Asian Heritage Month in Stratford
The City of Stratford is proud to celebrate Asian Heritage Month this May, recognizing the rich cultural diversity, history, and contributions of Asian communities. Residents and visitors are invited to take part in a series of events, exhibitions, and experiences throughout the month.
Programming includes a variety of events led by the Asian Heritage Month Stratford group, with support from the City of Stratford, as well as additional events organized by community organizations. Please refer to individual organizers’ channels for the most up-to-date information.
| Asian Heritage Month Map: May 2026 |
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Support Asian-Owned & Inspired Businesses This May (And All Year Long!) With A Curated Map Curated by the Asian Heritage Month Stratford Planning Team, this map (click here to view) invites you to explore a vibrant collection of Asian-owned and Asian-inspired businesses, services, and artists throughout Stratford. Discover everything from restaurants and retailers to professional services and creatives across a variety of disciplines, both in-person and online. |
| Stratford Perth Museum Mini Exhibit: May 2026 |
| Located at the main entrance, this mini exhibit offers a glimpse into the stories and cultural contributions highlighted during Asian Heritage Month. Free to view, no admission required. |
| Stratford Public Library Exhibit: May 2026 |
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Enjoy an art exhibit featuring various artists of Asian heritage, on the main floor of the library throughout May.
Date: April 27 - May 31 Time: Stratford Public Library operating hours Location: Stratford Public Library, Main Floor (19 St. Andrew St.) |
| Opening Celebration: Friday, May 1 |
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Join the official opening celebration of Asian Heritage Month in Stratford. The kickoff event is free and open to the public, featuring remarks from local community leaders and a wonderful lineup of cultural performances including traditional dances and musical presentations.
Date: Friday, May 1 Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Location: Agriplex Community Hall (357 McCarthy Rd.) |
| English-Chinese Translation Poetry Book Launch: Saturday, May 2 |
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Welcome to all who are interested in poetry, culture, and mindful movement. Join us for the launch of a poetry collection by award‑winning local poet Heidi Sander, presented in an English–Chinese translation. Inspired by Tai Chi and Taoism, these meditative poems explore cycles of returning, reshaping, and becoming.
Date: Saturday, May 2 Time: 10:00 a.m. Location: Agriplex Community Hall (357 McCarthy Rd.) |
| Stratford Film Festival - Shining Light: A Vietnamese-Canadian Legacy: Friday, May 8 |
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A special screening of Shining Light: A Vietnamese-Canadian Legacy, presented by the Stratford Film Festival. This pay-what-you-can ticketed event explores the Vietnamese-Canadian experience through storytelling and reflection.
Date: Friday, May 8 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: City Hall Auditorium (1 Wellington St.) |
| Flavours of Home: Thursday, May 14 |
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Join Huong Vo for Flavours of Home: Stories and Meals that Connect Us, a Vietnamese‑inspired evening of food and storytelling, where a curated meal opens conversations about memory, migration, identity, and belonging. Co‑presented by the Provocation Ideas Festival, Asian Heritage Month Stratford and The Common.
Date: Thursday, May 14 Time: 5:30 p.m. Location: The Common (80 Wellington St.) Note: this is a ticketed event |
| Writing the River: Saturday, May 23 |
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Organized by Pathways to Poetry and the Boathouse, this immersive 90-minute multi-cultural guided writing and paddling experience invites participants to slow down, listen deeply, and write in conversation with the river.
Date: Saturday, May 23 Time: 2:00 p.m. Location: The Boathouse (30 York St., lower level) Note: this is a ticketed event |
| Closing Celebration: Saturday, May 30 |
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Join the Closing Celebration of Asian Heritage Month. This free family-friendly event will feature a wonderful lineup of live performances, food vendors, and opportunity to connect with community.
Date: Saturday, May 30 Time: 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Location: Upper Queens Park (55 Queen St.) |