Asian Heritage Month

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.

Support Asian-Owned & Inspired Businesses This May (And All Year Long!) With A Curated Map

Curated by the Asian Heritage Month Stratford Planning Team, visit the Destination Stratford webpage to view the Asian Heritage Month map 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.

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.

Enjoy an art exhibit at Stratford Public Library 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.)

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.)

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.)

A free 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.)

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

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

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.)

For questions or more information about these local events, please contact the Asian Heritage Month Stratford planning team at ahmstratford@gmail.com.

About Asian Heritage Month

May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada, a time to reflect on and recognize the many contributions that people of Asian origin have made and continue to make to Canada.

Asian Heritage Month has been celebrated since the 1990s. In December 2001, the Senate adopted a motion proposed by Senator Vivienne Poy to officially designate May as Asian Heritage Month in Canada. In May 2002, the Government of Canada signed an official declaration to announce May as Asian Heritage Month.

Visit the Canadian Heritage Website to learn more about Asian Heritage Month.

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