AAPI Arts, Culture & Community in Playhouse Village
This May, Playhouse Village celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Check out these exhibits, book signings, and family-friendly events highlighting the rich tapestry of AAPI culture that makes Playhouse Village a culturally vibrant and diverse place to live.
Explore AAPI art and culture at USC PAM
USC Asia Pacific Museum | 46 N Los Robles Ave
Discover the vibrant work of AAPI artists at USC Pacific Asia Museum with special programming throughout the month. Explore how South Asian modernism shaped global art in a conversation about Sadequain’s legacy or experience a guided tour through the explosive work of Cai Guo-Qiang.
- May 10 | 1:30PM-3:30PM | Conversation@PAM: The Art and Influence of Sadequain
- May 17 | 11:30PM-12:30PM | Exhibition Tours@PAM – Cai Guo-Qiang: A Material Odyssey
- May | AAPI Appreciation Free Museum Admission Every weekend in May
AAPI Events at Pasadena Heritage
Blinn House | 160 N Oakland Ave
Pasadena Heritage honors AAPI Heritage Month with two meaningful events. Hop on a guided bus tour exploring Pasadena’s architecture through the lens of Asian influence, including a visit to USC PAM. Later in the month, don’t miss a compelling talk with Yunte Huang, who reflects on the legacy of Hollywood trailblazer Anna May Wong.
- May 10 | 10:30AM-4:30PM | The Asian Influence on Pasadena’s Arts & Crafts Architecture
- May 22 | 6PM-7:30PM | Anna May Wong Book Reading and Lecture Event
Pianist & Violinist Ray Ushikubo
May 17 | 8PM
Boston Court Pasadena | 70 N Mentor Ave
Ray Ushikubo takes the stage at Boston Court Pasadena with a breathtaking solo concert, showcasing the mastery of both piano and violin. Witness an artist at the height of his craft in a program that’s as dynamic as it is unforgettable. Be sure to get your tickets at their website, bostoncourtpasadena.org.
Lol with Asian Comedians at the Ice House
Ice House Comedy Club | 24 N Mentor Ave
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with back-to-back comedy nights spotlighting some of the boldest Asian voices in stand-up today. From the sharp wit of Crazy Woke Asians to the magnetic energy of Jiaoying Summers, expect side-splitting sets that challenge and entertain.
- May 16 | Crazy Woke Asians
- May 22 | Jiaoying Summers
Lulu in the Spotlight with author Natasha Khan Kazi
May 18 | 1PM
Southern California Children’s Museum | 459 E Colorado Blvd
Southern California Children’s Museum is celebrating AAPI Heritage Month with a special storytime. Children and families are invited to a joyful storytime and creative art activity led by Natasha Khan Kazi, author and illustrator of Lulu in the Spotlight. Dive into South Asian traditions through storytelling and hands-on exploration in this fun and engaging afternoon.
The Wedding Banquet
Landmark Theatres Pasadena | 673 E Colorado Blvd
Now Playing
This May, Landmark Theatre Pasadena is showing Ang Lee’s The Wedding Banquet return to the big screen. This groundbreaking film follows a gay Taiwanese-American man who stages a sham marriage to appease his conservative parents, only to discover that the truth is much more complicated. Heartfelt, humorous, and ahead of its time.
Discover books by Asian American authors
Vroman’s Bookstore | 695 E Colorado Blvd
Now Showing
Vroman’s Bookstore honors AAPI voices with a curated selection of new releases. Stop by to discover powerful new stories from Asian American writers or explore the event calendar to meet the authors shaping today’s literary landscape..
Support AAPI–owned businesses like the ones listed below:
If your favorite Playhouse Village AAPI-owned business is missing, please inform us at info@playhousevillage.org.