MAY 3, 2026 | 2 PM

Join Trio Menil at the Asia Society for an exciting concert celebrating music by AAPI composers! This family-friendly classical performance will feature works written especially for Trio Menil, beloved classical favorites, and recent hits from Studio Ghibli and K-Pop Demon Hunters. The program will culminate with the world premiere of a new work by Chinese-Australian composer Sam Wu. Based in Houston, Trio Menil is a versatile ensemble performing in both concert halls and classrooms across North America. The trio earned the Grand Prize and Odyssey Chamber Music Series Award at the 2023 Plowman Chamber Music Competition, first prize at the 2024 Concurso-Festival de Música de Cámara "Diálogo," and was a finalist in the 2024 Chesapeake Chamber Music Competition.

MAY 8 - 10, 2026

Don't miss Panda Fest, one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the US with experiential activities, tastings, and market fair that showcases the vibrant food, art and cultural traditions from Asia. Your general admission ticket includes 2 free gifts: one customized Panda pin with Houston feature, and one headband (worth $11 in total), single entry only on the selected time slot, access to Panda inflatable, access to 60+ Asian food and merchandise vendors, and access to Asian culture performances. Get your tickets here.

MAY 9, 2026. (11 AM - 9 PM)

Spend a full day of culture, community, and celebration in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! From traditional dance and martial arts demos to a vibrant Asian night market, sumo wrestling, K-pop, cosplay, and more — this FREE, all-ages event highlights the rich diversity of AAPI communities in Houston and beyond. This event is free to attend for all ages with an RSVP.

MAY 9, 2026. (11 AM - 7 PM)

A collaborative partnership between OCA-Greater Houston and Tokyo X will host the AAPI FEST at the Alief Neighborhood Center and Park. The festival will unite Houston's diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities—including Vietnamese, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, and many other groups by working with local community leaders. With over 100 vendors participating, various cultures will showcase Asian pride through food, merchandise, and art. The festival's core goal is to empower local businesses and foster community unity in the heart of the multicultural Alief district. 

Photo by Quy Tran, courtesy of APAHA 

 MAY 9, 2026 | 6 PM

Asian Pacific American Heritage Association (APAHA) is hosting its annual gala to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. It is a great opportunity for the members of the Asian/Pacific American community to come together and celebrate their culture. Celebrate the remarkable achievements of Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals in Houston, meet community leaders, enjoy live entertainment and delicious ethnic food! Socialize and spend an unforgettable night! Individual tickets: $250. Registration begins at 6 pm. Doors to ballroom open around 6:45 pm. Dinner starts at 7:30 pm. Buy your tickets here.

MAY 14, 2026

Fashion is a powerful storyteller — a thread that connects heritage with the present, weaving the past into the fabric of the future. Don't miss the second edition of Runway to Asia that honors Asian and Asian American innovators on the global fashion scene. Presented by Asia Society in partnership with Fashion Presenter TOOTSIES, this year's Runway to Asia will spotlight the visionary talent of international fashion designer Bach Mai, a Vietnamese American creative born and raised in Houston. The fashion show will take place at The Post Oak Hotel, where guests will enjoy a delicious lunch and a fashion experience blending cutting-edge designs with a celebration of artistry, passion, and incredible journeys. This event will support Asia Society Texas's performing arts and cultural offerings that showcase the vibrant diversity of Asia through thought-provoking live art, film, and food experiences. Buy your tickets here.

EVERY THURSDAY

Leave your passport at home! Asia Society Texas in the Museum District is home to Explore Asia, 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! Admission is free every Thursday.

On Thursday, May 28, don't miss Family Fun Night at Boba Party (5-7 p.m.). Enjoy the evening with access to the Explore Asia exhibition and free activities designed for kids and families! In this fun night of boba, learn about its history while tasting different drink flavors and topping combinations. Decorate a cup sleeve and bubble tea holder or relax and enjoy online Adventures of Asia comics while sipping on a personalized drink.

MAY 1 - JUNE 15, 2026

Now in its 7th 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. 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 17, 2026 (2 - 5 PM)

This exclusive experience features dishes from three top spots, all within steps of each other. Build your own unique ramen creation, and then enjoy noodles  & other savory dishes at our next stop. Taste classic Korean entrées alongside your ramen. Sweet finale - sample signature Nama Chocolate, delicious Japanese fine, delicate combination of selected chocolate and fresh cream with a hint of prestige liqueurs. Buy your tickets here.

MAY 2, 2026 | 11 AM - 12 PM

Take a one-hour guided tour at Asia Society Texas to learn more about its building, designed by world-renowned architect Yoshio Taniguchi (pictured). This is his first free-standing structure in the U.S., embodying both his scrupulous attention to detail and his commitment to the highest standards of craftsmanship and material. This tour weaves together the building's unique design elements, cultural influences, and stories behind the Center's featured exhibitions, offering a fresh perspective on how creative spaces enhance well-being. This experience is perfect for art enthusiasts, architecture lovers, or anyone looking to recharge through mindful exploration. Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour. Price: $10. Buy your tickets here.

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

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!

MAY, 2026

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 29 – JUNE 14, 2026

Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Houston’s most dynamic cultural events! HAAPIFEST 2026 brings together an incredible lineup of films, documentaries, and shorts from across the AAPI diaspora — powerful stories of identity, family, culture, and resilience. From intimate personal journeys to bold, groundbreaking narratives, this year’s festival showcases voices that deserve to be seen and heard. Discover new filmmakers, celebrate diverse cultures, and connect through storytelling. Tickets & passes are available here.

Visit Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston (EGMH), 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. Self-guided visits are available year-round, during the Museum’s regular hours of operation. Self-guided visits are perfect for individuals or groups who want to lead their own tours of the museum. Through a docent-guided tour, develop a deeper understanding of the museum and methods of non-violent conflict resolution. 

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.