AANHPI Heritage Month 2026 Events Across Massachusetts

In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we’re highlighting events celebrating the culture and peoples of the AANHPI community. From festivals to speeches, dances to essays, we’re proud to celebrate the AANHPI community here in Massachusetts.

If you’d like to submit an event that we haven’t highlighted for inclusion, please email Joshua Murray (murray@nonotuck.com), preferably a week or more before the event occurs, and we will add it to our list.

May 2

Gund Kwok Lion Dance

A special dragon dance performance by Gund Kwok in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The performance will include an interactive story of the origins and significance of the dance. Gund Kwok, the first Asian Women’s Lion & Dragon Dance Troupe in the United States, was established in February 1998 to give Asian and Asian American women an opportunity to express their creativity, power, and strength through performing lion and dragon dances.

This event is located at 419 Faneuil St, Brighton. Repeat performances on May 9 and May 23.

May 5

Japanese Paper Marbling Workshop

Suminagashi, Japanese for “floating ink”, is a traditional art form from the 12th century that reveals the mesmerizing, ever-changing nature of water. We will be creating a floating piece of art on the surface of the water and capturing the swirling, ever morphing moments as prints. Each attendee will be able to create a set of gorgeously and uniquely marbled personal cards and envelopes using the Suminagashi technique!

This event is located at 100 Cambridgeside Pl, 2nd floor, Cambridge. Event repeats on May 28.

May 6

First Wednesday at the Wenham Museum 

Join us for a special First Wednesday at Wenham Museum as we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in partnership with the Chinese Culture Connection. Enjoy extended hours and free admission after 4 PM, along with family-friendly hands-on crafts and activities. Come for the evening and explore the Museum, connect with the community, and celebrate the rich cultures and traditions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Free admission!

This event takes place at 132 Main St, Wenham.

May 9

Brookline’s 4th Annual AANHPI Heritage Celebration

From 11am-2pm, there will be arts and crafts, student performances, and a keynote by Gita Varadarajan, the acclaimed author of Save Me A Seat, My Bindi and My Saree. She inspires children to create stories in their own voices.

This event takes place at 22 Tappan St, Brookline.

May 13

11th Annual High School Asian American Essay Contest Awards Ceremony

You’re welcome to join the Brookline Asian American Family Network’s 11th annual high school student Asian American Essay Contest Awards Ceremony, where young writers read their poignant, powerful stories answering the prompt: As an Asian American, What is your Superpower? 

This event takes place at the Coolidge Corner Theater, 290 Harvard St, Brookline.

May 14

Chelmsford DEIC AAPI Rice Festival

Come join the Chelmsford DEIC and McCarthy Alliance Club for the 1st Rice Festival. The celebration will include Music, Dancing, Games, Activities and International Rice Dishes.

This event takes place at McCarthy Middle School, 250 North Rd, Chelmsford.

May 16

Museum of Science Presents Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the Museum of Science with a day that brings together science, culture, and community. Hear from featured scientists sharing their work and perspectives, experience cultural performances, and connect with local organizations highlighting AAPI cultures and contributions.

This event takes place at 1 Science Park, Boston.

May 19

City of Lynn’s AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration

Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month with the City of Lynn! The event includes a mini market showcasing unique local vendors, free food and treats, and live performances from cultural dance groups.

This event takes place at Lynn City Hall, Market in the Foyer, Performances in the Auditorium, 3 City Hall Sq, Lynn.

May 23

Chinese Culture Connection 2026 AAPI Heritage Celebration: The Untold Stories of Asian Americans & Immigrant Journeys!

From 1-4pm, hear powerful stories from diverse panelists, enjoy cultural performances, explore artifacts, and sample ethnic treats. 

This event takes place at the Malden Senior/Teen Center, 7 Washington St, Malden.

Boston Common 2026 AANHPI Heritage Festival

Hosted by the New England Chinese American Alliance (NECAA), the 2026 AANHPI Heritage Festival embraces the theme “Many Roots, One Future.” This theme honors the historic pursuit of equality and justice, while looking toward the present and the future. It calls on us not only to overcome barriers of language and culture, but also to break down prejudice, misunderstanding, and isolation. It encourages us to create platforms for cross-cultural exchange, and also to build bridges of trust, understanding, and unity among all communities.

This event takes place at the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common, Boston.

CPL Presents: AAPI Heritage Month Celebration with Boston Festival Orchestra

The Boston Festival Orchestra returns to the Cambridge Public Library for the second year of its AAPI Heritage Concert, celebrating the extraordinary breadth of musical voices from Asian American and Pacific Islander composers. This program brings together works that reflect personal history, cultural inheritance, and bold contemporary expression — offering a powerful snapshot of the many ways identity and artistry intersect. Join BFO Artistic Director Alyssa Wang, BFO musicians, and guest artists for an intimate chamber music experience that pairs performance with conversation, inviting audiences to engage with the cultural, historical, and human stories behind the music. This concert continues the BFO’s commitment to amplifying AAPI voices and creating space for meaningful artistic exchange.

This event takes place at the Cambridge Public Library’s Main Library Lecture Hall, 449 Broadway, Cambridge.