Gov. Inslee has proclaimed the month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
In 2000, the Washington State Legislature declared the month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. APA Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultures of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the state of Washington. Public entities are encouraged to designate time for activities commemorating the lives, history, achievements, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Local Celebrations in Washington
Throughout the month of May, various organizations across the state of Washington hold events to celebrate the culture and achievements of Asian Pacific Americans. Click the link below to view a calendar of events during APA Heritage Month.
This calendar is provided as a service to the community and does not necessarily represent an endorsement or recommendation by the agency. If you would like to include your planned event or celebration, feel free to contact the Commission at capaa@capaa.wa.gov.
Gov. Inslee has proclaimed the month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
| Date | Event | Location |
| April 19, 2018 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Program | WSU Spokane Student Diversity Center 600 N Riverpoint Blvd Spokane, United States |
| April 28, 2018 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
2018 White Center Cambodian New Year Street Festival | 9823 15th Avenue SW Seattle, WA 98106 |
| April 28, 2018 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
2018 Spring Clean Hing Hay Park | 423 Maynard Ave S Seattle, WA 98104 |
| May 5, 2018 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Taste of Asia with Tea: Korea, presented by Patsy Surh O’Connell | Asia Pacific Cultural Center 4851 South Tacoma Way Tacoma, WA, 98409 |
| May 5, 2018 1:30 PM |
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration | Spokane Public Library - Downtown 906 W. Main Ave. Spokane, WA |
| May 5, 2018 6:00 PM |
2018 Asian Hall of Fame Celebration | Fairmont Olympic Hotel 411 University St Seattle, WA 98101 |
| May 5, 2018 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM |
Te Fare O Tamatoa's Tahitian Dance & Drumming Showcase 2017 | Highline Performing Arts Center 401 S 152nd St, Burien, Washington 98148 |
| May 6, 2018 11:45 AM - 5:00 PM |
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration | Seattle Center 305 Harrison Street Seattle, WA 98109 |
| May 6, 2018 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Kodomo no Hi | Children's Day Festival | Japanese Cultural & Community Center 1414 S Weller St, Seattle, Washington 98144 |
| May 12, 2018 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Family Fun Fair, including Asian Pacific Heritage Month at River Park Square | River Park Square 808 W Main Ave Spokane, WA 99201 |
| May 12, 2018 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM |
UW Night Market 2018 | Red Square at UW Seattle, Washington 98195 |
| May 19, 2018 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM |
Filipino Night 2018 | Kane Hall 1410 NE Campus Parkway, Seattle, Washington 98195 |
| May 19, 2018 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM |
SPSCC Pacific Islander's Club 9th Annual Luau | South Puget Sound Community College 2011 Mottman Road SW Student Union Building (27) Olympia, WA 98512 |
| May 20, 2018 11:45 AM - 2:45 PM |
Film Screening: Abacus: Small Enough to Jail | Wing Luke Museum 719 South King Street Seattle, WA 98104 |
APA Heritage Month Resources
Heritage Resource Guide
The APA Heritage Resource Guide is intended to help you develop and integrate Asian Pacific American (APA) history into curriculum and teaching strategies. This guide offers an overview and history of Asian Pacific Americans in Washington State. It offers ways to understand themes around migration, labor, community development, political empowerment, identity, citizenship, and cultural similarities and differences. With specific activities and recommendations to effectively help students understand such issues at all grade levels, the guide recommends select videos and resources for the classroom.
View the Heritage Resource Guide here.
How to Celebrate API Heritage Month at Your School or Organization
K-12 Schools:
- Discuss Asian Pacific American history in class
- Create a school display with traditional clothes, cultural artifacts, and other heritage objects
- Hold a school assembly celebrating APA Heritage Month featuring cultural showcases
Public and Private Organizations:
Celebrating ethnic heritage months will demonstrate your commitment to diversity, enabling you to effectively address the needs of rapidly growing API communities.
- Recognize API Heritage Month via social media, website, or newsletter
- Create a display in your office featuring APA Heritage Month celebration posters, cultural artifacts, and API community newspapers
- Host gatherings featuring APA speakers to better understand Asian Pacific American communities