2026 events.
MAY 1
Fri, May 1 from 11 AM-1 PM
Stuyvesant Plaza | 1475 Western Ave, Albany
Hosted by: Stuyvesant Plaza
Eggcellent Cafe & Chateau Homemade Bakery Pop-Up on The Lawn
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with Eggcellent Cafe & Chateau Homemade Bakery! Join us for a delicious celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) culture at Stuyvesant Plaza. Chateau Homemade Bakery, your favorite handcrafted treats that feature traditional Vietnamese and Asian flavors, and Eggcellent, your local milk and bubble tea vendor, are popping up on The Lawn.
Fri, May 1 from 5-8 PM
Albany Center Gallery | 48 N Pearl St, Albany
Hosted by: Albany Center Gallery in partnership with Asian Arts New York
threads: weaving and intricate banner Art Exhibit and Artists' Reception
Month-long art exhibition with Artists' Reception on the first Friday of the May. Scheduled performances from Asian Arts New York throughout the month. Exhibiting artists: Toby Barnes, Ottavia Huang, Azuré Kauikeolani Iversen-Keahi, Chong Kang, Gabrielle Lau, polarisu, Mengde Shi, RUBY SILVIOUS, Siwei Song, Kim Tateo, Yeachin Tsai, Baju Wijono, and Hongnian Zhang. This exhibit is co-curated by Andrew Kwok, Jennie Tang, and Ed Ticson. Exhibit will be from May 1-June 13.
Fri, May 1 from 7-9 PM
Saratoga Arts Theatre | 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Hosted by: Saratoga Arts
Rock City Falls Trio + Renjie Song
An evening with the cross-genre ensemble ROCK CITY FALLS TRIO (Alex Chang, harp; Jason Handron, bass; Adam Forman, drums) in collaboration with traditional xiao flutist RENJIE SONG for a set of live improvisations.
Free with suggested donation.
MAY 2
Sat, May 2 at 11 AM-2 PM
Son of Egg | 483 Broadway, Rensselaer
Hosted by: Soom Healing Arts
Little Asia Wellness Market
Come join us for a day with local AANHPI goods and wellness vendors! Receive mini divination, tarot, and body work sessions; shop for locally curated arts an crafts; get styled with vintage apparel and accessories; enjoy delicious eats!
with @pinksoom, @jisungchun, @jennleesuperstar, @janescuiousfinds, @polarisu, @minnowgarden, @andrewl147, @friendsin518
Sat, May 2 from 11:30 AM- 12:30 PM
Albany Shalom Korean School | 32 Lapham Dr, Colonie
Hosted by: Albany Shalom Korean School
Korean Children's Day
Children's Day is national holiday in South Korea, celebrated every May 5. Join us for fun activities for kids and Korean cultural experiences. Free of charge.
MAY 3
Sun, May 3 from 1-4 PM
The Crossings of Colonie, South Pavilion
Hosted by: 518sian/AAPI Heritage Month 518
AANHPI heritage month kick-off
Join us for our annual community kick-off event! This year we invite you to an outdoor community potluck. Free of cost, family friendly, bring a dish or beverage to share. No pets or alcohol, please.
Sun, May 3 from 10 AM-2 PM
Wat Pa Thai Thavorn Albany | 974 Darby Hill Rd, Delanson
Hosted by: Wat Pa Thai Thavorn Albany
Songkran Festival and Visak Puja Day
The annual Thai New Year Celebration includes alms and food to the monks, music and dance performances, and rituals representing renewal. Outdoors, rain or shine, free admission and family friendly.
Sun, May 3 at 11 AM
Grafton Peace Pagoda | 87 Crandall Rd, Petersburgh
Hosted by: Grafton Peace Pagoda
Flower Festival
Come to celebrate the birth of Buddha and the new life of spring. Traditional Buddhist Ceremony, interfaith prayer, music, and dance. Everyone will be invited to pour sweet tea over the head of the baby Buddha, symbolizing blessings offered to all life on earth. Light vegetarian food will be offered, guests are welcome to bring healthy sweets and fruits for a potluck after the ceremony.
Sun, May 3 from 2-3 PM
Guilderland Public Library | 2228 Western Ave, Guilderland
Hosted by: Asian Arts New York
Echoes Across Time - A Musical Journey Through East Asia
Accomplished musicians from the Asian Arts New York (AANY) Music Ensemble present a vibrant program featuring traditional melodies from across East Asia, alongside new works including modern concertos. No cost.
