Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month at our North American Houses

Celebrate AAPI month at our North American Houses | Soho House

From a programme of Asian American and Pacific Islander films to book clubs, live shows, dinners and talks – it’s all happening Stateside in May

Thursday 4 May 2023   By Soho House

May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in North America. We’ll be celebrating across those Houses with something for everyone – from talks on AAPI heritage, creativity and community-building to all-out House parties, Sound Sessions featuring AAPI artists, and special-edition book clubs.

Here are just a few of the things we have coming up to look forward to – check the events calendar for your local North American for further details and updates.

Soho Warehouse
House Party: Send Noodz Prom, Saturday 6 May
LA's Premiere AAPI Drag Show – spearheaded by Bibi Discoteca and Miss Shu Mai – is back and ready to kick off AAPI month. Come dressed in your best prom looks to enjoy a night of drag shows, music, and unapologetic queer, AAPI joy. There will also be a runway competition to decide the best looks and select our Send Noodz royal prom court. Book your space.

Family Style And Bobby Hundreds Present AS I AM, Thursday 25 May
Join the designer, activist and fashion collaborator in celebration of AAPI month as he presents AS I AM – a curated dinner of Asian-American and Pacific Islander leaders from across disciplines, industries, and generations. AS I AM recognises how diverse and broad the AAPI diaspora now is throughout culture, from fashion to tech, skateboarding to Hollywood, beauty to sports, moving from fringe to focus. We are proud and empowered to exist as a community, as individuals, as we are. Join us

Soho House Toronto
I’m Doing My Job – Screening And Mixer, Tuesday 9 May
Produced by Aneri Shah, this debut documentary follows the lives of Black and South Asian women who are frontline workers, showcasing their humour, complexity and tenacity as they rise up as leaders in a time of crisis. This screening is hosted by Ode, a creative studio and marketing agency dedicated to South Asian immigrants, and Aneri Shah’s production studio, Lonely Girl. Book your seat.

Book Club: Sari Not Sari, Tuesday 16 May
Celebrate South Asian Heritage Month with Sonya Singh, the author of the bestselling romcom, Sari, Not Sari. Her debut novel – a fan favourite on the fiction and romance charts – was recently optioned to develop into a TV series, with Singh as writer and producer. Join the writer as she talks about how she goes about storytelling through her lens and how creating authentic South-Asian lead characters are part of her brand. Learn more and book.

Soho House New York
AAPI Heritage: Storytelling And Conversations (Soho Works 875 Washington), Thursday 4 May
Celebrate the month with fellow AAPI founders and creatives while discovering how to showcase your uniqueness. Speakers include marketing strategist Julie Zhu and WERULE cofounders, Justyna Kedra and Rahana Rampershad, who share their thoughts and expertise on diversity, creativity, and community building. A night of storytelling, conversations, small bites, and wine by local AAPI vendors. Reserve your space.

Ludlow House
Sound Session: Jamesy & Friends, Friday 12 May
Jamesy & Friends is back at the Velvet Room. This month’s instalment features guest selector Luv, known for her Roadie Worldwide events and a member of Chilltown Collective, which features some of Jersey City’s best up-and-coming DJs and creatives. Expect a variety of genres to be touched upon, including hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, reggae, Afrobeats and amapiano.

Soho House Chicago
Vietfive Coffee and Co-working, Every Friday 5-25 May
Join us in the Music Room every Friday in May for a weekly social fuelled by Vietfive Coffee, where we mark AAPI month with Vietnamese-sourced Chicago-roasted cup: ‘From plant to sip, harvest to roast’. Book the event.

Ruben’s Picks: Cinema Screenings. Sundays in May
Soho House Chicago cinephile and beloved former employee, Ruben Rosario, is celebrating AAPI month by hosting weekly cinema screenings throughout May. Whether you’re settling down from a feast, or you just wrapped up a ping-pong session in the club, feel free to come to the cinema. Each week, showcases a film that honours Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Soho Beach House Miami
Karaoke in the Snug, Saturday 20 May
Come to the snug for a fun-filled night of karaoke, drinks, and good vibes as we honour the rich cultural heritage of the AAPI community. Sing your heart out to your favourite songs, showcase your talent on our stage, and share your experiences and stories with fellow AAPI community members as you make new friends in a warm and welcoming environment. This event is first-come, first-served and space is limited, so book your space early.

Soho House Austin
Brown Girls Food Club, Wednesday May 31
Ingrained is a supper club series hosted by Brown Girls Food Club that celebrates grain-based dishes from different cultures, all made by home chefs in the Austin community. Knowing how important rice-based meals are across the world, Ingrained are putting it centre-table in this special AAPI celebration edition of the club. Reserve a spot here.                                                           

Soho House Nashville 
Shodo Workshop With Nashville Shodo Club, Sunday 7 May 
Visit the garden to learn about and try your hand at the art of Japanese calligraphy, in celebration of Asian American Heritage Month. Spend a couple of hours studying the Sumi-e philosophy of ‘contrast and harmony’ in a session led by Kumi Hagiwara, while sipping complimentary tea and tasting Japanese whiskies, courtesy of Beam Suntory.

Please note: this event is capped at 20 members only. You will receive an email from Membership to confirm your booking. Early arrival is encouraged – join the waitlist.

U27 Showcase, Monday 8 May
Under 27 Membership Manager, Zack Grady, hosts a night of emerging musical talent on the Nashville scene in the Sock Room. This showcase celebrates some of the city’s best Asian American artists, featuring Alison Nichols, Dzaki Sukarno and Brooke Alexx. Book your space.