Events
Upcoming & Ongoing Events
Lunar New Year Get-Together – February 20, 2026
The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Cultural Center at ACC invites you to our Lunar New Year Get-Together in celebration of the Year of the Horse! This special event is an opportunity to come together and honor the traditions, culture, and significance of the Lunar New Year.
Enjoy an engaging evening filled with vibrant student performances, interactive games, and a delicious dinner as we welcome the Lunar New Year with community, joy, and good fortune.
Spring AAPI Book Club
In the upcoming Spring 2026 semester, the AAPI Book Club will read and discuss Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald. In this book, the authors explore the hidden biases that influence our perceptions and decisions, often without our awareness. Blending psychological research with real-world examples, they examine themes of prejudice, self-awareness, and social responsibility, and offer ways to recognize and counter the stereotypes built into the mind.
Chinese Calligraphy Circle
Starting this fall semester, the AAPI Cultural Center will host monthly Friday meetups where students can immerse themselves in the timeless art of Chinese brush writing while cultivating mindfulness and focus. Each session offers a peaceful space to slow down, connect with others, and explore the beauty of traditional characters through guided practice and creative expression. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, all are welcome. Materials will be provided; just bring your curiosity and a calm mind.
Mahjong & Mingling
Beginning this fall semester, join us for Mahjong and Mingling, a monthly Friday meetup where the ACC community can relax, socialize, and learn the strategic and engaging game of mahjong. Whether you are a seasoned player or brand new to the game, this club offers a fun and welcoming environment to connect with others, sharpen your mind, and enjoy some friendly competition. Enjoy the game, make new friends, and unwind. No experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided.
Past Events
Thanksgiving Lunch & Trail Cleanup – November 21, 2025
The Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Cultural Center gathered for our annual Thanksgiving Lunch & Trail Cleanup along the Walnut Creek Trail near the ACC-Northridge campus.
We celebrated the season of giving with a meaningful day spent caring for our local environment, sharing a delicious meal, and strengthening our sense of community. Together, we reflected on gratitude while helping keep Austin’s trails clean and beautiful!
Fall AAPI Book Club
The AAPI Book Club read Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen by Jose Antonio Vargas. Through our meetups, students, faculty, and staff came together to reflect on Vargas’s powerful memoir, discussing the emotional weight of living undocumented in the United States and the search for identity and belonging. Our conversations explored the often invisible struggles faced by undocumented immigrants, as well as the broader questions of recognition, community, and humanity that Vargas brings to light through his honest and deeply personal storytelling.
Diwali Celebration – October 25, 2025
The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Cultural Center at ACC hosted a vibrant Diwali celebration on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The event featured dynamic Indian folk and classical dance performances, traditional music, and the enchanting sounds of a live veena ensemble, honoring Indian culture and heritage.
The celebration brought the spirit of Diwali to life through music, dance, and community. The afternoon was filled with joy, creativity, and a sense of togetherness, leaving everyone inspired and carrying the light and warmth of Diwali into the days ahead.
Mid-Autumn Festival Get-Together – October 3, 2025
The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Cultural Center at ACC hosted a Mid-Autumn Festival Get-Together to celebrate the season and connect through fun and tradition. The evening was filled with laughter, games, and great company as we came together to honor this cherished cultural celebration.
We learned Chinese songs, played games, and enjoyed a delicious dinner while sharing stories and building community. It was a memorable evening that brought everyone together to celebrate culture, friendship, and tradition.
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2025
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, celebrated each May, honors the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of AAPI communities while acknowledging the challenges they have faced. We proudly celebrated AAPI Heritage Month on May 3, 2025, with workshops and a lively concert that brought the community together to reflect, learn, and celebrate the resilience and cultural richness of AAPI voices.
Spring 2025 AAPI Book Club
This semester, the ACC AAPI Book Club read Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong. Through our meetups, students, faculty, and staff came together to discuss the emotional and psychological complexities of the Asian American experience and examine issues of identity, racism, and societal marginalization.
Nature Trail Cleanup & Zero-Waste Lunch – April 18, 2025
The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Cultural Center at ACC teamed up with ACC Sustainability by hosting a Nature Trail Cleanup & Zero-Waste Lunch to celebrate Earth Week. We hiked and helped clean up the Walnut Creek trail near ACC Northridge Campus.
It was a day filled with sunshine, community, and a shared commitment to our planet.
