Asian American + Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration
Saturday, May 17, 2025
A family-friendly, dog-friendly event on Third Street Promenade featuring cultural performances, vendors, and community fun.
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AAPI Heritage Art Exhibit (Ongoing through May):
View a curated collection of contemporary works by AAPI artists exploring identity, heritage, and resilience.
@ 18th Street Arts Center
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Bay Cities Joint Memorial Day Service
Monday, May 26, 2025
A commemorative service at Woodlawn Cemetery honoring Japanese American veterans who served during World War II.
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Courtyard by Santa Monica
Valid through Saturday, May 31, 2025
Enjoy complimentary coffee or tea service for all meetings and events booked during the month of May, in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month.
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Chinese Dumplings
May 31, 2025
The Gourmandise School at Santa Monica Place
Craft your own handmade dumplings from scratch in this interactive class focused on flavor, folding techniques, and cultural traditions.
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Cobi’s 
Special Filipino cuisine dish honoring heritage and tradition during Filipino Month.
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Date Night: Sushi 101
May 10, 2025
The Gourmandise School at Santa Monica Place
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with a hands-on sushi-making class guided by expert AAPI chefs. Learn foundational techniques for preparing fresh sushi in a fun, date-night format.
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Everyday Vietnamese
May 30, 2025
The Gourmandise School at Santa Monica Place
Explore the essentials of Vietnamese home cooking with fresh spring rolls, rice noodle salad, and dipping sauces—all led by acclaimed AAPI chefs.
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“Feast From the East” Pop-Up by Chef Chad Phuong (Saturday, 12–6pm):
Cambodian BBQ master Chad Phuong (aka “Cambodian Cowboy”) brings his smoked brisket, ribs, and Southeast Asian-inspired sauces to Santa Monica for a special one-day AAPI Heritage Month pop-up.
@ The Gourmandise School, Santa Monica Place
More details here

FROM JA TO SHOHEI: The Manzanar Baseball Project
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Join artist Dan Kwong for a multimedia presentation exploring Japanese American baseball during WWII, featuring video, performance art, and a panel discussion.
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Konamon Fest – Japanese Street Food Festival (Saturday and Sunday):
This street food and cultural festival returns with a sake tasting area with more than 31 varieties of sake, vendors from Japan, and a live Japanese violin performance.
@ Santa Monica Pier
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Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Children’s book reading and signing by Pearl AuYeung, celebrating identity, diversity, and AAPI Heritage Month.
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Oaxacalifornia – Film Screening and Panel (Sunday, 4pm):
Celebrate the vibrant blend of Mexican and Japanese cultures in this acclaimed documentary screening, followed by a Q&A with director Bertha Aguilar.
@ Santa Monica College, Humanities Lecture Hall
More details here

Rice Rice Baby
Friday, May 16, 2025
An AAPI Heritage Month comedy night hosted at The Crow, with a special discount offered at Birdie G’s restaurant for attendees.
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Tai Chi on the Beach (Sunday, 9am):
Join Master Henry Lung for a gentle and restorative tai chi session celebrating AAPI wellness traditions. Free and open to all levels.
@ Annenberg Community Beach House
More details here

Traditional Chinese Cuisine
May 24, 2025
The Gourmandise School at Santa Monica Place
Master the bold flavors and techniques of traditional Chinese cooking, including Three Cup Chicken, Garlic Stir-Fried Spinach, and Almond Tofu with Poached Apricots.
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