Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Community Events.

Umbrella Arts Festival  |  Saturday, May 11, Noon to 4 p.m.  |  Fountain Square

The Umbrella Arts Festival is a celebration of Asian American history, culture and art.  The umbrella symbolizes the Asian American diaspora which includes a diversity of ethnicities from over 40 Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Pacific Island countries around the world, and is inclusive of the many intersections of identities that exist in our communities.  The festival is free and for all ages and will take place on Saturday, May 11, from noon to 4 p.m., at Fountain Square in downtown Evanston. Bring the whole family out to enjoy performances, food trucks, and over 50 artists and vendors. More info. 

A Brief History of Asian American Racialization  |  Wednesday, May 1, 7 p.m.  |  Virtual

Evanston ASPA is hosting a free virtual presentation on Wednesday, May 1, at 7 p.m. Ayo Magwood will host an engaging and accessible presentation offering stories of American history that often go untold. Register to attend. This event is part of Evanston ASPA's Visible Voices series. Learn more.

Asian Night Market  |  Friday, May 10, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.  |  TenHoeve Center, Oakton College

Join Everybody's Market and Oakton College on Fri., May 10, at 5 p.m., for a night filled with delicious Asian & Pacific Island food, vibrant cultural performances, and unique handmade crafts. Get ready to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Asia & the Pacific Islands right here in the community. More info. 

Evanston Public Library

Riley Visits Asia  |  Wednesday, May 1  |  Robert Crown Branch Library 

Our mascot Riley is visiting Asia, can you find all the dishes they try on their journey?

Guessing Jar: Kites!  |  Wed., May 1  |  Evanston Main Library 

A Guessing Jar celebrating Asian, South Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Guess how many kites we have in the jar! The closest 3 guesses win a prize.

A Traditional Chinese Tea Demonstration  |  Wed., May 15, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  |  Evanston Main Library 

Gain a brief background on the origin of tea and its role in East Asian social interactions along with its many benefits. Registration required.

DIY Japanese Woodblock Prints - Celebrate AAPI Month!  |  Sun., May 19, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.  |  Robert Crown Branch

Celebrate AAPI month by creating your own woodblock print, whether you take inspiration from the Edo period style or your own imagination!

Japanese Calligraphy (shodō)  |  Sun., May 26, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  |  Robert Crown Branch Library 

Join us for a short lesson in Japanese Calligraphy AKA 書道, shodō: "the way of writing"

The Placemaking Project  |  Wed., May 29, noon to 1 p.m.  |  Robert Crown Branch Library 

Join us to learn more about this exciting project and plans for future collection and preservation of local Asian American history and culture. Hosted in conjunction with the Evanston ASPA. Registration required.