Ƶapp

Things to do in the DC area: AAPI Heritage Month events, Adams Morgan PorchFest … and more!

(National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian/Sonya Pencheva for National Museum of Asian Art)

All throughout May, Ƶapp is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with stories about the people and places shaping the D.C. region.

You won’t want to miss Ƶapp’s guide on the many Asian festivals that are expected over the course of the month of May. From the NVA Thai Street Food & Culture Festival to the Heritage India Festival, there are a wide variety of events to look forward to in the D.C. region.

There’s so much to do in the coming days, and Ƶapp has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.

This time, we’re focusing this top section of the “Things To Do in the D.C. Area” guide on events that are related to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

On Thursday, May 2, Fiesta Asia & Dance Asia are jointly presenting “,” which is a dance showcase of “mystery and enchantment featuring Asian mask cultures.” This event is hosted at the Athenaeum in Alexandria, Virginia. Tickets cost $20 for general admission.

The Heurich House Museum is also hosting an opening reception for the art installation, “,” by Asian American artist Xena Ni on Friday, May 3. The installation continues throughout the month with a closing night open house on Friday, May 31. The museum is also hosting a craft station on May 15 and lion dance celebration on May 18 with an “informal” Q&A with Ni.

The Smithsonian has a to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, including an artisan in residence talk with , who is an expert in Chinese calligraphy and Shan-Shui brush painting. This free event is on Friday, May 17.

Other events to get excited for include at the Library of Congress. On Saturday, May 11, this event will feature AAPI stories that are in the Library’s collections. There will also be a mask-making workshop as well as a speech from award-winning author, actor and civil rights advocate George Takei, who will discuss his new book, “My Lost Freedom: A Japanese American World War II Story.”

The D.C. Public Library is joining in on the celebrations with a at
Shepherd Park (Juanita E. Thornton) Neighborhood Library that runs from Monday, May 6, through May 12. Hidden around the library, there will be notable figures from AAPI history that families will have to find to win a small prize.

The Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library plans to host an from May 11 to June 1. The films featured include “Spirited Away,” “Moana,” “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Hunt for the Wilderpeople.”

Other libraries that will have activities include West End Neighborhood Library and
Shaw (Watha T. Daniel) Neighborhood Library, which will host kamishibai, or Japanese paper theater, onand , respectively. Guests can also try their hand at at the Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library on Tuesday, May 28.

The Japan-America Society of Washington, D.C. has two upcoming events, a on May 13 to discuss “Scattered All Over the Earth” by Yoko Tawada and a , called “Ouchigohan,” on Sunday, May 19. For this next cooking class, the focus is on tofu miso curry. The cooking class costs $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers.

For more foodie events, Bold Fork Books is hosting a conversation with author Michelle T. King for the release of “.” The event on Tuesday, May 7, costs $5 for a ticket or $30 for a ticket and a signed book.

on Tuesday, May 28. This month, the Gallery is celebrating AAPI Heritage Month by focusing the trivia questions on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders from their collection. The event is free.

Did we miss any local events coming up in the month of May? Submit your AAPI Heritage Month event in this contact form.

Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area.

DC

Capital Rare Book Fair
Booksellers from across the country are going to congregate at D.C.’s historic University Club in Downtown to showcase . The event spans from Friday, May 3, through Sunday, May 5. Friday’s preview tickets cost $50 and include admission to the fair for the entire weekend. General admission on Saturday and Sunday costs $15, $10 for students and free for those under 16 years of age.

International City Food Festival
On Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, this is expected to have international performances, food and crafts from around the world.

Around the World Embassy Tour
On Saturday, May 4, non-European Union embassies plan to open their doors for guests to be able to experience cultural activities like karate demonstrations and live dance performances. The is free.

Build Day
The Hirshhorn Museum’s event on Saturday, May 4, is a family-friendly program that is ideal for those ages 12 and under. Expect hands-on maker stations where children can construct 3D structures, and exhibitions will showcase an LED sculpture inspired by Olafur as well as student-made 3D-printed building replicas.

Adams Morgan Spring PorchFest
Jam to approximately 80 bands at this year’s on Saturday, May 4. This year, 20 locations along 18th Street NW will feature musical talent from various genres.

Kentucky Derby events
There will be several watch parties throughout the D.C. area for this year’s Kentucky Derby, which occurs on Saturday, May 4. A few worth mentioning include at Whitlow’s, at Lulu’s Wine Garden, and the at Jack Rose Dining Saloon (reserved indoor seating is sold out, but the rooftop terrace party is open on a first-come, first-serve basis).

Maryland

Rockville Arts Festival
For its 12th year, the on Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, is going to showcase an outdoor festival and artisan market with art by 130 artists. There is also going to be food trucks and a chalk art competition. The event is in Rockville Town Square in Rockville, Maryland.

Movies on the Potomac
In National Harbor, Maryland, this is expected to launch on Thursday, May 2, with “” but there will be plenty more films to expect this summer with “” on Sunday, May 5, and “” on Thursday, May 9.

Sligo Creek Fest
The on Saturday, May 4, at Sligo Creek Open Parkway is going to feature live music, street performers, food vendors and kids’ entertainers.

Virginia

“The Winter’s Tale”
Starting Friday, May 3, the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre is presenting Lumina Studio Theatre’s production of William Shakespeare’s “.” Tickets cost $18 for general admission and $12 for students and seniors.

Spring Pop-Up Market
In Alexandria, Virginia’s Del Ray neighborhood, a will pop-up at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square with a variety of local artisans and home-based businesses expected to sell their ware on Saturday, May 4.

Alexandria Art Show and Craft Spring Fair
For more shopping, head to John Carlyle Square in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia on Saturday, May 4. The is free and pet-friendly.

Have an event you’d like featured in Ƶapp’s Things to do in the DC area weekly guide? Fill out this contact form to have your event considered.

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

© 2024 Ƶapp. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Michelle Goldchain

Michelle Goldchain’s reporting has focused primarily on the D.C. area, previously working as Editor of Curbed DC for Vox Media and Audience Growth & Engagement Editor for Washington City Paper. She is the author of “D.C. by Metro: A History & Guide.” She also reports for 'Artsplained' on YouTube.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your Ƶapp account for notifications and alerts customized for you.