The month of May is Asian Heritage Month, recognizing the important contributions and achievements of Asian Canadians to the world we live in today. It offers opportunities to learn more about Asian cultures and try some of its traditions, so you’re likely to learn something new!

It is celebrated in May to honour the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and the significant contributions of Chinese-immigrant labourers to the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869.

There’s a ton going on to celebrate, all close to transit. Grab your Compass Card and hop on transit to these interesting events.

1. Asian Heritage Month at Vancouver Art Gallery

🚌 Transit: Vancouver City Centre Station (Canada Line), Granville Station (Expo Line)
📍 Address: 750 Hornby St, Vancouver BC V6Z 2H7
⌚ Time and date: Various times and dates in May
🔗 More information: vanartgallery.bc.ca

The festivities at the Vancouver Art Gallery celebrate Asian Heritage Month with art tours, weaving workshops, new exhibitions, and performances. There will be a weekend of performances, blending dance, theatre, and multimedia between May 15 and 18.

Join their Art Party, featuring live performances, DJ sets, and immersive art experiences on May 24. Attend Banig Weaving, a hands-on workshop on May 25, exploring Filipino weaving traditions. The gallery is open daily with extended summer hours starting May 20.

2. Asian Heritage Month at the Vancouver Public Library

🚌 Transit: Vancouver City Centre Station (Canada Line), Granville Station (Expo Line) for Central Library
📍 Address: Various branch locations
⌚ Time and date: Various times and dates in May
🔗 More information: vpl.ca

Celebrate Asian Heritage Month by honouring the legacy and contributions of Asian Canadians through reading, films, events, and resources. Explore digital guides on Chinese, Indo-Canadian, and Japanese Canadian communities, Vancouver’s Chinatown history, and genealogy. Kids and teens can enjoy recommended reads. Access ebooks, audiobooks, curated films, and streaming movies. Don’t miss upcoming events like book discussions on May 15 and 21, and a virtual field trip through Chinatown. Join the celebration and learn more about Asian heritage and culture.

3. Canadian Chinese Museum

🚌 Transit: Stadium–Chinatown Station
📍 Address: 51 E Pender St, Vancouver BC V6A 1S9
⌚ Time and date: Various times and dates in May
🔗 More information: chinesecanadianmuseum.ca

Did you know? The Chinese Canadian Museum in Vancouver is Canada’s first of its kind. Honouring the history, contributions and heritage of Chinese Canadians, it opened recently in 2023.

On May 22, author Catherine Little will share her immigration story and research into Force 136 in “ENDGAME: The Secret Force 136.” While on May 24, you can enjoy a day of competitive fun around Chinese chess with Catherine Little and the Vancouver Xiangqi Association in “Tactics & Tales: Chinese Chess Fun.”

The Dragon Boat Festival on May 31 will feature crafts and zongzi tastings. Additionally, every Saturday in May and June, you can discover the stories behind the murals in Vancouver Chinatown during the Vancouver Chinatown Mural Walks. View their current exhibits.

4. Dr. Sun Sat-Yen Classical Chinese Garden Tea Festival: Tea for All

🚌 Transit: Stadium–Chinatown Station, 22 Knight/Downtown, 16 29th Ave Station/Arbutus
📍 Address: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, 578 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC
⌚ Time and date: Saturday, May 17, 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
🔗 More information: eventbrite.ca

Join the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden for a delightful tea festival! Bring your own teacup to save $3 on admission. Enjoy tea tastings, Chinese tea ceremonies, educational workshops, and delicious tea snacks. Participate in incense and calligraphy demonstrations, musical performances, and a photo booth. Don’t miss workshops on Japanese foam tea, Yunnan tea vs. coffee, and more. It’s a perfect day to explore and celebrate diverse tea traditions.

5. Vancouver Hong Kong Fair at The Shipyards

🚌 Transit: Lonsdale Quay
📍 Address: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, BC
⌚ Time and date: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 11, 2025
🔗 More information: vancouverhkfair.com

Visit The Shipyards in North Vancouver on May 11, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., for the Vancouver Hong Kong Fair! Enjoy free general admission and explore the HKer cultural market for just $3.50. Experience vibrant performances, cultural workshops, exhibitions, and classic games. Don’t miss the Mother’s Day photo booth, face painting, VR HKulture, and the classic HK film dialogue corner.
Organized by HK House, this event celebrates Hong Kong culture and fosters community connections.