With Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in full swing, the Berkeley High School and broader East Bay community have no shortage of ways to celebrate. May is packed with events that highlight the rich diversity of AAPI cultures — from traditional dance performances and cultural festivals to community gatherings honoring the next generation. While celebrating the East Bay’s Asian communities, whether you’re exploring the food, music, or art of AAPI cultures, you can tell there is something meaningful happening this month. Read on for a roundup of upcoming events worth checking out.
A Berkeley Unified School District-wide Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) History Month celebration on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Longfellow Middle School (1701 San Pablo Ave). From 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., enjoy food, crafts, and family-friendly activities, followed by performances and presentations until 7:00 p.m., including a Thai dance troupe, children’s hula troupe, and middle and high school AAPI clubs. Organized with BUSD, a network of staff, BUSD alumni, and students, the event aims to uplift the AAPI community in BUSD, Berkeley, and beyond.
Berkeley’s beloved Himalayan Fair returns for its 43rd year at Live Oak Park on Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17, 2026. The free, two-day outdoor festival celebrates the cultures of the Himalayan region with authentic food, handcrafted goods from local artisans, live music, and dance performances by Bay Area artists. Saturday runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free tickets available at Eventbrite.com. Organizers strongly recommend taking BART or a rideshare, as parking nearby is very limited.
BHS’ Asian Pacific Islander seniors are invited to celebrate their achievement at the annual API Graduation on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Finnish Hall. The event features a potluck, performances, and graduating seniors will receive sashes. All API-identifying seniors are encouraged to attend.
On Sunday, May 31, 2026, the fifth annual Asian Cultural Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Civic Center Park. Organized by Dharma College, the festival is a community effort between local Asian community organizations, the Downtown Berkeley Association, and other cultural institutions. The festival will include live music, live dance performances, documentaries, and more. In previous years, the festival has featured yoga studios, meditation centers, and booths from local Asian-owned businesses. The Asian Cultural Festival will celebrate and promote Asian culture and diversity through tradition, entertainment, art, and Asian cuisine.
Throughout May, the Berkeley Public Library (BPL) will celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with a series of free events across its branches. Their agenda will highlight AAPI cultures through art workshops, games, author talks, music performances, storytelling, and more. With events for all ages, the BPL network invites the community to learn, connect with, and celebrate the stories and contributions of AAPI communities. Find the full schedule of events on the BPL’s event website: https://berkeleypubliclibrary.libnet.info/events?r=thismonth.