AUSTIN, Texas — A monthlong series of events marking Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month began in Austin this week, with organizers hosting a kickoff gathering that featured vendors, performers and artists.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month begins May 1, but an early celebration took place Sunday in northeast Austin at Austin Beerworks’ Sprinkle Valley location.
The event included nearly 60 vendors and was organized by Asian Season ATX, a nonprofit focused on promoting Asian American and Pacific Islander culture through local programming and partnerships. The gathering is in its third year.
Organizers said the event was designed to highlight AAPI artists and businesses while encouraging broader community participation.
The nonprofit’s executive director, Cedric Silan, said the group created the event to provide space for vendors and cultural representation in Austin.
Board member Joi Conti said the event welcomes attendees from across the city and beyond and showcases art and small business vendors.
Local business owner Erliz Maddox said participation in the event has helped expand her customer base after she began selling Filipino pastries during the pandemic.
Asian Season ATX is also scheduled to participate in the Celebrasia event at the Asian American Resource Center on May 2 as part of the ongoing monthlong observance.