MAY 5
Tues, May 5 from 5:30-7:30 PM
UAlbany Uptown Campus | Lecture Center LC 21
Hosted by: 518sian/AAPI Heritage Month 518 in partnership with Xiaojun Yuan of UAlbany Asian Coalition of Professors
Identity & Inclusion: An AANHPI Town Hall
A cross-cultural conversation about living and working in the Capital District. The event will focus on themes of identity, belonging, leadership, and representation, while providing participants with opportunities to reflect on challenges such as cultural invisibility, anti-Asian hate, and organizational climate concerns. Moderated by Jaya Connors and Lillian Moy. Open to the public and free of charge. Refreshments provided.
This event is generously supported by Albany Med Health System, Asian Pacific American Public Affairs - Albany Chapter, Federation of Asian Professor Associations, Mosaic Architects, UAlbany Department of East Asian Studies, UAlbany School of Education, the UAlbany Division of Inclusive Excellence, UAlbany Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy; and co-sponsored by the Albany County Bar Association, Albany Law Enforcement Resolution Team Partnership, Almanta, Asian American Bar Association New York, the Hindu Cultural Center, UAlbany Asian Coalition of Professionals, UAlbany Extreme Events, Social Equity, and Technology Lab, and Unified Court System’s Third Judicial District Equal Justice Committee.
MAY 6
Wed, May 6 at 12 PM
Hon. Karen B Johnson Central Library | 99 Clinton St #2, Schenectady
Hosted by: Schenectady Public Library
REELS Film Series | The Namesake
Films aired each Wed at noon during the month of May with the Schenectady Public Library. Open to the public and free of charge.
MAY 7
Thurs, May 7-Fri, May 8
Underground Concourse | Empire State Plaza, Albany
Hosted by: New York State Assembly and Senate Asian Pacific American Task Force
AI For All: NYS AAPI Summit 2026
The New York State AAPI Summit returns for its third year! The New York State AAPI Summit is an annual landmark legislative event uniting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) legislators. Join us for a day of community building, learning, and celebration. SPACE IS LIMITED.
Thurs, May 7 at 2 PM - 4:30 PM
Albany Capital Center | 55 Eagle Street, Albany
Hosted by: AAPI Commission
Let's Talk About it: Where we are, Where we're going
A Conversation with Leaders in the AAPI Community
Join the New York State Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission's panel event from 2:00pm-4:30pm. Doors will open at 2:00 with a cultural tasting, and the program will begin at 2:30pm. Exact location in downtown Albany will be confirmed closer to the event date.
MAY 9
Sat, May 9-Sun May 10 from 8:30 AM-2:30 PM
Troy Botanical Garden | 1004 Hoosick Rd, Troy
Hosted by: Troy Botanical Garden
Mothers Day Garden Celebration
Enjoy traditional Korean food, with an emphasis on savory pancakes made with vegetables, seafood, and regional flavors.
MAY 11
Mon, May 11 at 5:30 PM
105 Schuyler Street, Albany
Hosted by: Albany Public Library - Howe
Learn Polynesian Dances (ages 15+)
MAY 13
Wed, May 13 at 12 PM
Hon. Karen B Johnson Central Library | 99 Clinton St #2, Schenectady
Hosted by: Schenectady Public Library
REELS Film Series | Better Luck Tomorrow
Films aired each Wed at noon during the month of May with the Schenectady Public Library. Open to the public and free of charge.
MAY 14
Thurs, May 14 at 6 PM-8 PM
Central Rock Gym | 547 River St, Troy
Hosted by: Central Rock Gym
AAPI Heritage Month Climbing Night
Join us for an evening of rock climbing and community at Central Rock Gym in Troy. No RSVP required. Discounted day passes and rentals available.
Thurs, May 14 at 6:30 PM-7:30 PM
Online/Zoom
Hosted by: Albany Public Library
Page Turners: "Maizy Chen's Last Chance" by Lisa Yee
[For youth, ages 9-14.] Read this month's book before our meeting and join us (virtually) for a fun discussion! In honor of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, May's book selection is Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee.
Thurs, May 14 from 6-7:30 PM
Online/Zoom
Hosted by: Albany Public Library
Page Turners Virtual Book Club
Read this month's book, then join us (virtually) for a fun discussion! This month's book is "Maizy Chen's Last Chance" by Lisa Yee. A link and password to access the Zoom meeting will be sent upon registration. For ages 9-14.
MAY 15
Fri, May 15 from 5:30-7:30 PM
Son of Egg | 483 Broadway, Rensselaer
Hosted by: Jisung Chun, Soy & Rice
Makgeolli & Soju Tasting
Join us for an evening of makgeolli (Korean rice wine) and soju (Korean spirit) tasting, hosted by an award winning Korean rice wine sommelier. Embark on a journey of flavor as you indulge in a unique selection of three distinct varieties of rice wine and two varieties of soju. Let's explore fragrant and floral notes to complex, earthy undertones, each drink offers a sensorial experience, inviting you to savor the unique experience. Light snacks provided.
