Seattle’s story has always been shaped by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Since the 1860s, generations of families have planted roots here, built businesses, and passed down cultural traditions that continue to define the city. Each May, AANHPI Heritage Month offers families a chance to pause, learn, and celebrate that legacy in new ways.
For parents looking to connect their kids with history, art, and community this month, there’s a wide range of experiences across the city that highlight the strength and creativity of AANHPI communities — many of them free or low-cost and family-friendly.
The legacy behind the celebrations
Seattle’s Chinatown-International District (CID), Little Saigon, and the city’s historic Waterfront are more than cultural landmarks. These neighborhoods hold stories of immigration, entrepreneurship, activism, and resilience. Today, they continue to serve as community hubs where multigenerational families gather, organize, and thrive.
Joy Shigaki, President and CEO of Friends of Waterfront Park, grew up in Seattle as a fourth-generation Japanese American. She sees the city’s public spaces as essential to honoring those who came before.
“Waterfront Park is an opportunity to honor that legacy by creating a public space where everyone feels welcomed,” Shigaki said. “It’s a joyful reminder of what’s possible when we build with community, connection, and belonging at the center of our work.”
Events and exhibits
Seattle’s AANHPI Heritage Month calendar includes exhibitions, tours, and cultural gatherings across the region.
- “We Were Soldiers, Too” at The Little Saigon Creative | Journalist Thanh Tan brings together portraits and oral histories from veterans of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. The exhibit, open through June 14, aims to preserve personal stories that often go untold.
- Wing Luke Museum (Chinatown-International District) | The museum offers interactive exhibits that focus on the art, history, and experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. With its hands-on displays and neighborhood walking tours, it’s a meaningful stop for kids and adults alike.
- SAM Talks: Asia Society Series (May 15) | Seattle Art Museum hosts a conversation with artist Zheng Chongbin and musician Daniel Pak exploring how visual art and music intersect. While geared toward teens and adults, this event is a thoughtful way to introduce older kids to contemporary AANHPI voices in the arts.
- Asian Arts and Heritage Festival (May 31, Bainbridge Island) | The festival wraps up the month’s celebrations with performances, crafts, food, and community gatherings. Families can head over by ferry for a day of music, storytelling, and cultural exchange at the Filipino American Community Hall.
“Sàigòn to Seattle: Our Past, Our Present, and Our Future” exhibit at the Yuan Ru Art Center in Bellevue runs through May 17. (Image courtesy Friends of Little Sài Gòn)
Support AANHPI-owned businesses
In neighborhoods like the Chinatown-ID and Little Saigon, local restaurants and cafes keep generations-old recipes alive while introducing new flavors and ideas.
Bao Nguyen, owner of Phin Coffee, chose to open his business in Little Saigon because of the neighborhood’s deep-rooted values.
“This community has always prioritized the AANHPI experience,” Nguyen said. “Phin, my modest offering to this beautiful community, could only ever belong here.”
Here are a few spots worth exploring:
- Phở Bắc Súp Shop – Seattle’s original pho shop in the Chinatown-ID
- Musang – Chef Melissa Miranda’s acclaimed Filipino restaurant in Beacon Hill
- Ba Bar – Casual, family-friendly Vietnamese food in several neighborhoods
- Hood Famous Café & Bar – Ube cheesecake, Filipino coffee, and more in the Chinatown-ID
- Buddha Bruddah – Asian-Hawaiian plate lunches in Rainier Valley
- Tokara Bakery – Japanese sweets in Phinney Ridge, often wrapped like little edible gifts
Intentionalist, a local online directory, makes it easy to discover hundreds of AANHPI-owned businesses by neighborhood or category. It’s a helpful resource for families who want to shop with purpose.
The stories that shaped Seattle
Valerie Tran, Deputy Director at Friends of Little Sài Gòn, says the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War (April 30) is an important moment for the community — and for Seattle at large.
“With 85 immigrant- and refugee-owned small businesses, Little Saigon remains a place where traditions thrive,” she said. “As we reflect on that history, we also celebrate the resilience of our community and the future we’re building.”
Seattle’s AANHPI communities are not a footnote to the city’s past — they are a vital part of its present. The celebrations this month invite all of us to learn more, support local, and make space for stories that continue to shape our city every day.
