Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in LA

Now on view at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures through Jan. 10, 2027, Director's Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho is the first exhibition dedicated to the internationally acclaimed, Oscar–winning film director. A continuation of the Director’s Inspiration series, this exhibition offers a focused spotlight on Bong Joon Ho’s creative process, filmography and cinematic influences.

Presented at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Raising the Lantern: A Celebration of Chinese-Language Cinema is guest-programmed by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Janet Yang. The series spotlights Chinese-language films that were submitted to the Oscars’ International Feature Film category over the last thirty-five years. Upcoming screenings include Hero in 35mm (May 3), Better Days (May 22) and A Simple Life (May 24).

As part of Raising the Lantern, Oscar-winning filmmaker Ang Lee will be in conversation with Academy President Janet Yang at the 35mm screening of his masterpiece Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon on Friday, May 9. Standby tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To coincide with and inspired by the Academy Museum's Bong Joon Ho exhibit (see above), Fanny's Executive Chef Jun Bum Oh is featuring Korean Sunday Suppers with a rotating selection of traditional Korean dishes such as ssam junsik, bibimbap and galbi jjim, along with cinema-inspired craft cocktails. Reservations at OpenTable.

Now playing at Cosm through June 30, Big Wave: No Room for Error follows the journey of Heimiti Fierro, a Tahitian surfer, as she strives to overcome her fears and conquer the legendary big waves at Teahupo’o. You’ll dive into crystal clear waters, surrounded by stunning beaches and the beauty of French Polynesia, pulsing with life and energy, and feel as if you’re inches away from razor-sharp coral reefs. Experience the thrill of Earth’s most treacherous surf breaks as award-winning photographer and filmmaker Bo Bridges captures the fine line between triumph and destruction in this 60-minute documentary.

When choosing your seats, note that the lower you go in The Dome, such as Level 1, the more you’re immersed in the big waves. Cosm recommends preparing for this event the way you would for a boat ride.

Lap-See Lam is a Stockholm-based artist whose animation, films, virtual reality and sculptural works consider how mythology, popular culture and fiction can both define and alter perceptions of the self and cultural belonging. Part of the Hammer Museum's signature Hammer Projects series, this exhibition features Lam’s immersive video installation Tales of the Altersea (2023), a work inspired by the ruins of a dragon-shaped ship that Lam could see from her studio window in art school.

In 1990 the ship sailed from Shanghai to Gothenburg, Sweden, with the intention of serving Chinese food to European customers across ports in the North and Baltic Seas. The gastronomic venture didn't go as its owner had hoped, and the seafaring restaurant would eventually be abandoned. The ruins of this historic vessel serve as a jumping-off point for Lam’s dreamlike story of loss, memory and resilience.

On Thursday, May 29, Lam will participate in an Artist Talk with curator Pablo José Ramírez to discuss the installation, Chinese folklore, mythology and worldbuilding.

Since 1983, the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) has presented more than 5,000 films, videos, and digital mediaworks by Asian & Pacific Islander artists, and features seminars, panels, in-person guest appearances, and filmmaker awards. The VC Film Fest continues to be the largest festival of its kind in Southern California and is the premier showcase for the best and brightest of Asian Pacific cinema.

Now in its 41st year, the Festival features in-person programming at venues spanning Little Tokyo to WeHo and the South Bay, along with virtual programs for audiences at home in Southern California and beyond. Festival sections include Narrative Features, Special Presentations, Democracy Series, Documentaries, Pacific Cinewaves, Animation and Shorts Programs. For tickets and a complete schedule, visit the Festival website.

Now on view at GR2 in Sawtelle Japantown through May 6, Memory Lane is the latest solo exhibition by kozyndan, a longtime friend of Giant Robot. The centerpiece of the show is “Life In the Liminal Space Between Fuji-san and Yatsugatake,” a panoramic work set in Kofu, the capital city of the artist's home prefecture, Yamanashi. Self-described as "a nostalgic love letter to a bygone era," the whimsical piece depicts cartoon and historical figures, including giant dogs ridden by a samurai and a grape mascot; a six-armed farmer woman and someone wearing a tomato vending machine backpack. What does it all mean?

A celebration in Japan since ancient times, Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day) is a national holiday that takes place annually on May 5.

