22 AAPI Heritage Month Activities for Work Teams

From sushi and bubble tea to anime, hula and yoga, Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures influence everyday life more than we realize. AAPI Heritage Month, celebrated every May in the United States, is the perfect opportunity for teams to recognize these contributions and create meaningful cultural moments at work. Instead of limiting the celebration to a newsletter or social media post, bring the experience to life through interactive events. 

From trivia games and street food tastings to art workshops and wellness sessions, these activities help teams explore traditions, learn new perspectives, and connect in engaging ways. To help you plan, we’ve curated 22 AAPI Heritage Month activities for work, including ideas for both remote and in-office teams. Read on. 

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What Are AAPI Heritage Month Activities for Work?

AAPI Heritage Month activities for work are events, games, workshops, or cultural experiences that help teams celebrate the history, traditions, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. These activities can include trivia games, cooking classes, craft workshops, cultural talks, and team-building events designed to promote inclusion and cultural awareness in the workplace.

Why Do AAPI Heritage Month Celebrations Matter for Teams?

AAPI Heritage Month celebrations help teams build cultural awareness in a fun and meaningful way. For Coworkers from AAPI communities, these celebrations make them feel valued, as their heritage is acknowledged at work. In fact, studies show that 83% employees want their organizations to celebrate cultural differences, making AAPI-inspired events a meaningful addition to your team’s calendar. 

Here are a few more reasons why teams should observe the AAPI month activities.

• Reinforces the fact that everyone, irrespective of their background, is seen and respected. 
• Promotes understanding beyond surface-level celebrations and gives everyone a space to discuss representation and allyship. 
• Gives everyone a chance to learn more about their coworkers’ backgrounds and explore different cultures through inclusive cultural activities.
• Transforms diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts into interactive experiences rather than instructional sessions by skipping regular seminars or panel discussions.

Interactive Team Games for AAPI Heritage Month

Bring your team together through games that celebrate culture and promote cross-cultural learning in an engaging way. These are easy to host and perfect for both remote and in-office teams to enjoy together. 

1. AAPI Trivia

Dive into the history and culture of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities with a fun, engaging AAPI Trivia game. Create a list of interesting questions on topics such as festivals, prominent personalities, Korean pop culture, anime, and achievements to test your team’s cultural knowledge. Include interactive rounds, such as “Identify the Landmark” or “Guess That Tune,” to keep everyone engaged throughout the event. 

Pro Tip: Try an Anime Trivia to see if your team can recognize iconic characters, storylines, and theme songs from fan favorite series like Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, or Attack on Titan. 

Check out these ideas to make things engaging for all: 

• Use a blend of visual clues, multiple-choice questions, and rapid-fire prompts to keep the pace lively. 
• Share quick facts after each round or briefly share interesting tidbits after each question to create a shared learning moment.
• Wrap up the game with a reflection segment where teams share a few things they learnt during the trivia game. 

How remote teams can celebrate?

Host the trivia game on a video call and use interactive tools like Kahoot or Mentimeter for real-time participation. You can also book a team building company like Hooray Teams to enjoy a fully hosted experience.

💡Did You Know? May was chosen as AAPI Heritage Month to mark the arrival of Japanese immigrants in the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, built largely by Chinese laborers.

2. Bingo Beyond Borders

Bring your team together for a lively AAPI Heritage Bingo that celebrates culture and history in an interactive way. Create and share bingo cards (digital for remote teams) with team members packed with themed prompts, personal experiences, and trivia questions for a fun twist. Teams listen to the host’s call and mark off matching squares to create a winning combination, then shout ‘Bingo!’ to win that round. 

How can remote teams play?

Share digital bingo cards with participants before the event and run the game over a video meeting. The host calls out prompts while players mark their cards and shout “Bingo!” once they complete a row.

Here’s a ready-to-play AAPI Heritage Month bingo card for your team: 

3. Real Hit or Fake Remix: K-Pop Challenge 

Looking to enjoy a fun music-themed trivia as part of your AAPI Heritage Month activities? Host a K-Pop Beat Challenge. To turn up the energy, invite participants to try a few iconic K-pop dance moves along the way making the experience part trivia game show and part dance party. Add prompts inspired by popular groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and TWICE to keep the challenge familiar, lively, and engaging for everyone. 