Women’s History Month- March 4, 2025
The AAPI Cultural Center and ACC Library Services celebrated Women’s History Month with a unique cultural event by showcasing the timeless beauty of Tang Dynasty poetry. Dr. Susan Wan Dolling’s recitations and Dr. Chi Hui Kao’s beautiful cello performances brought the rich emotions of love, loss, and aspiration to life. It was a remarkable journey through one of the greatest treasures of Chinese literature, and we thank everyone who joined us for this enriching experience!
Chinese Calligraphy Workshop – January 31, 2025
On Friday, January 31 the AAPI Cultural Center at ACC hosted a Chinese Calligraphy Workshop to celebrate the Lunar New Year. During the workshop, participants had the chance to explore the art of writing beautiful Chinese characters while practicing mindfulness through this therapeutic and creative art form. It was a peaceful and inspiring experience, allowing everyone to connect with the rich cultural tradition of Chinese calligraphy and reflect during the celebration of the Lunar New Year.
Mahjong Workshop – February 1, 2025
In celebration of the Lunar New Year, the AAPI Cultural Center at ACC hosted an interactive mahjong workshop, where participants learned the traditional rules and strategies of this classic Chinese game. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as players of all skill levels came together to sharpen their skills and enjoy the game’s rich history. It was a memorable and engaging experience for all who attended!
Thanksgiving Lunch & Trail Cleanup – November 22, 2024
The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Cultural Center at ACC hosted a Thanksgiving Lunch and Trail Cleanup with the support of ACC Sustainability to celebrate Thanksgiving. We hiked and helped clean up the Walnut Creek trail near ACC Northridge and connected with a delicious lunch.
It was a joyous day soaking in the beauty of nature while connecting with and giving back to the community. We banded together to show our appreciation for nature and keep Austin beautiful!
Fall 2024 AAPI Book Club – Grit
The AAPI Book Club at ACC read Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth. explores the key qualities that lead to success, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and passion over innate talent. Drawing on her research as a psychologist, personal anecdotes, and interviews with high achievers from various fields, Duckworth illustrates how grit can drive people to accomplish extraordinary goals. The book offers practical strategies to develop grit and foster it in others, making it an inspiring guide for anyone striving for excellence in work, education, or personal pursuits.
Diwali Celebration – October 25, 2024
The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Cultural Center at ACC hosted a Diwali Celebration with a pre-show dinner of Southern Indian cuisine, henna stall, and mandala crafts followed by an ethnic fashion walk and dance demo.
Diwali is a reminder of the beauty in unity, tradition, and culture. The celebration brought that spirit alive with an evening of color, creativity, and togetherness. Our audience’s presence and energy lighted up the evening as a community. We left the evening with hearts full of joy, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the tradition of Diwali. Let’s carry that light with us as we move forward!
Harvest Moon Concert – September 14, 2024
The AAPI Cultural Center at ACC hosted a Harvest Moon Concert on September 14, 2024 at ACC Highland Recital Hall.
This year we celebrated the Harvest Moon, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, with an afternoon of musical performances featuring special guests Han Na Lee, Dr. Yu-Hsin Teng, and Tsz To Wong.
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2024
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, celebrated annually in May, is a time to honor and recognize the cultural heritage, contributions, and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
In 2024, Austin Community College (ACC) is marking the occasion with a lineup of events providing opportunities for exploring various AAPI-themed topics and interests.
Let us unite as a community to both learn from and celebrate AAPI communities, while striving towards creating a more just, equitable, and inclusive future for all.
Spring 2024 AAPI Book Club – Quiet
In the Spring semester, the AAPI Book Club read Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. Throughout our meetups, students, faculty, and staff came together to explore the power of introversion and how to thrive in a world that often values extroversion. Through our discussions we made meaningful connections, a sense of empowerment, and fostered a feeling of belonging within the book club.
Women’s History Month Celebration – March 29, 2024
On March 29, 2024, ACC’s African American Cultural Center, Asian American & Pacific Islander Cultural Center, Latin American Cultural Center (El Centro), and the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Center hosted an inspiring Women’s History Month celebration with an empowering Q&A discussion led by three inspiring women.
