Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in and around Charleston

From panel discussions to a night market, the month-long series honors Asian American and Pacific Islander identity, culture, and creativity across Charleston.

A panel discussion is taking place in a well-lit room with a modern aesthetic. Three speakers are seated on a couch and chairs in front of a red backdrop that reads “CHS AAPI COLLECTIVE.” One woman is speaking into a microphone while others, including the audience, listen attentively. A floral arrangement sits on a pedestal in front of the backdrop.

Don’t miss this series from Charleston AAPI Collective and stay tuned for future events.

Photo by Amos Adams

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and the CHS AAPI Collective is celebrating with a series of events this month designed to honor and uplift the community. Mark your calendars and join in.

“Where Do I Belong?” Kickoff Event | Today, May 1 | 5:30–7 p.m. | The Porter Room at Holy City Brewing, North Charleston | $5+ | Moderated by Anna Chen, a diverse panel will discuss themes of identity, diversity, and belonging through an AAPI lens. Pro tip: You can enjoy light hors d’oeuvres during a pre-panel mingling hour.

Movie Night | Wednesday, May 7 | 6–9 p.m. | King BBQ, North Charleston | Free entry | Don’t miss an outdoor movie night under the stars celebrating AAPI stories and voices. Stay tuned for the movie title.

Anna Chen Exhibit | Saturday, May 10 | 5–9 p.m. | HED HI Studio | Free entry | Visit Chen’s exhibit, “Are We There Yet,” featuring vibrant wall collages accompanied by music.

Book Club & Watercolor Workshop | Wednesday, May 14 | 6 p.m. | Big Gurl Shop | $35 | Get creative with watercolor and collage led by Chen. The workshop includes a discussion inspired by “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner.

Sarah’s Dumps x Sonny Sisan Workshop | Thursday, May 22 | 6–8 p.m. | Stolon Food Lab, North Charleston | Tickets dropping soon | Learn to make floral arrangements and a traditional Korean dish at this hands-on workshop.

CHS AAPI Night Market | Saturday, May 31 | 6–9 p.m. | Storehouse Eight + Nine Courtyard, North Charleston | Price of purchase | Wrap up the month at a vibrant night market featuring Asian-owned food vendors, creatives, and businesses.

Follow @aapi_chs on Instagram to stay updated on events and discover more ways to connect with the AAPI community throughout the year.

Events
The authors include Pulitzer Prize, Booker Prize, and National Book Award nominees and winners.
Proceeds from the event will benefit SC Aquarium Reef Research.
The Town of Summerville is celebrating Iced Tea Day with free sweet tea and tea-inspired dishes and specialty drinks.
Book it to your local library — Charleston County Public Library, Dorchester County Library, and the Berkeley County Library System are all hosting summer reading programs.
Pride Month is in June and the Lowcountry has some fun events to celebrate.
Sponsored
From May 24 through September 1, South Carolinians can enjoy the Columbia Museum of Art’s 27 galleries and all the different ways to explore them — plus a range of exciting events — admission-free.