Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. From special events, delicious food spots, museum exhibits and more, Minneapolis has many different ways to celebrate and learn about Asian culture all month long.
Places to Visit for AAPI Heritage Month in Minneapolis
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Mia's diverse collection displays plenty of art created by the AAPI community as well as Asian artists from around the world. Their curators work hard to find works that are reflective of all communities. Check out their Collection of Asian Art, which include works from China, South and Southeast Asia, Japan and Korean. They currently have a few exhibits exploring Asian culture including:
- Year of the Horse: Hoofbeats Through Time
On view until August 9, 2026
- Kenji Nakahashi: A Confident Life
On view until December 27, 2026
Moona Moono
Visit Moona Moono in Uptown, a shop stocked with kawaii stationary, Korean beauty and other satisfying home goods. Don't forget to order a drink from the cafe. The menu features curated coffee, boba and matcha lattes.
Midtown Global Market
As a hub for showcasing food and shopping from Minneapolis' diverse communities, Midtown Global Market not only offers a wide variety of Asian cuisine including, Intown Sushi, Pham’s Rice Bowl, Momo Dosa, and Sabbai Cuisine, but it also is home to a unique Tibetan shop, Tibet Arts & Gifts, filled with rare clothing, accessories and home decor from the Himalayas.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
At Como Park Zoo & Conservatory's Ordway Gardens you will find Minnesota's only top-curated Japanese plant collection. Within the garden is a Bonsai tree collection that honors Japanese art. The Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden was created by renowned landscape designer, Masami Matsuda from Nagasaki. His creation serves to honor Japanese design principals using Minnesota plants and trees.
Weisman Art Museum
A permanent collection at the Weisman, Traditional Korean Furniture, includes about 200 examples of Choson dynasty furniture, 80 Silla dynasty stoneware pieces, close to 150 folk paintings and wooden bowls and utensils, in addition to other folk arts and crafts. The collection represents many types of wood, decorative material, and joinery techniques.
Hmongtown Marketplace
An indoor and outdoor marketplace with over 125 stalls and shops, including 11 restaurants. Here you can browse all types of products from food and fresh produce, to clothing, home items, and accessories. The marketplace has grown to become a commonplace for Hmong Americans and given them a familiar sense of home with the community.
United Noodles
United Noodles is a pan-Asian grocery store located in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. Here you can pick up and discover new ingredients and products from China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Hawaii and more.
University of Minnesota Campus: Dinkytown, Stadium Village, and West Bank
The University of Minnesota campus is surrounded by pockets of Asian culture powered by food, the people who prepare it, and those who enjoy it. Within walking distance from campus, you’ll find restaurants, food halls, boba shops, bakeries, and cafés representing Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Indian, Hmong, Thai, Japanese, and Polynesian cuisines. These places represent a piece of home for the more than 4,000 Asian students, many of which are international. The array of authentic flavors offers the opportunity to learn more about generations and traditions of the AAPI community in Minneapolis.
Asia Mall
In the southwest suburb of Eden Prairie, you'll find Asia Mall. Here, you can shop for fresh Asian groceries, pick up live seafood, and dine at the top local Asian restaurants, all in one place. The crowd favorites here are boba, mochi donuts, and hot pot. It's a bit of a drive, but so worth it!
Events Celebrating AAPI Month in Minneapolis
May 4, 2026
7pm
Dakota
Jake Shimabukuro is a world-renowned ukulele virtuoso whose groundbreaking artistry has redefined the instrument for the 21st century. Here, he is hailed as the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele.” Moreover, Shimabukuro has captivated audiences across the globe with his masterful technique, innovative spirit, and deeply expressive performances. He seamlessly blends elements of jazz, rock, classical, blues, folk, and traditional Hawaiian music.
May 9, 2026
Noon - 4pm
Arbeiter Brewing
We're celebrating AAPI Heritage Month with our annual Asian Phoenix Festival. We're an Asian-owned brewery uplifting AAPI culture through community. Join us for this free event and enjoy the festivities and flavors of Asian cultures!
May 14, 2026
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander month at Meet at Mia. Join teaching artist Akiko Ostlund in the studios to embroider photos of poets. Attend a free screening of Finding Her Beat, a documentary following local artists from TaikoArts Midwest as they mount a production featuring leading female Taiko artists from across the globe. Then stick around for a Q&A with the artists. Enjoy a special performance of classical Indian dance from Nritya Kalakshetra Academy. Groove with DJ Diane Miller in Mia’s lobby. Explore Mia’s collection of Asian art on a free, guided tour.
May 13, 2026
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Perfect Days. Hirayama is a quiet man, working in Tokyo as a public toilet cleaner. His daily life is full of structure and comforting hobbies, including his love of music cassettes from the 1960s and ’70s. As he encounters friends, coworkers, and family navigating their own challenges, he reflects on the simple pleasures in life.
