Email: PIO@ocfl.net
Orange County Celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
WHAT:
On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings and the Board of County Commissioners will proclaim May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in Orange County, following a morning celebration on the Orange County Administration Center lawn.
In partnership with the Orange County Asian Committee, the county will also host an Asian-Inspired Art Exhibition inside its Atrium Gallery until Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Residents can explore additional events celebrating AANHPI culture by viewing the below community calendar.
Calendar of Events
AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration 2026
Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI Heritage Month) is an annual celebration that recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to the United States. The AAPI umbrella term includes cultures from the entire Asian continent—including East, Southeast and South Asia—and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. As of 2022, there were about 24 million people of Asian or Pacific Islander descent in the United States. AAPI people are a diverse and growing population that make up about 7 percent of the total U.S. population.
Orange County now has the largest AAPI population with over 95,000 in Florida. AAPI Heritage Month 2026 will take place from Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 31.
Throughout the history of our nation, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have helped shape America’s character, becoming a vital asset to the Central Florida community while contributing to the economic growth and cultural enrichment of our region. Let’s support these community events to celebrate the AANHPI’s culture and heritage.
| Event | Time | Location |
| Coffee with the Court by Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association
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April 30, 2026, 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. | Orange County Courthouse
425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801 |
| Orange County Asian-Inspired Art Exhibition
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May 1 to 26, 2026 (M-F), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Orange County Administration Center
201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, FL 32801 |
| Lunch & Learn: Lue Gim Gong
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May 1, 2026, 12 to 1 p.m. | Orange County Regional History Center
65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32801 |
| East Meets West by Heritage & Hope
Pioneers, Lake Nona – 10123 William Carey Dr, Orlando, FL 32832 This vibrant festival offers a delicious journey through Asian and fusion cuisine, alongside a unique marketplace overflowing with handcrafted goods, souvenirs, tea workshops, matcha-making classes and artwork. More info |
May 1, 2026, 5 to 9 p.m.
May 2, 2026, 12 to 9 p.m.
|
Pioneers Lake Nona
10123 William Carey Drive, Orlando, FL 32832 |
| The AAPI Community Townhall by ACT
Join us for this townhall and roundtable discussion on current issues and topics relevant to the AAPI community. Supervisor Castor Dentel will honor the celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by presenting an official proclamation followed by a townhall and roundtable discussion on election-related topics relevant to the AAPI community. Event is free and light food/drinks will be served. RSVP Now |
May 4, 2026, 6 to 8 p.m. | Orange County Supervisor of Elections
119 W. Kaley Street, Orlando, FL 32806 |
| Orange County ‘s 14th Annual Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration
Featuring: Asian American Cultural Performances, Cultural Exhibition, Asian-Inspired Art Exhibition and Mayor’s Welcome and Proclamation. More info |
May 5, 2026, 7:30 to 9 a.m. | Orange County Administration Center
201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, FL 32801 |
| AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration – Celebrating Culture, Community and Harmony
Join Asia Trend and Baldwin Park Mahjong Club Mahjong Social and be part of a friendly, relaxed community gathering. Players of all levels are welcome. We’re excited to feature Asian Beats Band as our special guest, sharing beautiful Asian music to enhance the atmosphere.
As a thank-you for joining, you’ll receive a 20% coupon to use at Mei’s Supermarket / TT Crepes. Please RSVP at iLoveAsiaTrend@gmail.com. |
May 9, 2026, 1 to 5 p.m. | Mei’s Supermarket
10681 E. Colonial Drive, Union Park, FL 32817 |
| Asian American Heritage Council – Asian Cultural Festival
This free event features diverse Asian cuisines, cultural performances from countries like China, Japan, and India, and various vendors, celebrating the vibrant heritage of Asia. All proceeds will go to the Asian American Student Achiever Award Scholarship. More info |
May 17, 2026, 3 to 8 p.m. | Ocoee Lakeshore Center Bill Breeze Park
125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, FL 34761 |
| Orange County Asian-Inspired Art Contest Award Ceremony
Contact Shally Wong at shally.wong@ocfl.net or visit www.facebook.com/ocacfl. |
May 26, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. | Orange County Administration Center
201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, FL 32801 |
| More from AsiaTrend: | ||
| More from the Orange County Library System:
This May, dive into the vibrant world of art, food and culture as OCLS celebrates and honors Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander heritage month, with special programming for all ages. Learn about the history and impact of tea in Asian culture while tasting a variety of tea flavors during Tea Time at South Trail on Thursday, May 7. Join artist Jojo Liu on Tuesday, May 12, to learn the art of traditional Chinese calligraphy in an online beginner’s class. And explore and celebrate the Pacific Islands through crafts, experiments and hands-on activities with Homeschool Junior on May 29 at North Orange.
Is experiencing culture through cuisine your preference? Junior chefs will whip up something delicious on Wednesday, May 13, as Cuisine Corner Junior takes on Korean Soy Sauce Noodles at Hiawassee Branch. Home chefs can register to learn the secrets to making chicken pho from culinary expert Dianne Morin in a virtual Cuisine Corner on Tuesday, May 26. Seniors can join in on the month-long celebration while sampling a variety of treats during Senior Snacks: Asian Market at Hiawassee Branch on Tuesday, May 19.
And you won’t want to miss professional performers from Wah Lum Kung Fu Temple as they take over the Library Central stage at Orlando Public Library on May 16 at 1 p.m. to present their Kung Fu Show, complete with a traditional lion dance and tai chi performances.
Orange County Library System (OCLS) is a public library system serving the 1.5 million residents of Orange County, Fla. With 15 locations and a vast network of online and outreach resources, OCLS enriches lives through experiences and opportunities to learn, grow and connect. With free programs from technology classes for all ages to early literacy education and free online resources including language learning and homework help, an OCLS library card offers unlimited value. In 2026, two new locations and a mobile library will bring library value directly to more residents across the county. For more information, visit ocls.org, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or download our app available now in your app store.
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WHERE:
Orange County Administration Center
201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, FL 32801
WHEN:
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
7:30 a.m. – AANHPI Celebration on the Lawn
9 a.m. – Proclamation during the Orange County Board of County Commissioners meeting
PHOTO/VIDEO OPPORTUNITY:
Cultural performances and exhibitions, Asian-inspired art, and a welcome from the mayor and commissioners
MEDIA:
Media interested in attending the May 5, 2026, AANHPI Celebration on the Lawn event, please RSVP to: PIO@OCFL.net
About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.