MAY 16
Sat May 16 at 10:30 AM
1736A Western Ave, Albany
Hosted by: Short & Stout Tea Company
Matcha Workshop
A general matcha workshop open to all levels of experience!
Sat, May 16 at 2 PM - 3PM
161 Washington Ave, Albany
Hosted by: Albany Public Library - Washington
Let's Learn Origami Together!
[For ages 6+] Have you ever wanted to learn origami but don't know where to start? Us too! Join us as we look at helpful beginner resources and learn the basics of origami together. Come prepared to learn and to mess up, because nobody's perfect at the start!
Sat, May 16 from 5-7 PM
In Our Own Voices | 247 Lark St, Albany
Hosted by: In Our Own Voices
Lavender & Lotus AAPI Movie Night
Join a film viewing of the short Indian film "Daaravtha", directed by Nishant Roy Bombarde. Then, stay for some guided questions after the movie highlighting and sharing LGBTQ+ AAPI stories. Free and open to the community. Refreshments included.
MAY 19
Tues, May 19 from 4:30-5:30 PM
Pine Hills Branch | 517 Western Ave, Albany
Hosted by: Albany Public Library
Bubble Tea Workshop for Teens
Have fun making bubble tea with Joyce and Matt, owners of Short and Stout Tea Lounge. For ages 12-17.
Tues, May 19 from 5:30-7:30 PM
DUO Japanese Cuisine and Hibachi | 175 S Broadway, Saratoga
Hosted by: AAPI Connect Marketing
AAPI Business Owners & Business Professionals Network
Connect with local AAPI Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Professionals in the Capital Region. Bring business cards or fliers to share with the other attendees. This event is open to all AAPI professionals and AAPI friends & allies. RSVP or for more info:
aapiConnectMarketing@gmail.com | @aapiConnectMarketing
This event is sponsored by Fridholm Painting Co.
MAY 20
Wed, May 20 at 12 PM
Hon. Karen B Johnson Central Library | 99 Clinton St #2, Schenectady
Hosted by: Schenectady Public Library
REELS Film Series | Umma
Films aired each Wed at noon during the month of May with the Schenectady Public Library. Open to the public and free of charge.
MAY 21
Thurs, May 21 from 4:30-6 PM
161 Washington Ave, Albany
Hosted by: Albany Public Library - Washington
K-pop Photocard Decorating
MAY 22
Fri, May 22- Sat, May 23 from 11 AM-10 PM
95 Ferry St, Troy
Hosted by: Sunhee's Farm and Kitchen
Sunhee's 10 Year Anniversary!
Join us for this Friday through Saturday celebration! Back patio party, food specials, gifts, family friendly games, and more!
Call 518-272-3413 for inquiries
Thurs, May 21 from 5 PM-7 PM
48 N Pearl St, Albany
Hosted by: Asian Arts New York + Albany Center Gallery
What Blooms in Moonlight
Join us for an immersive evening of improvisational music, dance, and live art. The evening begins with a live painting and sound performance exploring themes of ephemerality and impermanence — an invitation to slow down and be present. It continues with a guided yet open dance experience rooted in awareness, expression, and connection to one’s inner nature, leaving participants both relaxed and energized. Light refreshments will be provided. Free and open to the public.
This event is curated by Asian Arts New York and hosted by Albany Center Gallery, surrounded by the magnificent AANHPI Art Exhibition “threads: weaving an intricate banner” presented by Albany Center Gallery, in partnership with Asian Arts New York and AAPI Heritage Month 518. Co-curated by Andrew Kwok, Jennie Tang, and Ed Ticson.
Featuring:
Live Painting, Music & Sound Performance by Kim and Brendan Tateo
Ecstatic Dance led by Nicole Romanelli of Moving Peace
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Doors open at 5:00 PM
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Live painting & performance begins at 5:30 PM
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Guided ecstatic dance begins at 6:00 PM
Light refreshments will be provided.
MAY 23
Sat, May 23-Mon, May 25 from 8:30 AM-1:30 PM
Troy Botanical Garden | 1004 Hoosick Rd, Troy
Hosted by: Troy Botanical Garden
Memorial Day Garden Fair
Enjoy traditional Korean food, with an emphasis on savory pancakes made with vegetables, seafood, and regional flavors.
Sat, May 23 from 11 AM-5 PM
DUO Japanese Cuisine and Hibachi | 175 S Broadway, Saratoga
Hosted by: AAPI Connect Marketing Agency
AAPI Connect Business Vendor Fair
The first of its kind in the Capital Region, an opportunity to meet locally-owned Asian businesses and shop products and services. Free and open to the public.
