May is here, and in the Bluff City while it is often synonymous with BBQ competitions and music festivals; May also means it’s time to celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Established in 1992, this nationally recognized heritage month acknowledges the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. If you’re in Memphis and looking for fun ways to join the celebration, here’s a list of exciting activities you can do throughout May!
But first…
A Brief History of Asian Americans in Memphis
Asian Americans have played a significant role in the fabric of Memphis for over a century. That’s right, our Asian community has over 150 years of history here! The first notable wave of Asian immigration to the area began in the late 19th century, with Chinese immigrants arriving to work in the railroad and agricultural sectors. Over the years, Memphis has seen a growing diversity of Asian communities, including Vietnamese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, and more. Each group has contributed its unique culture, cuisine, and traditions to the city, enriching Memphis’s social and cultural landscape. Today, Memphis is home to vibrant Asian communities, celebrated for their festivals, businesses, and cultural contributions.
Want to learn more about our Asian American communities?
Here’s how you can celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in Memphis.
1. Explore the Local Cuisine
One of the best ways to explore culture is through food! Memphis has a variety of locally owned Asian restaurants that serve delicious cuisine. Unsure of where to start? The annual Hungry Tiger Food Tour with Edible Memphis takes out the guess work. Join a tasty trek around town to restaurants showcasing Memphis’ Asian communities, visiting both long-standing staples and new favorites, like: Indian cuisine at Amrutha Vilas, Vietnamese fare at Tuyen’s Bistro, Filipino dishes at New Manila Restaurant, and many more,
Check out the tour schedule including dates and times to connect with other foodie adventurers here.
If you have a sweet tooth, then you’ll want to check out the self-paced Asian Bakery Crawl. Over the past few years, Asian bakeries have been popping up around town including brick and mortars such as Sweet Musings, Bloom Bakery & Café, and Snowa, to name a few, as well as farmer’s market staples like Wagashi and 901 Bakes. Check out the list of Asian bakeries here.
2. Learn and Share
Knowledge is power! Spend some time learning about AAPI history, culture, and the arts. Here are some ways to do this:
AAPI Heritage Month Student Art Exhibition – Opening Reception
- Date: Wednesday, May 7th | Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM CST
- Location: Cossitt Library
- Celebrate the creativity of K-12 students with an exhibition showcasing their artwork honoring AAPI culture. Enjoy refreshments and support young artists! Artwork will be on display at Cossitt Library from April 28-May 16 before traveling to Saddle Creek’s pop-up gallery, where it will be on view from May 17-June 15.
Stay in a Book | Guest Author: Dr. SunAh Laybourn
- Date: Thursday, May 16th 6:30pm
- Location: Crosstown Concourse, Suite 366 (Memphis Teacher Residency)
- Stay in a Book is on a mission to create a community of lifelong learners. For May’s Stay in a Book Club, hear from Dr. SunAh Laybourn as she tells her story and shares about her book, Out of Place: The Lives of Korean Adoptee Immigrants.
Super Saturday: Art in the Park In Partnership with Overton Park Concervancy
- Date: Saturday, May 17th 10:00am-12:00pm
- Location: Overton Park Formal Gardens
- The serene beauty of the Formal Gardens adjacent to Brooks Plaza provides the perfect backdrop for crafting intricate origami flowers, celebrating the national symbols of various Asian nations. This hands-on activity is designed for both seasoned origami enthusiasts and curious beginners alike, making it an inviting space for all ages.
Suchitra Mattai: with abundance we meet
- Date: Opening Thursday, May 22nd
- Location: Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
- Experience an installation of sculptures made from vintage saris, honoring the artist’s South Asian ancestry and exploring themes of femininity and cultural heritage.
Alex Wong presents Permission – Multi-sensory Listening Tasting Tour
- Date: Friday, May 23rd 7pm
- Location: Imagine Vegan Café
- Alex Wong’s nationwide tour makes a stop in Memphis! Guests are invited into a deeply connected experience through a multi-course listening and tasting dinner in which attendees will enjoy six Chinese-inspired dishes Alex has created that share some common emotion with each of the six tracks on his new album Permission.
Super Saturday – Japanese Fans
- Date: Saturday, May 24th | Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST
- Location: Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
- Engage in a hands-on workshop making Japanese folding fans. It’s a delightful way to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month through art!
“Bluff City Chinese” Documentary Film Screening & Discussion – RESCHEDULED TO MAY 29TH
- Date: Thursday, May 29th | Time: 6:00 PM – 8:15 PM CST
- Location: National Civil Rights Museum
- Join this special screening followed by a discussion with director Thandi Cai, exploring 150 years of Chinese immigrant history in Memphis.
3. Attend Special Events
There are many exciting events happening throughout May that you won’t want to miss!
AAPI Heritage Month Kickoff: Island Vibes & Happy Hour!
- Date: Thursday, May 1st | Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM CST
- Location: Caption by Hyatt – Beer Garden & Talk Shop
- Celebrate with tropical cocktails (and mocktails) and a menu by Executive Chef Pavy Keomaniboth featuring Pacific Island cuisine. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with friends!
City of Memphis AAPI Heritage Month Celebration
- Date: Saturday, May 24th | Location: Bert Ferguson Community Center
- Explore diverse cultures with live performances, cultural activities, and food from various local Asian communities.
Memphis Dragon Boat Festival
- Date: Saturday, May 31st | All Day | Location: Hyde Lake, Shelby Farms
- Enjoy boat racing, dance performances, live music, and great food at this annual fundraising event hosted by the Memphis Chinese Community Center.
Conclusion
AAPI Heritage Month is a perfect time to celebrate the diverse cultures and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Whether you’re exploring delicious cuisines, attending special events, or learning something new, there’s no shortage of fun activities to do in Memphis. So, gather your friends and family, and let’s make this month a memorable celebration of heritage, culture, and community!
Happy AAPI Heritage Month! 🎉