How remote teams can join the K-Pop challenge?

Play song snippets or dance clips through screen share and have teams guess the track or artist. Encourage volunteers to recreate signature dance moves for bonus points and keep the session lively.

Here are some fun tips to elevate the vibe:

• Add a lyric-matching round, with teams guessing the song based on the English translation and the intro music.
• Give bonus points to the team that volunteers to lip sync or dance to the given song to encourage participation. 
• End the game with a K-pop lightning round where teams answer rapid-fire questions about popular groups, songs, or fandom names. 

4. Guess the Picture: AAPI Edition

Turn your team’s cultural learning into a fun visual challenge with an AAPI-themed Guess the Picture game. Teams identify themed images such as festival scenes, cultural symbols, stills from movies and music videos, landmarks, and more, disguised by filters. The prompts may be cropped, blurred, pixelated, or zoomed in, perfect to test your team’s observation skills. 

How remote teams can play Guess the Picture?

Share blurred or pixelated images through slides and ask teams to submit guesses through chat or polling tools. Reveal hints gradually to keep everyone engaged.

Check out these prompt ideas to plan your game:

• Blurred cultural landmarks: Taj Mahal, Great Wall of China, Angkor Wat.
• Pixelated pop culture Icons: BTS, Jackie Chan, Priyanka Chopra.
• Zoomed-in traditional outfits: Kimono, Sari, Hanbok.
• Cropped movie or TV show stills: Crazy Rich Asians, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Squid Game.

Here’s a Tip: If teams struggle to guess the answers, reveal a hint to make participation easier. 

Cultural Culinary Experiences

Cultural culinary experiences are the best way for teams to explore dishes from different cultures, share their go-to favorites, and explore global flavors together. Check out these food-themed AAPI Heritage Month activities to engage your in-person or remote teams. 

5. Bubble Tea Social

Loved by Gen Z and trending across many cafés worldwide, bubble tea has slowly become a cult favorite. You can host a bubble tea social to introduce your team to this delicious Taiwanese drink while enjoying it together. Set up a bubble tea bar so everyone can customize their drinks, or host a virtual bubble tea-making session if you have a remote team. For a more interactive experience, add fun elements like ‘Create your signature boba challenge’ or ‘Name your bubble tea’ contest. 

How remote teams can enjoy a Bubble Tea social?

Send bubble tea vouchers or DIY kits to employees so they can prepare their drinks at home. Bring everyone together on a video call to sip, chat, and vote for the most creative flavor combination.

Here are a few must-try flavors for the event:

• Aro milk tea
• Brown sugar boba
• Matcha latte
• Mango bubble tea
• Thai milk tea

6. Asian Street Food Tasting

Bring the bold flavors of Asia’s bustling night markets to your workplace by hosting a street food tasting experience featuring popular items like:

• Korean corn dogs
• Japanese takoyaki
• Filipino lumpia
• Thai mango sticky rice
• Vietnamese bánh mì
• Indian samosas or pakoras
• Hawaiian Poke bowls or Spam Musubi

Teams can sample a variety of bites and vote for fun categories like “Best Street Snack,” “Most Unique Flavor,” or “Spiciest Bite.”

How remote teams can join:
Send curated snack boxes in advance or provide food delivery vouchers so team members can order their favorite Asian street food and enjoy the tasting together over a virtual call.

7. Multi-Cultural AAPI Cooking Classes

Add multicultural cooking classes to your AAPI Heritage Month activities to explore diverse food cultures and enjoy a hands-on experience with your team. Teams select a dish from Asian American and Pacific Islander cuisine and follow pre-recorded tutorials to prepare it from scratch. For a more insightful experience, bring in an expert chef to host a cook-along session, show how to use different ingredients, and share bite-sized facts about the dishes along the way. 

