Throughout May, celebrate AAPI Heritage Month 518 with
events and activities across the Capital Region.
All events are open to the public.
Little Free Library at Stuyvesant Plaza
Date: Month of May
Location: Stuyvesant Plaza | 1475 Western Ave, Albany 12203
Cost: Free
In partnership with The Book House, this Little Free Library located in between Rad Soap Co. and Primal: Your Local Butcher will be stocked with books by Asian American authors. From inspiring memoirs to captivating fiction, the books in their little free library reflect the vibrant voices and experiences of AAPI individuals. Grab a book while supplies last.
Muay Thai Class
Date: Varies | Time: Varies
Location: Brian Beaury Jiu Jitsu | 1623 2nd Ave, Watervliet 12189
Cost: Free trial | Hosted by: Brian Beaury Jiu Jitsu
Muay Thai, also known as Thai Boxing is the national sport of Thailand and is a martial art with origins in the ancient battlefield tactics of the Siamese (or Thai) army. Drop in for a free trial and take as many other classes at the gym as you’d like within seven days. All fitness levels, ages, and genders are welcome.
threads Art Exhibition
Date: Month of May
Location: Albany Center Gallery | 488 Broadway, Suite 107, Albany 12207
Cost: Free admission | Hosted by: Albany Center Gallery
Albany Center Gallery (ACG) presents threads, a celebration of AAPI Heritage Month. The exhibition features the work and creative styles of 28 regional AAPI artists and the inherent connection of heritage shared among people. The exhibition runs from April 30 to June 1, 2024. threads is free and open to the public; Tuesday – Saturday, 12:00-5:00 PM.
Asian Americans in Academia Today
Date: Wed, 5/1 | Time: 6:00-7:00 PM
Location: Albany Campus Center, Multi-Purpose Room | 1400 Washington Ave, Albany 12222
Cost: Free admission | Hosted by: UAlbany Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy and the UAlbany Asian Coalition of Professionals
Join us for a dynamic round-table discussion where we look into the experiences, challenges, and success of Asian Americans in academia. Through diverse perspectives, let’s explore the authentic narratives of Asian Americans in academic research, teaching, administration. Food and refreshments provided.
AAPI Heritage Month 518 Kick-Off
Date: Thurs, 5/2 | Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
Location: Volcano Asian BBQ and Hot Pot | 2309 Nott St, Niskayuna 12309
Cost: $20/person
Let’s start off the month with good food, drinks, and company! Your ticket covers delicious appetizers and a complimentary signature cocktail. Full menu and cash bar available on your own.
threads Artists’ Reception
Date: Fri, 5/3 | Time: 5:00-8:00 PM
Location: Albany Center Gallery | 488 Broadway, Suite 107, Albany 12207
Cost: Free admission | Hosted by: Albany Center Gallery
Albany Center Gallery (ACG) presents threads, a celebration of AAPI Heritage Month. Celebrate the opening of threads with a joyful evening to meet the artists and view their work on display. Sweet Korean treats available courtesy of Brown Butter Bakery and Ppang Bakery and photography by Jay Zhang Photography.
Dribbling Through Cultures Basketball Training Workshop
Date: Sat, 5/4 | Time: 9:00-10:00 AM
Location: Loudonville Christian School | 374 Loudon Rd, Loudonville 12211
Cost: $20/person | Hosted by: Crossover Academy 3.0
Elevate your basketball skills at this workshop with Coach AB. Open to kids ages 10-17 years old, minimal to intermediate skill levels welcome.
Bojagi Wrapping Workshop
Date: Mon, 5/6 | Time: 12:00 PM
Date: Mon, 5/13 | Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Son of Egg | 483 Broadway, Rensselaer 12144
Cost: $10/person | Hosted by: Son of Egg
A demo and hands-on experience about bojagi, a traditional Korean wrapping cloth. Participants will leave with one bojagi and the opportunity to purchase more. The same workshop is offered on two different dates.
Plant-Based Chinese Food Workshop
Date: Tues, 5/7 | Time: 2:30-4:30 PM
Location: Honest Weight Co-op | 100 Watervliet Ave, Albany 12206
Cost: $5/person | Hosted by: BabaDuck
Learn about the history of vegetarianism in Chinese culture and explore Chinese ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques with a hands-on dumpling-making workshop. Learn how to fold, cook, and serve dumplings made with all plant-based ingredients.
Bubble Tea Workshop for Kids
Date: Sat, 5/11 | Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Short and Stout Tea Company | 1736A Western Ave, Albany 12203
Cost: $20/pair | Hosted by: Short and Stout Tea Company
Hey kids! Bring your mom or a special grown up to learn about bubble tea together! Afterward, enjoy some macarons with your bubble tea in the tea lounge or take your treats to-go. One ticket grants entrance for one parent and one kid.
Asian American Stories: Researching Roots, Searching for Homeland, and Archiving Memory
Date: Mon, 5/13 | Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: Troy Public Library, Main Branch | 100 2nd St, Troy 12180
Cost: Free admission | Hosted by: Gwen D’Arcangelis, Chingyen Mayer, Vivian Ng
An intimate panel discussion between three Chinese American scholars on topics of their research in Asian American studies. Join us for a glimpse of the challenges and joys of researching family history, writings on memoirs and homelands, and oral histories from activists engaging in activism in the 1960s. Masks are highly encouraged and will be provided at the event.
