HSJ/CHCP South Bay AAPI Festival

Join History San Jose (HSJ) and the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP) for a celebration of our diverse AAPI community! Immerse yourself in a day of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures through performances, cuisine, crafts, and discussions, as we come together to honor our AAPI heritage and strengthen community bonds.

The festival is May 18th, from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM at History Park San Jose. This event is designed for anyone eager to celebrate and learn about the vibrant cultures that make up the AAPI community.

Our celebration of activities includes free Asian & Pacific Islander-centric games and crafts, community booths and vendors, food truck fare for purchase from Lemongrass Lane and Fresh Catch Poke, boba for purchase at Pennylane Sweets and Treats in O’Brien’s, a panel discussion sponsored by the Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj), self-guided tours of the Japanese Friendship Garden from San Jose Okayama Sister Cities, open exhibits at the Chinese American Historical Museum and the Viet Museum, and an array of cultural performances sponsored by History San José, Mosaic America, the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project, and the Viet Museum.

Event Highlights:

• Dragon Parades and Lion Dancers: Hop in on the excitement as dragons and lions dance through the 14 acres of History Park at 11:30 AM.
• Performers Galore: See heritage in motion with cultural performers throughout the day at the Lillian Gong-Guy Plaza! At 11:00 AM, see performers courtesy of the Viet Museum. At 12:15 PM, see a block of performers brought to you by CHCP including the Tamkang University Drum Team and the Kilo Project hip-hop dance team. At 2:30 PM there will be performers curated by Mosaic America including Viet Steps, the Korean Culture Center Urisawe, the Cambodian Cultural Dance Troupe, Hui Ilima Hawaiian Club, and Kawayan Folk Arts.
• Japantown Past, Present, and Future: From 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM join moderator Tom Izu and panelists Warren Hayashi, Vickie Taketa, Wisa Uemura, Susan Hayase, Crystal Rast, and Vanessa Hatakeyama on the second floor of the Empire Firehouse for a discussion about Japantown’s history, current state, and future, courtesy of JAMsj.
• Family-Friendly Crafts & Activities: Throughout the day, families are invited to visit the many community and vendor booths, and/or engage in cultural crafts that highlight Korean drums, Thai elephants, Indian rangoli, Chinese dragons, and Japanese koi nobori. Starting at 2:30 PM, try your hand at Filipino sungka, Chinese mahjong, and Japanese hanafuda with Mosaic America or watch a judo demonstration and learn how to wear a kimono with JAMsj.
• Chinese American Historical Museum:  The museum will be open to visitors from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with Storytime from 1:30 to 2:00 PM courtesy of Books, Inc. Campbell.

FOR FULL SCHEDULE

For parking and directions: visit our Museum page. Area parking is $10 per vehicle.

Admission: FREE Admission. Those who pre-register online will be eligible for door prizes.

PRE-REGISTER for DOOR PRIZES