On Saturday, May 3, the little ones will take over Little Tokyo! JACCC’s Kodomo no Hi Celebration invites children to take the lead in exploring Japanese and Japanese American traditions. They will craft, play and discover through hands-on activities, traditional games and interactive storytelling. Families and the community will join the fun, enjoying delicious Japanese treats, lively performances and multi-generational experiences. Hosted by Takaaki Hirakawa (Shogun), this unforgettable celebration brings Little Tokyo to life through the eyes of its youngest adventurers—creating new traditions, lasting memories, and a day filled with joy and discovery.

Taking place on Saturday, May 3, Baryo HiFi '25 is the annual community-led festival of Fil-Am culture, featuring food, music, entertainment, small business marketplace and more. The festival will be held on Beverly Boulevard, between Union Avenue and the Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway. Free with RSVP at Eventbrite.

Singer Yukimi Nagano has spent much of her career fronting the Swedish electronic pop outfit Little Dragon. In late March, she released her first solo album, For You, where the singer delves deeper into Neo-Soul and alt R&B. Catch Yukimi at The Fonda on Sunday, May 4. Tickets at AXS.

Quentin Tarantino's New Beverly Cinema is screening a double feature of Zatoichi movies, starring Shintaro Katsu as the legendary blind swordsman: Zatoichi the Fugitive and Zatoichi On the Road.

Honor the mothers in your life with an intimate High Tea rooted in omotenashi—the art of Japanese hospitality. Taking place in the serene Seiryu-en Garden at JACCC, this elegant two-hour gathering offers a distinctive blend of tradition, flavor and celebration.

The thoughtfully curated menu features Western-style pastries infused with Japanese ingredients, delicate tea sandwiches and handcrafted wagashi (traditional Japanese confections), all prepared by Chef Laura Ochikubo, alumna of The French Laundry, Providence and Gusto Bread. Enjoy a rare and exquisite cup of Morihan tea from Uji, Japan—a highly sought-after variety renowned for its rich flavor. The experience begins with a complimentary glass of sparkling sake, with premium libations also available for purchase.

Seating is limited. Pricing is $95 per person, tickets on sale at the JACCC website.

The Los Angeles Public Library is hosting a month-long calendar of in-person and online events for all ages, from arts & crafts to film screenings, book clubs, author chats and live performances.

Celebrate the diversity of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in Los Angeles at AAPI Joy, a free festival for all ages taking place at the historic Central Library on Saturday, May 17 from 11am to 4pm. Explore LA’s rich AAPI heritage and help forge a shared future of acceptance, cooperation and inspiration with the greater Los Angeles community.

For the full calendar of AAPI Heritage Month events, visit the LAPL website.

Opening at LACMA on May 11, Realms of the Dharma: Buddhist Art Across Asia presents an international survey of Buddhism and Buddhist art, beginning with the religion’s origins in India and following its spread through mainland and island Southeast Asia (Myanmar [Burma], Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia), the Himalayas (Kashmir, Nepal, Tibet) and East Asia (China, Korea, Japan). Incorporating 180 masterpieces of pan-Asian Buddhist art, the exhibition introduces key concepts of Buddhist thought and practice viewed through the prism of rare and extraordinarily beautiful Buddhist sculptures, paintings and ritual objects.

On view in the Zev Yaroslavsky Plaza at LACMA, Ai Weiwei’s Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads references a long and ongoing story of cross-cultural exchange and collision between China and the West, beginning with a mid-18th century fountain at Yuanmingyuan, the Old Summer Palace in Beijing. The fountain, commissioned by Emperor Qianlong and designed by Jesuit priests promoting Catholicism in China, was used to tell time: 12 zodiac animal sculptures each spouted water for two hours (or one shichen) each day.

The World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers will host The Athletics for a three-game home stand, May 13-15. Promotional giveaways include a Mookie Betts Bobblehead on Tuesday, May 13; a light-up Death Star/Dodger Stadium on Star Wars Night (May 14) and on Thursday a Shohei Ohtani 50/50 Bobblehead that commemorates his historic first season with the Dodgers.

LA's largest weekly open-air food market, Smorgasburg features nearly 100 vendors curated from the next wave of SoCal’s food, beverage and shopping scene. Smorgasburg takes place every Sunday, rain or shine, from 10am to 4pm at ROW DTLA. Smorgasburg is free to attend and open to all ages. (Sorry, no pets.)