Communications Careers in the AI World – November 17, 2023
The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Cultural Center at ACC hosted a Communications Careers in the AI World Panel Discussion discussing the world of AI and its impact on current and future communications careers. The panel was led by industry experts:
- Xiao Meng, Data Scientist at General Motors
- Carolyn Perez, Director of Communications for the Texas Permanent School Fund Corporation
- Susan Meigs, Professor of Business, Government, & Technical Communication and Composition & Literary Studies, Austin Community College
Halloween Movie Night – October 27, 2023
The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Cultural Center at ACC hosted a Halloween Movie Night showcasing the film Seoul Station (서울역), a South Korean animated post-apocalyptic horror film written and directed by Yeon Sang-ho. It is the prequel to the Train to Busan film series.
Lunar New Year Festival – February 10, 2024
On Saturday, February 10, 2024, the AAPI Cultural Center hosted a Lunar New Year Festival at ACC Northridge. It was an afternoon of enchanting performances showcasing the Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team, QiLi Dance Studio, Guqin player Heather Couture, Pipa player Qifang Hu, and Aiping Tai Chi Center – Austin.
Fall 2023 AAPI Book Club – Permission to Come Home
In the Fall 2023 semester, we read Permission to Come Home by Dr. Jenny T. Wang. Throughout our meetups, students, faculty, and staff came together to explore topics about reclaiming mental health as Asian Americans. We explored the principles introduced by Wang’s book, which encompass the freedom to question, feel, rage, say no, take up space, choose, play, fail, and grieve. Over the course of the semester, the book club fostered feelings of community, belonging, and empowerment.
Mid-Autumn Festival – September 29, 2023
The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Cultural Center at ACC hosted a Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration with a poetry recitation showcasing the literary traditions of Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese cultures. Guests shared mooncakes while enjoying beautiful songs from the Austin Chinese Choir. The evening ended beneath the full moon, adorned with the glow from traditional paper lanterns.
Improv 101 Workshops – September 8 &15, 2023
AAPI Student Circle hosted two Improv 101 workshops with G-Su Paek, actor, writer, and comedian. The workshops encouraged students to step out of their comfort zone, dive into the world of spontaneous creativity, and connect with other Riverbats. Students were able to learn from our instructor’s insight and experiences. G-Su and his Improv buddies from the Y’all We Asian troupe made the workshops fun and easy to understand through exercises and scenes. Our Riverbats really enjoyed the outgoing, energetic space that allowed them to explore, have fun, and make friends.
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month – May 1-31, 2023
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. It is a time we honor the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
The Austin Community College District (ACC) commemorated the month in 2023 with a series of events to provide our community with opportunities to explore and learn about different AAPI-themed topics and interests.
AAPI Student Circle Animation Career Workshop – April 21, 2023
The AAPI Student Circle hosted a workshop with Career Services as part of the Career Ready Week program. Animation Director Patrick Stannard of Powerhouse Animation Studios came and delivered an inspiring presentation and Q&A session.
Spring 2023 AAPI Book Club – Crucial Conversation
The AAPI Cultural Center at ACC has started a book club to connect and build our communication, interpersonal and leadership skills. The book club is open to students, staff and faculty members. In Spring 2023, we read Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Kerry Patterson, Al Switzler, et al.
Lunar New Year Concert – January 21, 2023
On January 21st, the AAPI Cultural Center will host a Lunar New Year Concert at the Highland Music Recital Hall featuring some wonderful performances by the Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team, the Austin Chinese Choir, and the University of North Texas (UNT) Chinese Ensemble.
Diwali Celebration – November 5, 2022
Diwali, “Festival of Lights,” is one of the most important festivals and holidays celebrated in India and some South Asian countries for Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. The AAPI Cultural Center celebrated Diwali this year with live performances featuring Indian-American singer-songwriter, Aditya Rao, and local Indian dance teams led by Anuradha Ramachandra, Bharatanatyam Dancer, and Akhila Damerla, Kuchipudi Dancer.
Harvest Moon Concert – September 10, 2022
Harvest Moon Festival is celebrated in many East and Southeast Asian countries. The AAPI Cultural Center celebrated this year’s festival by showcasing local AAPI musicians and music. Big thanks to our musicians and audience for making the concert a huge success.
AAPI Heritage Month 2022 – May 11, 2022
We celebrated the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May 2022.The event focuses on the contribution of Chinese Medicine, Taichi and Chi’Kung (Qigong) exercise to health and wellness.
center hours
Monday–Friday
9 am – 6 pm
(Closed 1–2 pm for lunch)
address
ACC-Northridge Campus
11928 Stonehollow Drive
Austin, TX 78758
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