May Calendar
Cinco de Mayo, Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Mother's Day.
Happy May! Lots happening this month: events to honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Cinco De Mayo, and Mother’s Day. As always, feel free to contact me directly by responding to this email in case I forgot anything (I update the calendar throughout the month). - Sophia
Ongoing.
Gwinnett Public Library is hosting events all month to mark AAPI Heritage Month. Libraries throughout the county will be hosting workshops on everything from origami to how to play Go - a strategy game played in Japan, China, and Korea. Check out the complete list here.
Tuesday, May 2nd
SouthEats Fundraiser: Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta is hosting a gathering that will feature food from the Malaysian restaurant Food Terminal and desserts from Sweet Hut, as well as a showcase of original artwork from AAPI artists. 6pm-9pm, Park Tavern, 500 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (corner of 10th and Monroe). Tickets are $60 for adults, $25 for ages 12-18, and free for kids under 12. More info here.
Friday, May 5th
Asian Indie Film Night: Georgia-based nonprofit Asian Cultural Empowerment is showcasing a series of six films produced by independent filmmakers, made with financial support from Asian American donors. 7pm, 3120 Crossing Park Northwest Norcross, GA 30071. More info + tickets here.
Cinco de Mayo: There are a series of events at local establishments in Gwinnett County to mark Cinco de Mayo, a day that commemorates Mexico’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862, during the Franco-Mexican War. Check out this guide that includes food and drink specials at local restaurants and live music.
Saturday, May 6th
Asian American Pacific Islander Summit: The Georgia Asian Times is hosting an all day summit that will feature discussions on everything from mental health to youth engagement to women’s leadership. 8:15am to 4pm. UGA’s Gwinnett Campus, 2530 Sever Road Northwest; Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043. More info and tickets here.
AAPI Policy Discussion: The policy team at Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta will be speaking to community members about civil rights, voting rights, and healthcare access. 11am, 5735 Buford Highway, Norcross, GA. More info + registration here.
Tacos + Tequilas 5K: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by running 3.1 miles in Suwanee and then partying with food and drinks. Food provided by Betos Tacos and some proceeds of the race will be donated to the Lawrenceville Co-Op - a local food bank. 11am to 5pm. Town Center Park, Buford Hwy & Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee, Georgia 30024. More info here.
Learn to make falafel: Chefs Rabi and Suzi of Leon International Foods will be leading a workshop on how to make falafel at The Alif Institute. 2pm to 4:30pm, The Alif Institute, 3288 Marjan Dr, Atlanta, GA 30340. Details + registration here.
Turkish Food Festival: A two day long food festival featuring traditional Turkish cuisine, Ottoman candy, Turkish coffee, and more. Free. Saturday, May 6th and Sunday, May 7th. 11am to 7pm, Istanbul Cultural Center of Georgia, 591 N Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009. Details here.
Sunday, May 7th
South Dekalb event: Canopy Atlanta (which is the nonprofit that powers 285 South) is hosting a gathering to discuss local reporting on housing affordability and food access in South Dekalb. 2pm to 4pm. Gresham Park. 3113 Gresham Road Atlanta, GA 30316. More info here.
Plaza Fiesta celebrates Cinco de Mayo: The indoor shopping mall will be marking the holiday with live mariachi music, games and prizes. 12pm, Plaza Fiesta, 4166 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30345. More info here.
Friday, May 12th.
“The Art of Weeping” - The Alif Institute is hosting the opening reception for its latest exhibit, featuring the work of Chicago-based Palestinian artist Mary Hazboun. Her work “highlights the nuanced traumas of women and their resistance against different forms of oppression manifested in the military industrial complex, patriarchal societies, and forced migrations.” 7:30 - 9:30pm, The Alif Institute, 3288 Marjan Dr, Atlanta, GA 30340. *The exhibit runs through June 30th.* More info here.
Saturday, May 13th
AAPI Makers Market: The Asian American Advocacy Fund is kicking off its first ever AAPI Makers Market with the theme “Labor of Love.” The event will feature local artists and entrepreneurs who will be selling their work in Downtown Duluth. The event is free but registration is encouraged. 2pm-5:30pm. Duluth Festival Center, 3142 Hill Street Northwest Duluth, GA 30096. More info here.
Mother’s Day Indian Cooking Demo: Learn how to cook pakoras, chicken curry, cumin rice, and beetroot raita from Babita Verma, owner of Bebe’s Kitchen. Tickets are $99. 2:30-5:30pm. Decatur Rec Center, 231 Sycamore Street, Decatur, GA 3003. More info + buy tickets here.
Sunday, May 14th:
Mother’s Day Celebration: A mariachi band will be serenading mothers, prizes will be handed out, and more, at Plaza Fiesta’s annual Mother’s Day celebration (I went last year and felt quite special!). Free.Time TBD, 4166 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30345. Check back here for updates on the time and more info.
Friday, May 19th:
AAPI Heritage Month Celebration in Suwanee: Come out to Town Center Park in Suwanee to see cultural performances and try out new foods, to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month. 12pm to 8pm. Town Center Park, Buford Hwy & Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee, Georgia 30024. More info here.
