Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in Sacramento. Check out what’s happening around the region.
The month of May signifies the beginning of Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month where the livelihood of AAPI communities are celebrated and honored for their history, culture and contributions made in the country.
This month is also recognized as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month or Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage month.
It started out as a weeklong celebration in 1978 and was extended through the entire month of May in 1992 when former President George H.W. Bush signed a bill passed by Congress to increase the recognition of AAPI communities.
This month, we continue to highlight the ways in which AAPI communities have shaped our region.
The Sacramento Bee’s Equity Lab released its list of Top 25 AAPI Change Makers, which included a list of individuals around the Sacramento region that are bettering the lives of people around them through community, collective work and advocacy.
This list was composed of problem-solvers and leaders in different industries such as: medicine, science, policy, economy, education and art.
Revisit the Change Makers list and check out some of Sacramento’s leaders that are doing their part in creating a better vision for the city and region.
A number of organizations and businesses are celebrating the month.
Businesses to check out
There are many AAPI-owned businesses in Sacramento to check out. Here are some businesses to visit, courtesy of the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce:
Magpie Alchemy
Location: 3247 Franklin Blvd.
Features locally made CBD products, hand soaps, bar soaps and skin care products.
Binchoyaki Izakaya Dining
Location: 2226 10th St.
This modern cuisine is based on a Japanese-style barbecue. “Sumi” or “Bincho” means Japanese charcoal and “Yaki” means grill.
Kiyo’s Floral Design
Location: 2030 16th St.
Kiyo’s Floral has been a Sacramento business for over 50 years. The downtown location offers unique flower arrangements and specializes in modern ikebana style arrangements.
916Skills Academy
Location: 1006 Riley St.
Also known as Sacramento Skills Academy or Sac Skills Academy, this is high-level basketball training for players of all skill levels, featuring expertise from former professional basketball players.
Seafood House Quan Oc
Location: 6471 Stockton Blvd
Located at the center of south Sacramento, Seafood House Quan Oc offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine, specializing in exotic seafood such as conch, razor clams, sea snails, and much more.
King Cong Brewing Co.
Location: 1709 Del Paso Blvd.
Located in Uptown Sacramento, King Cong brewing provides a place to kick back, relax, and have locally brewed beers from throughout the Northern California region. Enjoy community, culture, and creativity.
Here are some events to check out this month:
May 6
What: AAPI Placer County and Rocklin Historical Society
Where: 5480 5th St., Rocklin, CA
When: 4 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Price: Free
What: Lights Festival at UC Davis
Where: UC Davis Quad (postponed due to safety concerns)
When: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Price: Free
What: Asian Pacific CultureFest
Where: 8230 Civic Center Drive, Elk Grove, CA
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Price: Free
May 13:
What: Locke Asian Pacific Spring Festival
Where: 13916 Main St, Walnut Grove, CA
When: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Price: Free
What: Sacramento Asian Pacific Film Festival
Where: 2700 Capitol Ave
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Price: $45, general admission $35, students and seniors, two-day passes are $80, GA and $60 for students and seniors.
May 14:
What: Sacramento Asian Pacific Film Festival
Where: 2700 Capitol Ave
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Price: $45, general admission $35, students and seniors, two-day passes are $80, GA and $60 for students and seniors.
May 19:
What: AAPI Night Market
Where: Capitol Mall, Sacramento
When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Price: $25 general admission
May 25:
What: Sacramento’s 28th Anniversary Dragon Boat Festival
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton, 2001 Point W Way, Sacramento
When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Price: $111, tickets here