MAY 24
Sun, May 24 from 1-3 PM
Stonewell Plaza | 1969 New Scotland Road, Suite 10, Slingerlands
Hosted by: Asian Arts New York
Tea with Art
In collaboration with: THINGS! GLOBAL EXPERIENCES Art Gallery & Gift Boutique. Join us for a gentle gathering where art and tea meet in a shared moment of reflection. Surrounded by the VOICES exhibition, this intimate afternoon invites you to slow down, to look more closely, and to experience art not only visually, but through presence and feeling.
Sun, May 24 from 1-5 PM
Tiger Mama | 302 Tenth St, Troy
Hosted by: Jay Zhang Photography and Tiger Mama
AANHPI 2026 Legacy Photo Sessions
Jay Zhang Photography is partnering up with Tiger Mama to provide family photo shoots to document your family legacy. Each photo session provides you with a 2-3 digital photos for a family of approximately 4-6 people. If you're looking to create multiple combinations of your family, please sign-up and pay for additional time slots.
MAY 26
Tues, May 26 from 5:30-6:30 PM
Washington Ave Branch | 161 Washington Ave, Albany
Hosted by: Albany Public Library
Asian Tea Ceremonies
Join Joyce and Matt, owners of Short and Stout Tea Lounge for a conversation about traditional Asian tea ceremonies.
MAY 27
Wed, May 27 at 11 AM
Empire State Plaza Concourse, Albany
Hosted by: Asian Arts New York + Office of General Services (OSG)
AANHPI Art & Cultural Festival
Art Exhibition: 11am-2pm
Performance Program: 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Food: 11:30-1:30pm
Hosted by the Office of General Services (OGS) Organized by Asian Arts New York
Join us for the first AANHPI Art & Cultural Festival, celebrating the rich diversity, creativity, and cultural heritage of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
The festival will feature:
Art exhibition
Live cultural performances
Asian crafts and art products
Cultural merchandise and fashion vendors
Community and organizational information tables
Asian food vendors and more
Free and open to the public.
Wed, May 27 at 12 PM
Hon. Karen B Johnson Central Library | 99 Clinton St #2, Schenectady
Hosted by: Schenectady Public Library
REELS Film Series | Crazy Rich Asians
Films aired each Wed at noon during the month of May with the Schenectady Public Library. Open to the public and free of charge.
Wed, May 27 from 6:00-7:30 PM
148 Henry Johnson Blvd, Albany
Hosted by: Albany Public Library - Arbor Hill
AAPI Music Bingo
Can you name that tune? Play music Bingo with us as we celebrate AAPI Month with music from yesterday and today's notable AAPI musicians.
Wed, May 27 from 6:00-7:30 PM
Troy Public Library | 21 1st Street, Troy
Hosted by: Asian Arts New York
The Art of Chinese Brush Painting
Join artist Anping Liu for an engaging introduction to the art of traditional Chinese brush painting. This workshop will explore the history and philosophy of Chinese painting, along with key elements such as composition, brushwork, and common subjects. This workshop is suitable for beginners and anyone interested in exploring a timeless artistic tradition.
MAY 30
Sat, May 30 from 10:30-11:30 AM
Pine Hills Branch | 517 Western Ave, Albany
Hosted by: Albany Public Library
Growing Readers Story Time
Join us for stories, songs, and rhymes for ages 0-5. This morning's story time features Daisy Lin, musician and owner of O'Muse Music Arts Academy.
Sat, May 30 at 10:30 AM
Hon. Karen B Johnson Central Library | 99 Clinton St #2, Schenectady
Hosted by: Schenectady Public Library
Family Story Time
Kid's story time and craft activity with a Vietnamese lion dance performance.
Sat, May 30 from 12-3 PM
Hindu Cultural Center | 450 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany
Hosted by: Asian Pacific American Public Affairs (APAPA) - Albany Chapter
Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration
Join APAPA for an afternoon celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month through culture, community, and connection. Enjoy cultural performances, food, and opportunities to connect with community organizations while honoring outstanding leaders.
Sat, May 30 from 5–9 PM
Across from Sunhee's Farm & Kitchen | Lot at 102 Ferry St, Troy
Hosted by: Sunhee's Farm & Kitchen in partnership with 518sian/AAPI Heritage Month 518
TROYASIA
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month 518 as downtown Troy meets an outdoor Asian food festival at the TroyAsia Night Market. Stringed lights, paper lanterns, K-pop vibes, and street food for purchase made available by local vendors. Family-friendly, open to all. No RSVP or registration required.
TroyAsia is generously supported by New York Life Insurance, Andrew No.