Some fun ideas for this – 

• Regional Spotlight: Arrange for a catered dinner with dishes from a specific region, such as East Asia, Southeast Asia, or the Pacific Islands.
• Comfort Food Classics: Share home-style favorites like ramen, congee, or dumplings. 
• Weekly Cook-offs: Assign a food category for each week showcasing mains, sides, desserts and street food.

How remote teams can join the cooking class?

Host a live cook-along session with a chef where participants prepare dishes from their own kitchens. Share the ingredient list in advance so everyone can follow along easily.

Check out these recipe ideas to plan your event:

• Taiwanese Pineapple Cake: Bake delicious cakes with pineapple fillings, a beloved Taiwanese treat often enjoyed during festive occasions. 
• Japanese Ramen Bowls: Assemble noodles, vegetables and proteins of choice in a flavorful broth, perfect for quick comfort meals or ‘girl dinners.’
• Thai Mango Sticky Rice: Pair sweet coconut sticky rice with fresh mango slices for a simple yet popular Thai dessert.
• Vietnamese Spring Rolls: Roll rice paper wraps with fresh herbs, vegetables, and protein for a light snack. 
• Spam Musubi: Grill spam (cooked meat), place on a block of rice, and wrap with seaweed.

8. AAPI Heritage Cocktail Hour 

An AAPI-themed mixology session is a relaxed way for teams to connect while enjoying refreshing drinks from Asian American Pacific Islander regions. Create cocktails like pina colada, Japanese highball, or jungle bird, using regional ingredients for authentic flavors. To take the fun up a notch, have a mixology expert guide everyone, share cultural insights about each drink, and keep the group engaged throughout the event. Also, provide mocktail options for team members who prefer to skip alcohol to ensure an inclusive experience for all. 

How remote teams can celebrate?

Send a list of ingredients ahead of time and host a virtual mixology session led by an expert. Participants can prepare drinks together, share their creations on camera, and vote for the most creative cocktail or mocktail.

Try these tips to elevate the experience: 

• Run a few rounds of cocktail trivia on ingredients and the origin of each drink.
• Pair AAPI-inspired light bites with the drinks to add a flavorful food-pairing element.
• Swap recipes over chat so everyone can recreate the drinks later.
• Play songs by AAPI origin artists to keep the energy high during the event.
• Host a cocktail garnishing competition to keep everyone engaged throughout. 

Art and Craft Workshops

Creative workshops offer teams a hands-on way to explore traditional crafts while enjoying a shared experience. The options below are perfect for everyone to create something new together and cherish as keepsakes. 

9. Traditional Crafts Workshop

AAPI-origin craft sessions are perfect for teams to explore intricate crafting methods and create something tangible that reflects cultural heritage. Teams join an expert-led class to learn how to create different crafts and explore interesting facts about each form along the way. To encourage participation, provide instruction cards and required supplies, so everyone feels confident before the event. 

How remote teams can participate?

Ship craft kits to participants or share a list of simple materials to gather beforehand. During a virtual workshop, an instructor can guide teams through the craft while sharing cultural insights behind each art form.

Here are a few craft ideas to explore with your team:

• Origami: Create beautiful paper objects while learning the cultural significance of this Japanese craft form.
• Paper lanterns: Craft red Chinese hangbao lanterns with your team to bring some good luck at work.
• Lei: Make some vibrant garlands (you’ve probably seen them in Hawaiian vacation photos or movies) that symbolize love and celebrate the spirit of ‘Aloha.’
• Rangoli Art: Create colorful patterns with chalk and colored sand, or rangoli-inspired artwork, while learning about this decorative, festive activity from India.

10. Regional Script Workshop

If you want to go beyond the usual verbal language sessions, host a guided regional script workshop to learn how to write in a new language. Choose from Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, Korean, Thai, or Tagalog to learn individual characters, common words, names, or simple phrases for a hands-on introduction to a new script. 

Have everyone create decorative crafts like bookmarks, greeting cards, or name tags for a custom keepsake. Run mini calligraphy contests, read-along challenges, or team-based writing games to keep things fun and lively. 

How remote teams can enjoy learning?

