10 Places to Celebrate AAPI Culture in Denver
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and Denver is home to a vibrant AAPI community. There are many places throughout the city where you can celebrate and explore Asian culture. From restaurants serving delicious Asian cuisine to cultural centers that showcase art and history, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the top places to celebrate Asian culture in Denver:
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
This annual festival takes place at Sloan's Lake and celebrates the culture and traditions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The festival features dragon boat races, cultural performances, food vendors and a marketplace selling traditional crafts and goods. Learn More
Sakura Square
This is the heart of Denver's Japanese community, located in downtown Denver. It is home to the Tri-State Denver Buddhist Temple, which hosts the annual Cherry Blossom Festival each year, as well as a variety of Japanese restaurants, shops and cultural events. Learn More
Far East Center
Denver's Far East Center is a bustling shopping center located on South Parker Road. The center features a variety of Asian-owned businesses, including restaurants, grocery stores and shops. Visitors can enjoy delicious Asian cuisine, shop for unique products and experience the vibrant culture of the local Asian community. Whether you're looking to try new foods, find unique gifts, or immerse yourself in Asian culture, the Far East Center is a must-visit destination in Denver. Learn More
The Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo has partnered with the Filipino-American Community of Colorado to host its annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI+) Festival. Join in for a day of multicultural dance, music, art and workshops. This is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the diversity of Colorado’s Asian community and the Zoo’s unique connection to Asian cultures and countries. Learn More
Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum has an extensive collection of Asian art, including works from China, Japan, Korea and Oceania. The museum's Asian art collection is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the Western United States, with more than 5,000 objects spanning 4,000 years of Asian art and culture. Explore the collections online or in person! Learn More
Denver Public Library
The Denver Public Library offers a variety of resources including books, films and online databases that focus on AAPI culture, history and experiences. Additionally, the library hosts events and programs throughout the year that showcase AAPI art, music and literature, including a few coming up in May 2023 like "Little University: Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month through Dance!" and "Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Recipe Illustration and Exchange." Learn More
Asian Pacific Development Center
This organization provides various services to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, including mental health services, youth programs and employment services. They also host a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Learn More
Denver Buddhist Centers (Various)
Denver is home to several Buddhist temples and cultural centers throughout the metro which host a range of opportunities, events and services for anyone to learn more about the beliefs, philosophies, ceremonies, art and customs of various Asian cultures. Learn More
Asian Markets (Various)
The Denver metro area has several prominent Asian grocery stores, including Pacific Ocean Marketplace, H Mart, Saigon Market and Pacific Mercantile Company. These stores offer a wide variety of Asian products, including fresh produce, meat, seafood and specialty items from different Asian cultures. Learn More
Asian Restaurants (Various)
The Asian American and Pacific Islander food scene in and around Denver is thriving and diverse, reflecting the community's wide range of cultures and cuisines. The metro area is home to numerous AAPI-owned restaurants and food trucks, offering a variety of dishes from Vietnamese pho to Hawaiian poke bowls. Whether you're in the mood for something spicy and flavorful or sweet and savory, the AAPI food scene in and around Denver has something for everyone. Learn More
Overall, Denver is a great place to explore and celebrate Asian culture. From delicious cuisine to cultural centers and festivals, there are many opportunities to learn about and appreciate the rich cultural traditions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the city.