On May 18, the Asian Pacific Community Fund (APCF) presents the fourth annual AAPI LA Market in collaboration with Smorgasburg LA. Celebrate community and culture with baked goods, savory bites, packaged goods and merchandise crafted by talented local AAPI chefs, brands and creatives. Follow @aapi_la on Instagram for updates on vendors.

City Club is celebrating AAPI Heritage Month with Luau Night, taking place from 6pm to 9pm on Thursday, May 22. Enjoy authentic Island Cuisine, Tiki Drinks and Polynesian Dancers for an AAPI-themed dinner and a show! Pricing is $100 per person, tickets at Eventbrite.

For AAPI Heritage Month, Artists at Play showcases two new works by playwrights Katie Đỗ and A. Rey Pamatmat.

who hurt you? by Katie Đỗ centers on Ellie Nguyễn, an ambitious Vietnamese American actor, as she seems to lose everything she's ever wanted to a half-White / half-Vietnamese actor. As her dreams, nightmares and realities fluctuate with her self-sabotage and insecurity, Ellie's well-being takes a toll on herself and those around her. The consequences of Ellie's decisions force a change in the world, one where they could all thrive or cease to exist, or both. Tickets at Eventbrite.

Founded in 1999, Makoto Taiko connects and empowers people of all backgrounds by advancing the practice of taiko with annual concerts and taiko classes.

This year’s concert theme, Hishō (飛翔)—meaning “flight” or “soaring”—captures the energy, movement and boundless spirit of taiko. Through dynamic rhythms and expressive motion, Makoto Taiko will celebrate the joy of soaring—spinning, moving with the drum, and grooving with heart and soul. The concert will feature two extraordinary guest artists: Eri Uchida from Japan, whose renowned Katsugi style allows her to glide across the stage with breathtaking grace; and Shoji Kameda, a GRAMMY-recognized taiko artist, composer and founder of kaDON.

For AAPI Heritage Month, Artists at Play showcases two new works by playwrights Katie Đỗ and A. Rey Pamatmat.

True / Story, based on a true story by A. Rey Pamatmat asks: Can you write a play about your estranged, incarcerated father dying during a global pandemic without it becoming trauma porn? Should you even try? One playwright, two actors, and a semi-autobiographical struggle to make it to the "End of Play" without feeling exploited by American Theatre. Tickets at Eventbrite.

The Third Street Promenade is hosting a family-friendly AAPI Heritage Month Celebration on Saturday, May 17 from 10am to 5pm. Taking place on the 1300 and 1400 blocks of the outdoor mall, the all-ages celebration features dozens of AAPI-owned small business vendors; eats and sweets treats from local favorites; Dogs Only Pop-Up, interactive games and giveaways, live performances and DJ spinning all day. Free admission, RSVP at Eventbrite.

Founded in 1919, The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is world-renowned as a cultural, research and educational center. Two of its must-see gardens are the beloved Japanese Garden and Liu Fang Yuan ("Garden of Flowing Fragrance"), one of the largest classical-style Chinese gardens in the world. Enjoy traditional Chinese music in the Garden of Flowing Fragrance every Wednesday afternoon from 1-3pm.

On view in the stroll garden, California-based Japanese American artist Mineo Mizuno’s site-specific sculpture, titled Homage to Nature, is crafted from fallen timber gathered in the forests of the Sierra Nevada, where the artist lives and works. Views of the San Gabriel Mountains in the background frame the work.

Dedicated to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands, the USC Pacific Asia Museum (PAM) has a collection of more than 15,000 objects, spanning more than 4,000 years of the region from Persia to the Pacific Islands.

For decades, artist Cai Guo-Qiang has used gunpowder and pyrotechnics to create drawings, paintings and explosion events. On view through June 15, Cai Guo-Qiang: A Material Odyssey fills PAM's first floor galleries. Based on years of research by the Getty Conservation Institute and the Getty Research Institute, A Material Odyssey explores the nature and properties of gunpowder and chronicles its use by the artist. The explosive material, invented in China over 1,100 years ago, has come to define Cai’s work - its unpredictable nature dictates his artistic process and determines the outcome. Through gunpowder, the artist invites uncontrollable forces to participate in the creation of his work. With an abundance of artworks and scientific displays, the exhibition narrates the lifelong love story of Cai Guo-Qiang and gunpowder.