Use screen sharing and digital worksheets to teach participants how to write basic characters in languages like Japanese, Korean, or Hindi. Encourage teams to practice writing their names or favorite words as a fun activity.

11. AAPI Paint Party

An AAPI-inspired paint party is one of the best AAPI Heritage Month activities for teams to explore different cultural art forms. Teams select themes like Japanese ink wash painting, Thangka Painting, or other contemporary forms to create their artworks. Paint cultural motifs, traditional patterns, or even recreate  famous paintings like ‘Group of Three Girls’, ‘My Man’, or ‘Hydrangea Blossoms.’ To turn it into a paint and sip experience, bring along refreshing mocktails like lychee lime fizz, watermelon basil cooler, or yuzu colada for a relaxed, feel-good vibe. 

How remote teams can paint along from anywhere?

Host a virtual paint-along where participants follow an instructor step by step to create AAPI-inspired artwork. At the end of the session, everyone can showcase their paintings and vote for the most creative interpretation.

Have team members who don’t have an ‘artsy’ side? Try these ideas instead: 

• Collaborative canvas art: Each participant contributes a few small elements to create a custom painting.
• Stencil art: Use stencils to create traditional patterns, mandalas, or rangoli-inspired designs for a low-pressure activity.
• AI art: Use personalized prompts to generate Ghibli Studio-style images or other AAPI-inspired artworks for a more inclusive experience. 

12. Tie and Dye Workshop

Originating from ancient Asian textile patterns, tie-dye comes in various forms, such as shibori, batik, and bandhani, and is used in different ways. As part of your team’s AAPI Heritage Month activities, host a tie-dye session to learn this art form from an expert. Instead of classic painting on paper or canvas, create patterns on fabrics to create t-shirts, scarves, tote bags, handkerchiefs, or bandanas. 

How remote teams can create colorful designs at home?

Send tie-dye kits to employees or share a simple DIY guide before the event. Participants can design patterns from home and present their creations during a fun virtual show-and-tell.

Looking to host various workshops throughout the month? Try beginner-friendly Baatik, Bandhni, and Ikat sessions. 

Wellness Through Cultural Lenses

This section is perfect for teams to deep dive into how different AAPI regions approach physical and mental well-being. Here are a few wellness-themed AAPI Heritage Month activities that reduce stress and encourage mindfulness. 

13. Guided Yoga  Session

Remember the “Solstice in Times Square: Mind Over Madness Yoga” event, where thousands of people gathered to find calm in the chaos? It’s been happening for 23 years, and this year you can host a mini version for your team to honor this deep-rooted cultural practice. Teams learn gentle stretches, followed by relaxing yoga poses to find balance and practice mindfulness together. 

How remote teams can relax and recharge together?

Invite a yoga instructor to lead a live virtual class where participants follow along from home. Gentle stretches and breathing exercises help everyone unwind and recharge during the workday.

Want to make the guided yoga experience more inclusive? Try these ideas:

• Accommodate movement limitations and plan the poses accordingly so everyone can participate.
• Include short breathing exercises in between for team members who prefer a less physically extensive session. 
• Play calming music in the background to reduce stress and help everyone remain calm during the session. 

14. Martial Arts Intro Class

Martial Arts have long been practiced across various AAPI cultures, with each style reflecting unique techniques. An introduction-to-Martial Arts session works well for AAPI Heritage Month activities, as teams can experience it firsthand. Led by a skilled instructor, teams learn basic stances, forms, and movements in a safe, guided environment. 

How remote teams can learn the basics virtually?

A martial arts instructor can demonstrate beginner-friendly moves while participants practice along on video. The session can include warm-ups, simple techniques, and a brief discussion of the practice’s history.

This beginner-friendly session can include:

• Introduction to various martial arts styles. 
• Warm-ups and mobility drills.
• Partner or group exercises with simple sequences.
• Lessons on posture, breathing, and mental focus. 

15. Herbal Tea Tasting

Herbal teas have been an integral part of Asian cultures and are known to have various wellness benefits. Hosting a herbal tea tasting session during AAPI Heritage Month is a great way for teams to experience the healing benefits of various brews together. 