May 16, 2026
10:45am
Gai Noi
Join Chef Ann Ahmed and special guest Saeng Douangdara, chef and content creator, for an intimate luncheon celebrating the release of Saeng’s new cookbook, The Lao Kitchen. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated multi-course lunch prepared by Chef Ann featuring standout recipes from the book, followed by a moderated conversation with Saeng about Lao cooking, family traditions, and the stories behind the recipes. Each ticket includes a copy of The Lao Kitchen which guests will have the opportunity to have signed at a private book signing prior to lunch.
May 17, 2026
2pm - 4pm
Insight Brewing
Join us for a fun, hands-on dumpling-making experience designed especially for beginners! In this interactive class, you’ll discover the flavor-packed world of dumplings—learning everything from making dough at home to mastering the art of wrapping and sealing.
May 21, 2026
7pm
Target Center
Toronto is in town May 21 but we'll be the ones controlling the pace. Come through for AAPI Night and help us keep the vibes high.
May 23, 2026
9pm
Green Room
NYC meets MPLS with @sangarang.music making his Twin Cities debut at Green Room for AAPI Heritage Month! Expect yet another unique stage production by @interstellarlighting and dancing all night.
May 28, 2026
7pm
Milkweed Books
Milkweed Books presents a reading and conversation with novelist Canwen Xu. Her newest book, Boring Asian Female, is out with Berkley on April 28. She will be joined in conversation by local author Nigar Alam.
May 31, 2026
3pm - 4:30pm
Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative
Join us for an afternoon celebrating the incredible Asian American & Pacific Islander artists and writers in our community! This family-friendly event features live readings, music, and hands-on activities.
Asian-Owned Restaurants in Minneapolis
Vinai
Chef Yia Vang's restaurant, Vinai (pronounced VEE-nay), honors Hmong culture and cuisine. With the lessons passed down from his parents and the bold storytelling that’s become his signature, Vang isn’t just serving food—he’s offering a seat at his family’s table, passionately sharing the rich traditions and flavors of Hmong cuisine. At Vinai, expect bold and comforting flavors like crabby fried rice rich with garlic and crab fat, flame-grilled Hilltribe chicken with coconut-ginger vinaigrette, and deeply savory braised beef rib soup served bubbling in a pot.
Khâluna
Khâluna transports visitors across the ocean with its colorful array of food and dreamy interior. The soft and beachy atmosphere and Lao dishes for which Khâluna is known provides a vacation right in South Minneapolis.
Hai Hai
Popular Northeast restaurant Hai Hai, serves Vietnamese street food. Inspired by dishes that Chef Christina Nguyen grew up eating at home, at family celebrations, and during several trips to Southeast Asia, you can expect to find more than just the standards like pho and pad thai.
Arbeiter Brewing
Arbeiter Brewing is Minneapolis' only Asian-owned brewery. They produce approachable beers in a wide range of styles and specialize in craft lagers. Try Arbeiter's flagship Korean Rice Lager, which has won multiple awards in the beer community.
Curry in Hurry
At Curry in Hurry grab delicious bowls of Indian staples and street food, including Tikka Masala, Coconut Curry and Biryani.
Lotus Restaurant
A family-run restaurant offering flavorful dishes of traditional Vietnamese food. Find passed down recipes of soups, rice & noodle dishes, and pho.
Gai Noi
Gai Noi brings Laotian cuisine to the neighborhood of Loring Park through Chef Ann Ahmed's creative culinary recipes. Dip your sticky rice into some tomato Jeow, order a refreshing watermelon salad is topped with shrimp flakes and crispy shallots or the papaya salad. It's all meant for sharing, so bring some friends and try out a few menu items.
Sawatdee
Sawatdee is family owned and operated restaurant that go it's start in 1983 and became the first Thai restaurant in the five-state area. They now have four locations throughout the Twin cities and are a local favorite..
More Restaurants:
Japanese
- Kado No Mise
- moto-i
- Hibachi Daruma
- Sanjusan
- Sushi Train
- Wakame Sushi & Asian Bistro (Japanese & Thai)
- Kyatchi
- Sushi Takatsu
Indian/Nepalese
- Spice & Tonic
- Kadai Indian Kitchen
- Gorkha Palace
- Dancing Ganesha
- Himalayan Restaurant (Nepalese)
- Darbar India Grill & Bar
Vietnamese
- My Huong Kitchen
- Quang Restaurant
- Pho 79
- Pho Tua Bay
- Pham's Rice Bowl
- Bep Eatery
- Lu's Sandwiches
- Que Viet Village House
- Càphin
- Rainbow Chinese (Chinese)
- Tasty Pot (Taiwanese)
- Tea House Chinese Restaurant (Chinese)
- Shuang Cheng (Cantonese)
Hawaiian