Artisanal Korean Rice Wine Tasting
Date: Thurs, 5/16 | Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
Location: Bespoki Bowl | 122 4th St, Troy 12180
Cost: $40/person | Hosted by: Jisung Chun, House of Jeon
Join us for an evening of Korean rice wine tasting, hosted by Korean rice wine sommelier, Jisung Chun. Embark on a journey of flavor as you indulge in a unique selection of six distinct varieties of rice wine crafted from locally sourced rice grown in New York State. You’ll explore the nuances of rice wine, learning about the intricate processes behind their creation and discovering the rich cultural heritage woven into every sip.
Fitness Fusion
Date: Sat, 5/25 | Time: 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Location: Fitness Artist | 1581 Rt. 9, Clifton Park NY 12065
Hosted by: Jeanette Lang & Maile Barcelon and Fitness Artist Studio
Feel Strong. Feel Empowered. AAPI Heritage Month 518 celebrates health and fitness through movement! This fitness class will have a variety of fun cardio and strength training exercises to get you fit. Men, women, and teens are welcome to join no matter what fitness level. Let’s move together, celebrate diversity, and embrace the power of health in a welcoming and encouraging environment! There will also be giveaways! Register soon. Space is limited.
Two Little Dumplings Pop-Up
Date: Sat, 5/18 | Time: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Sur La Tab | 1475 Western Ave, Suite 26, Albany 12203
Hosted by: Stuyvesant Plaza and Two Little Dumplings
Stock up on your favorites from this local, intergenerational family business. Two Little Dumplings will be on site selling their frozen dumplings (meat and vegan options), delicious sauces and chili oil, mooncakes, and additional Asian-inspired desserts. Pre-ordering on the Two Little Dumplings website is encouraged.
Saturday Storytime featuring Suji Kwon
Date: Sat, 5/18 | Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Albany Public Library, Pine Hills Branch | 517 Western Ave, Albany 12208
Cost: Free admission | Hosted by: Suji Kwon Music
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with Suji Kwon, a South Korean composer, singer-songwriter, bassist, pianist, and educator. Ms. Suji will be bringing various instruments and materials to highlight the beauty of Asian and Western music. Join us for stories and songs, nursery rhymes and folktales, as well as movement activities and fingerplays. For ages 2+ and their caregivers.
Chinese Calligraphy and Mindfulness Practices
Date: Sat, 5/18 | Time: 2:00-3:00 PM
Location: Troy Public Library, Main Branch | 100 2nd St, Troy 12180
Cost: Free admission | Hosted by: Chinese Community Center
“Shu fa”, a revered Chinese art, embodies centuries of aesthetic tradition. Calligraphy, an elegant practice, cultivates hand-eye coordination, self-awareness, and artistic expression. This class is for youth ages 10-18 and teaches writing Chinese characters, mastering brush strokes, crafting calligraphic art, and learning tips and practices for well-being tips.
All About Tea Workshop
Date: Sun, 5/19 | Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Short and Stout Tea Company | 1736A Western Ave, Albany 12203
Cost: $10/person | Hosted by: Short and Stout Tea Company
Attend a presentation about tea basics, history, and Asian tea cultures. Enjoy a sampling of teas from countries in Asia and a light dessert, then stay after the event to enjoy full access to the tea lounge menu on your own.
“Erie County Smile” Short Film + Q&A with Filmmaker
Date: Thurs, 5/23 | Time: 6:30-7:30 PM
Location: Virtual/Zoom
Cost: Free of charge
“Erie County Smile” is a satirical short film that parodies “Paris By Night” (PBN), a popular Vietnamese-language variety show. Van Tran Nguyen, an RPI graduate, grew up working in her family’s nail salon and dedicates this film to the children of immigrants who spent their childhoods behind doors labeled “employees only”. Register to access the Zoom link.
Traditional Korean Soju Tasting
Date: Thurs, 5/30 | Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
Location: Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen | 95-97 Ferry Street, Troy 12180
Cost: $40/person | Hosted by: Jisung Chun, House of Jeon
Join us for an exclusive evening of exploration into the world of traditional Korean soju, hosted by Jisung Chun. At this exclusive event, you learn the history behind the iconic green bottle soju, history of Korean alcohol, and how traditional soju has drastically changed in Korea in the last 100 years. You will sample six varieties of soju made the traditional way.
AAPI Heritage Month 518 Closing & TroyAsia Night Market
Date: Sat, 6/1 | Time: 2:00-6:00 PM
Location: William Street Alley, 95-97 Ferry St, Troy 12180
Cost: Free admission | Hosted by: Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month 518 as downtown Troy meets an outdoor Asian food festival at the TroyAsia Night Market. Stringed lights, paper lanterns, K-pop vibes, and street food for purchase made available by local vendors.
Other Events Happening in the 518
An Evening of Peking Opera
Date: Sat, 5/4 | Time: 5:15-7:30 PM
Location: Chinese Community Center | 11 Avis Dr, Latham 12110
More information: executive.team@cccalbany.org
AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration
Date: Sun, 5/5 | Time: 4:00-7:00 PM
Location: Empire State Plaza, Meeting Room #6 | Albany
Cost: Free admission | Hosted by: Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs – APAPA Albany NY Chapter
AAPI Month Community BBQ
Date: Fri, 5/10 | Time: 6:00 PM
Location: In Our Own Voices | 245 Lark Street, Albany
Cost: Free | Hosted by: In Our Own Voices, Inc.
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month and the legacy of LGBTQIA+ AAPI icons with In Our Own Voices, Inc! Enjoy an evening with friends and community members, along with food and refreshments including Korean BBQ, bubble tea, and more.
AAPI Celebration at the Empire State Plaza
Date: Wed, 5/22 | Time: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Empire State Plaza | Albany
More information: Jason.Rumpf@ogs.ny.gov