Sample teas such as chamomile, peppermint, hibiscus, lemongrass, or green tea to explore their flavor notes and calming effects. Make sure to source the teas from brands that offer single-origin, minimally processed blends for an authentic tasting experience. 

How remote teams can participate in the sip and connect?

Send tea-tasting kits in advance, or ask participants to prepare a few herbal teas at home. A host can guide the group through tasting notes, origins, and the wellness benefits of each brew.

Pro Tip: Go Green – For a sustainable touch, opt for tea tasting kits with sustainable packaging, biodegradable tea bags, or loose-leaf tea blends to minimize waste. 

16. Tai Chi Session

Tai Chi is a form of Chinese martial art with slow movements, perfect for teams to experience a centuries-old wellness practice. Join a guided class to learn basic postures, flowing sequences, and breathing techniques to reduce stress and improve balance. 

Host the session in an outdoor area like a park, garden, or rooftop to practice Tai Chi the traditional way and experience the meditative, flowing energy. Run a brief AMA session with the instructor for teams to ask questions and learn how to integrate mindful movements into daily routines. 

How remote teams can experience mindful movement?

Host a guided Tai Chi session over video where participants learn slow, flowing movements together. Encourage employees to join from a quiet space so they can fully enjoy the calming experience.

17. K-Beauty Self-Care Workshop

Give your team a refreshing break with a self-care session focused on simple skincare, relaxation, and everyday wellness for everyone. Led by a skincare expert, participants learn practical techniques that help maintain healthy, hydrated skin- no complicated routines required.

Invite a skincare expert to guide teams through:

• Korean skincare routines anyone can follow
• Relaxing sheet mask rituals
• Hydration techniques for healthy skin
• Ingredient education (like hyaluronic acid, green tea, and snail mucin)

Participants can also create personalized self-care kits with products suited to different skin types and lifestyles, making it easy for anyone to follow.

How remote teams can follow along:
Send curated self-care kits in advance so participants can follow along during a virtual workshop and try the routines together.

Bonus Ideas to Promote Cultural Appreciation

18. Anime/K-Drama Watch Party

With global streaming platforms making anime and K-drama more accessible than ever, they’ve built a great fanbase across Genz and millennials. That’s why hosting a watch party is sure to be a great hit within teams. Create a watchlist with top picks like Crash Landing on You, Laughter in Waikiki, Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, and One Piece to binge-watch during AAPI Heritage Month celebrations. 

Run games like ‘Guess the Character’, K-drama bingo, or K-pop trivia during short breaks to keep everyone engaged throughout. Also, serve snacks like ramen, corn dogs, or bubble tea to create a cozy watch party vibe. 

How remote teams can stream and watch together?

Use group streaming tools to watch an episode or film together virtually. Add chat games like “Guess the Character” or quick trivia rounds during breaks to keep everyone engaged.

19. Film Screening and Discussion

Film screenings are perfect for exploring stories of AAPI communities through meaningful movies. 

Here are our top recommendations for your event:

• The Namesake (2006): Based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s novel, this movie explores the life of an Indian-American family and their cultural identity. 
• Kumu Hina (2014): The story revolves around a native Hawaiian teacher who identifies as transgender and inspires a young girl to lead an all-male hula troupe.  
• The Joy Luck Club (1993): This movie features AAPI-origin women and revolves around mother-daughter relationships and generational differences.

How remote teams can watch and reflect as a team?

Share a streaming link ahead of time and host a scheduled virtual screening. After the film, open the floor for a short discussion where participants can share thoughts and cultural insights.

Elevate the Fun: Provide curated snack boxes with treats from AAPI cultures for teams to enjoy during the screening. 

20. AAPI Small Business Market

Support AAPI-origin entrepreneurs by hosting a Small Business Pop-Up Market at work. Invite local founders to set up stalls featuring handmade crafts, clothing, skincare, jewelry, stationery, and popular Asian snacks or desserts. Team members can explore the market, interact with the creators, and learn the stories behind their brands and products.

To make the experience more interactive, include live product demos, quick cooking sessions, or snack tastings inspired by different AAPI cultures. You can also add a pop-culture corner where teams discover trending items seen in K-dramas, anime, or K-beauty routines.

How remote teams can support small business markets?

Invite entrepreneurs to host short virtual demos or showcase their products through a live session. Teams can browse online stores, ask questions, and support AAPI-owned businesses.

Tips to make it more engaging:

• Host a “Founder Spotlight” Q&A where entrepreneurs share their journey.
• Create a passport card where employees collect stamps by visiting different stalls.
• Feature trending favorites like bubble tea tastings, K-beauty skincare demos, or Japanese stationery.
• Encourage teams to vote for a “Fan Favorite Product.”

This activity not only celebrates culture and creativity but also supports the incredible businesses shaping the AAPI community.

21. AAPI Art & Book Exhibit

Celebrate creativity and storytelling by organizing an AAPI art and book exhibit for teams. Showcase a collection of books and a virtual gallery featuring paintings from various AAPI artists, for team members to explore diverse cultural perspectives through art and literature. 

How remote teams can explore culture through art and stories?
Create a virtual gallery using slides or shared boards featuring AAPI artwork and book recommendations. Teams can explore the collection together and discuss their favorite pieces.

Check out these art and book recommendations for your event. 

Books:

• Crying in H Mart: A heartfelt memoir about grief and reconnecting to Korean Heritage after the loss of a parent. 
• Minor Feelings: A thought-provoking essay collection about race, identity, and Asian American experience. 
• Pachinko: An epic historical book that follows generations of a Korean family living in Japan. 

Art: 

• The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai
• Still Life with Nine Koi Fish (2019) by Felicia Liang
• Searching Sita through Torn Papers, Paper Strips and Labels (2015) by Arpita singh

22. Poetry or Storytelling Circle

Poetry or storytelling circles are ideal AAPI Heritage Month activities to give teams a space to engage in open discussions about personal experiences and share creative expression in an inclusive setting. Participants can share stories or poems, listen to diverse perspectives, and reflect on the richness of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage.

How remote teams can share stories and perspectives?
Host a guided storytelling session where participants share personal experiences or cultural traditions. Use thoughtful prompts to spark meaningful conversations and reflections.

Make it a guided session with prompts such as:

• A story from your community that inspired you.
• A cultural festival that shaped your values.
• A lesson learnt from an AAPI-origin legend.
• A poem that narrates cultural symbolism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is AAPI Heritage Month?

AAPI Heritage Month is celebrated every May in the United States to embrace the rich history, traditions, and cultures of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Today, the celebration also serves as an opportunity to promote cultural awareness and inclusivity at work. 

When is AAPI Heritage Month?

AAPI Heritage Month is observed throughout the month of May.

How to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month virtually?

To celebrate AAPI Heritage Month virtually, select a video conferencing platform like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Create a list of AAPI Heritage Month event ideas to engage everyone. Send out meeting invites to team members so everyone can join the celebration on the scheduled date. Alternatively, opt for virtual team building platforms like Hooray Teams to enjoy a fully hosted experience. 

What are some AAPI Heritage Month activities for work?

Craft sessions, mixology classes, lunch and learn, and diversity book clubs are some good AAPI Heritage Month ideas for work. 

What are some good virtual AAPI Heritage Month celebration ideas​? 

Themed events like trivia, bingo, multicultural cooking classes, and diversity screenings are some good AAPI Heritage Month activities to celebrate online.

What is the best way to support AAPI businesses?

Curating hampers from AAPI-origin brands for your team is one of the best AAPI Heritage Month ideas to support local entrepreneurs. These hampers could include traditional snacks, beauty and self-care items, or home and lifestyle-related items.

What to keep in mind while planning ideas for AAPI Heritage Month? 

While planning AAPI Heritage Month event ideas, ensure that the activities are culturally appropriate, inclusive, and don’t focus on stereotypes to ensure authentic representation.

How can we celebrate Asian cultural festivals throughout the year?

You can plan Chinese New Year ideas, Diwali activities, Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, and more to celebrate Asian cultural festivals together.