boats! Arts and crafts and hands-on activities will also be present at the event, and there will be a lion dance performance in addition to the races.
Free | dcdragonboatfestival.com
2025 Fiesta Asia Street Fair
May 17, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
400 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
D.C.’s largest free pan-Asian festival is coming back for its 20th anniversary! More than 1,000 performers, vendors, artisans and more representing 20 cultures will be showing off their wares, crafts and cultural traditions. This event also features anniversary highlights, such as a dragon and lion dancer parade and a cosplay contest.
Free | fiestaasia.org
Halau Nohona Hawai’i Ho’ike 2025
May 18, 1-3:30 p.m.
Gwendolyn E. Coffield Community Recreation Center
2450 Lyttonsville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910
You don’t need to get on a plane to take a trip to Hawaii, thanks to this Hawaiian cultural event that brings hula, performance and Hawaiian cuisine to Silver Spring! Bento boxes are available at an extra cost.
$12.51-$44.52; free for children 5 and younger | tinyurl.com/HalauNohonaHawaii2025
Filipino Culture Through Arts & Crafts, Dances and Stories
May 31, 1-2 p.m.
Surratts-Clinton Branch Library
9400 Piscataway Road, Clinton, MD 20735
This all-ages event is the perfect introduction to the world of Filipino art and culture. Participants will learn Filipino folk dances and make flower crowns and woven paper bags to celebrate the Flores de Mayo festival.
Free | pgcmls.info
