Support Us Button Widget
Culture

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Austin

Commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at these upcoming events and activations.

May 12, 2025 • 
Morgan O’Neal
A man wearing a gray cap, green t-shirt, and glasses reaches into a refrigerated display case at a grocery store, selecting a packaged item. He holds a shopping basket in his other hand, and another person stands slightly behind him. The fridge contains beverages, pre-packaged meals, and snacks.

You can try Purple Rice at Tso Chinese this month — or anytime at its grab-and-go Arbor Walk location.

Photo courtesy of Purple Rice ATX

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. From exhibitions to limited-edition eats, here are a few ways to celebrate locally.

RITUALS: “Roots & Echos: Across the Diaspora” | Saturday, May 17 | $28
Enjoy an art exhibit exploring AAPI heritage + a Bharatanātyam performance by Anuradha Naimpally, Soumya Nagesh, Purna Bajekal from Austin Dance India.

AAPI Open House | Friday, May 30 | $19
Snag tickets to the opening night of a new exhibit at The Cathedral, complete with complimentary craft cocktails + artist meet-and-greets.

“Kisses from the Diaspora” | Saturday, May 31 | $14
This AAPI Heritage Month showcase at Cheer Up Charlies will include DJ sets, dance + live music performances, and a local vendor market.

Tso Chinese x Purple Rice | Now-Sunday, May 31 | Cost of purchase
Thanks to the restaurants’ AAPI collaboration, Purple Rice’s cucumber kimchi is available at every Tso Chinese location through the end of the month.

More from ATXtoday
the Austin, Texas skyline with Barton Springs Pool visible in the foreground.
Culture
Best things to do in Austin: A must-see list for visitors
From historic landmarks to rooftop bars, this guide rounds up the must-try restaurants, sights, and nightlife spots that make the Capital City shine.
October 27, 2025
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
The back of a Spanish-style home and curvy pool.
Real Estate
Austin is the top buyer’s market for homes in the US
Austin’s housing market has been a roller coaster ride for the last five years, but this time, it’s swinging back in favor of buyers.
October 23, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A person grilling food
Food
Which ATX food festival is right for you?
Austin’s plethora of delightful food festivals offer something for everyone, so only one question remains: Which should you attend first?
October 22, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Rebecca Wright holds her chore coat, a green and white coat made from a vintage quilt, to her left.
Business
Keep Austin local: A growing guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
October 21, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
The front of Austin's downtown City Hall
City
Election season: What Prop Q means for Austin taxpayers
The City of Austin is asking residents to vote on a property tax increase that would generate ~$109.5 million to go toward the new fiscal year budget.
October 20, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_YMCATownlake
Real Estate
Townlake YMCA to undergo redevelopment and housing project
The Downtown community center has agreed to sell some of its land for new housing while expanding and building a new facility.
October 20, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A view of the COTA tower and race track.
Events
Watch the Formula 1 US Grand Prix at these local watch parties
The big race is almost here, and even if you don’t have tickets to watch in person, you can catch the race in style at one of these admission-free parties.
October 16, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_GreatAmericanBeerFestival
Food
How to taste the best local beers of 2025
The 2025 Great American Beer Festival awards are here and Austin-area brews took home the gold, so get ready to taste them for yourself.
October 16, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A small outdoor micro gallery painted light blue with a clear acrylic roof. Inside, miniature colorful artworks are displayed, including illustrations and paintings, with one piece propped on a tiny easel. The setting features greenery and a residential background.
Culture
How to find a Free Little Art Gallery near you
At these 10 miniature art galleries in the Austin area, you can take a piece of art or leave one for your neighbors to love.
October 15, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_SpiritHalloween
Culture
8 Spirit Halloween stores open in the Austin area
The store finds vacant retail spaces and signs temporary leases to set up shop leading up to Halloween — but locations can change each year.
October 14, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil