By Kashmira Konduparty
The city of Charlotte, North Carolina, is celebrating the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month by highlighting the cultural experiences, businesses and traditions that continue to shape the city’s growing multicultural identity.
Throughout May, visitors and residents are taking part in festivals, culinary events and community programs showcasing the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across the region. City tourism officials say the celebrations reflect Charlotte’s evolution into one of the South’s fastest-growing cultural and lifestyle destinations.
One of the largest events is the annual Charlotte Asian Festival and Dragon Boat Festival, scheduled for May 16 at Ramsey Creek Park on Lake Norman. The festival features dragon boat races, traditional performances, cultural exhibits, food vendors and family-friendly activities. Organizers say the event has become one of the Carolina’s leading showcases of Asian culture and heritage.
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According to local tourism officials, more than 138,000 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders live in the Charlotte metropolitan area, making them the second-largest migrant group in region. Asian Indian, Vietnamese, Chinese and Filipino communities represent some of the largest populations contributing to the city’s changing cultural landscape.
Laura White, the chief brand and strategy officer for the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), said “Charlotte’s AAPI community is an important part of what makes our region such a vibrant and welcoming destination.”
“Visitors can explore a wide variety of experiences that offer an immersive look into the dynamic intersection of cultures that shape our city” White added.
The city’s expanding culinary scene has also become a major attraction during AAPI Heritage Month. Restaurants such as Curry Gate, known for traditional Indian cuisine and The Imperial Treasure, which specializes in handmade Chinese dim sum, continue to draw local diners and tourists alike. Vietnamese restaurant Lang Van, which received a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand designation in 2025, has also gained national attention for its food and cultural influence.
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Local entrepreneur Bryan Li said Charlotte’s growing interest in diverse cultural experiences has helped create opportunities for collaboration and storytelling. Li co-owns Open Rice, a Hong Kong-inspired restaurant and also co-founded Shameless Society Improv, a comedy group that performs across the city.
“Charlotte has become a place where people are genuinely excited to experience different cultures through food and shared experiences,” Li said. “There’s a collaborative spirit here that allows creativity and tradition to exist side by side.”
As Charlotte continues to expand as a tourism and cultural destination, officials say AAPI Heritage Month offers visitors an opportunity to engage with the communities, traditions and creative voices helping shape the city’s future.