10 Things to Do in Milwaukee for AAPI Heritage Month
Momo Mee; Photo by Visit Milwaukee
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and spotlight the achievements, contributions and culture of Asian and Pacific Islander across the country. We’ve rounded up ten local events celebrating the Asian and Pacific Islander diaspora right here in Milwaukee.
1. Asian Heritage Month Gallery Night
MAY 10 FROM 4-8 P.M. | MATC DOWNTOWN MILWAUKEE M BUILDING, M605
The MATC Asian Affinity Group is hosting a special gallery night to celebrate asian artists across mediums. Guest speakers will include actor Elvis Thao (Gran Torino), DJ Sushi, local photographer Julie Her, manager of creative services at Milwaukee PBS and mixed media artist Thay Yang and Wenmin Xian, a Chinese artist who has worked as chief editor for the Travel Channel for media company, Sohu.
2. Pabst Mansion: Ikebana Evening
MAY 10 5-7 P.M. | PABST MANSION
The Milwaukee Chapter of Ikebana International is transforming the Pabst Mansion with an extensive floral exhibition. Over 20 Ikebana (a Japanese floral arrangement practice) artists will be on display throughout the space. There will also be floral-inspired cocktails and live music by Tokiko Kimura of the Ilura School playing the koto, a 13-string zither which is the national instrument of Japan.
3. See Author Rachel Khong Talk About Her New Book Real Americans
MAY 15 AT 6:30 P.M. | BOSWELL BOOKS
Author Rachel Khong is coming to Boswell Books to talk about her new novel Real Americans, a complicated multi-generational story that author Brit Bennett has called “a mesmerizing novel about privilege, identity and the illusions of the American dream.” The event is co-sponsored by AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin and the OCA Wisconsin. You can reserve your spot here and order her book online.
4. Learn from Ron Kuramoto @ Women’s Club of Wisconsin
MAY 16 FROM 6-8 P.M. | WOMAN’S CLUB OF WISCONSIN
Ron Kuramoto is the President of the Japanese American Citizens League, as well as on the Board of Directors and Education Committee of the Jewish Museum Milwaukee and on the Executive Committee of the Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of Wisconsin. He is giving a talk on the resilience of Asian American communities, and the ways Asian Americans have learned to create community, and combat racism. Tickets can be purchased online and include samples of different Asian dishes.
5. Asian Restaurant Week
MAY 19-25 | ACROSS THE CITY
ElevAsian put together a list of nearly 100 Asian and Pacific Islander restaurants to visit during Asian Restaurant Week– or any time at all! Recommendations include restaurants across cultures including Hmong, Thai, Pakistani, Japanese, Nepalese, Middle Eastern and many more. If you post a picture of yourself at one of the recommended restaurants with the hashtag #milwaukeeasianrestaurantweek on Facebook or Instagram you will be entered in a drawing to win a pair of tickets to Milwaukee Dumpling Fest 2024!
6. Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Tasting Dinner
MAY 19 AT 5 P.M. | THE IVY HOUSE
Folks from Marquette’s Lubar Center and ElevAsian are hosting a night of culinary and cultural exploration at the Ivy House. This open-to-the-public event invites visitors to learn about the rich history of Hawaiian, Hmong, Korean, Nepalese, and Vietnamese food and their impact on American cuisine, all made by local chefs.
7. Asian Finger Foods Cooking Demonstration
MAY 19 AT NOON | GLORIOSO’S APPETITO & SAGE HARVEST
If you want to get hands-on in your celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, the cooking school at Glorioso’s, Glorioso’s Appetito & Sage Harvest, is hosting a cooking class that will help participants grow their skills and learn how to make dishes from different Asian and Asian American cultures including Thai Larb, Crab Rangoon and Beef Satay.
8. Gallery Talk: “Idris Khan: Repeat After Me”
MAY 23 FROM NOON-1 P.M. | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
Pakistani-British artist Idris Khan is making his first American solo exhibition at the Milwaukee Art Museum now through August 11. On May 23, Khan will be in Milwaukee to talk about his exhibit, and the symbolic and physical representations of repetition throughout his art. The event is free for museum members, but also included in the price of admission. If you want to pre-order an admission ticket, you can do so online or by calling 414-224-3200.
9. Asian & Pacific Islander Women’s Ball
MAY 18 FROM 5-11 P.M. | BRADLEY PAVILION AT MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The Hmong American Women’s Association is hosting their second annual API Women’s Ball, with the theme “The Future We Are Building.” Discussions will be held around policy, this year’s elections and how to navigate resources and combat the issues that impact their community. There will be dynamic API women leaders speakers as well as networking and entertainment. The event is specifically for API women, and participants are encouraged to dress in their best formal and cultural attire.
10. Taste of China Fujian
MAY 21-23 | DANDAN
The Third Ward’s Chinese-Midwestern restaurant (and home to Top Chef superstar, Chef Dan Jacobs), DanDan, is hosting a three night dinner series featuring foods from different Chinese regions. There will be four courses, meant for two people to share. Reservations are required, and cannot be made for parties larger than 6.
