MAY 8, 10, 29, 2025

Fashion is a powerful storyteller — a thread that connects heritage with the present, weaving the past into the fabric of the future. This month is full of fun fashion events for AANHPI month! The inaugural Runway to Asia luncheon will take place on May 8 at Post Oak Hotel and benefit Asia Society Houston. Chaired by notable Houston philanthropists Leigh Smith, Shazia Sultan, and Phoebe Tudor, the fundraiser will celebrate the work of designers Zang Toi and Danny Nguyen. Nguyen is also presenting a free fashion show at X Atrium inside POST on May 10 at 4:30 pm as part of POST’s AAPI Celebration. Asia Society Texas and Houston Community College's Fashion Department will host Past, Present, and Couture: Asian Fashion From the HCC Archive on May 29. The exhibition and pop-up market will feature standout pieces from the HCC Fashion Archive, including one of Chloe Dao's award-winning dresses from Project Runway — Dao will also have a shop at the event!

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is home to an expansive Asian art collection representing thousands of years of creativity from China, the Himalayas, India, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Ancient, modern, and contemporary works are presented side by side, creating powerful connections across time and place. From intricate textiles to sacred objects, each piece reflects the influence of philosophies like Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Access is free to the Art of Asia every Thursday!

Also this month, the MFAH is the first US museum to host Floating World by Tokyo- and London-based artist duo A.A.Murakami. Opening May 4, Floating World is comprised of five interconnected pieces that meld science and art. The immersive exhibit includes massive bubble-like clouds, a mimic of the Nothern Lights and a hypnotic lightning pattern created exclusively for MFAH. (Access to Floating World is not included with free Thursday admission.)

MAY 1 - 4, 2025 & EVERY THURSDAY

Leave your passport at home! Asia Society Houston in the Museum District is home to an immersive journey to China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. There’s a virtual bullet train, drumming experiences and a crash course on Asian cuisine! And, to celebrate AANHPI month, it’s all free May 1-4 and every Thursday in May! Check out 31 ways to celebrate in May and beyond Asian Pacific American heritage at Asia Society.

MAY 1 - JUNE 15, 2025

Now in its 6th year, AAPI Restaurant Weeks returns from May 1 through June 15. The event stretches across the city — from the heart of Asiatown/Chinatown to neighborhoods beyond — featuring a curated lineup of restaurants offering special deals.

Diners donate at least $15 online and receive at QR code. Use that code at dozens of restaurants for special discounts. Aka Sushi and Blood Bros. BBQ are offering 10% off of the total order while the QR code is good for half off glasses of wine at Montrose’s 93 ‘Til. Check the website for all the specials! AAPI Restaurant Weeks raises funds to provide rice and noodles to low-income seniors while driving traffic and support to local businesses.

MAY 10, 2025

On May 10, AAPI celebrations are taking over POST in Downtown! A pop-up market will take over the northern docks at POST, transforming the space into a vibrant celebration. Guests can enjoy traditional dishes from across Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures, alongside festive activities and immersive experiences. Inside POST, a variety of classes and performance will take place throughout the day! Signup to compete — or just plan to watch! — the Otaku Cosplay competition.  Wonderbox HTX, a KPOP cover group, takes the stage at 2pm and don’t miss the Kendama, Sumo and Japanese Martial Arts demonstrations!

MAY 15 &16, 2025

Discovery Green is presenting The Swan Painter, a free, open-air performance blending theater and performance art to bring a Japanese-inspired story to life — all staged against the park’s iconic fountains. Two-nights only, May 15 & 16, the piece follows a painter on a soulful quest to rediscover his purpose as an artist. Through movement, live music, lighting, and costume design, the story unfolds in a series of visually rich, emotionally resonant scenes.

MAY, 2025

On Wednesdays and Saturdays in May, learn the Bollywood and Bhangra style dance at Levy Park. Bhangra is a high-energy folk dance from Punjab, traditionally performed to celebrate harvests and festivals, while Bollywood dance blends classical Indian styles with modern influences like hip hop, jazz, and global pop. The classes are free and open to all ability levels!

MAY 18, 2025

Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston (EGMH) is the first museum in the Americas dedicated to honoring Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of nonviolent conflict resolution. Located in Southwest Houston, EGMH was developed with expert collaborators to serve as both a cultural landmark and educational resource for students and the broader community. Explore the unique space and take a 60-minute guided meditation and sound immersion workshop on May 18.  Admission is free but registration is required.

Houston is home to more diverse cultures than many major cities, so make sure to allow a few days to explore some of the area's cultural and religious sites, including the first traditional Hindu Mandir of its kind in North America and a Vietnamese Buddhist temple.

If you're like us, you know the best way to learn about someone's culture is by trying their food. Similar to other major U.S. cities, Houston has an area dominated by delicious Asian restaurants, exotic shopping and fun cultural experiences.