May is a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the US. This year the Little Tokyo Community Council sponsors family-friendly springtime happenings in Downtown Los Angeles’ iconic neighborhood to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
Children’s Day festivities take place Sat. May 6 at Terasaki Budokan, a nonprofit multipurpose sports and activities center in Little Tokyo. In collaboration with artist Faith-Ann Kiwa Young and AAPI market CO-MRKT, the free event will feature a full day of fun activities from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., including art workshops, musical performances, and an AAPI-curated marketplace for the whole family to enjoy. For more information visit terasakibudokan.org
Kick off the 39th edition of the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival with communities through music, food, and art at the Japanese American National Museum. The kickoff event will be free and offer complimentary admission to the museum’s exhibits throughout the evening. Festival cinematic presentations will begin on Fri., May 5, in Little Tokyo; for more information visit festival.nvmedia.org.
Experience the nation’s premier Asian-American theatre with the opening night celebration and fundraiser for the East West Players’ new musical, “On This Side of the World,” on Thursday, May 14 at 5 p.m. With show dates through Sunday, Jun 4, this soaring world premiere musical gives voices to Filipino immigrants navigating old lives and new beginnings eight thousand miles from home. For tickets and more information, visit Eastwestplayers.org.
Show support for Asian American and Pacific Islander filmmakers at the 39th annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival presented by Visual Communications from Thu., May 4 through Sun., May 13. This year’s festival will feature a robust lineup of in-person and virtual programming for audiences at home in Southern California and beyond. For more information visit vcmedia.org/festival.
If you enjoy Japanese cuisine, mark your calendar for the annual Delicious Little Tokyo event, which takes place on Sat, Jun 24, 2023. For more info, visit littletokyola.org/delicious. Information on last year’s event may be found here.
Enjoy the beautiful spring season while honoring Asian American Pacific Heritage Month by supporting the unique array of Asian-owned businesses in the Little Tokyo community. To learn more about all the businesses in Little Tokyo, visit golittletokyo.com.