Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month | April 2026
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month Events
Oh, you don’t want to miss this! There are a lot of fun things to do as RIT celebrates Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month! From good music, delicious food and the screening of an award-winning film to an off-campus trip ( for a limited number of students) to see The Peking Acrobats, it all starts with our kickoff Monday April 6th . Take a look at what’s happening:
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month Kickoff
Monday, April 6, 2026
12-2pm, SHED Atrium
Help RIT kick off Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month this April! Learn more about Desi culture from student clubs and organizations, test your knowledge of famous figures, past and present, or leave an oral history of your personal experience with RIT Archives’ Storytelling Booth. As always, the kickoff will be celebrated with cultural food and activities. All are welcome to attend.
The Queen’s Flowers - Film Screening and Director Q&A
Thursday, April 9, 2026
5:30-6:30pm, Zoom
FROM EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AULIʻI CRAVALHO OF DISNEYʻS MOANA and MOANA 2
Watch a special screening of the 2024 New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) Grand Prize winner for Short Film! A magical take on a true story, The Queen’s Flowers is an animated short adventure for kids that follows Emma, a Native Hawaiian girl in 1915 Honolulu, as she makes a special gift for the last monarch of Hawaiʻi, Queen Liliʻuokalani.
Join the Division of Access, Engagement, and Success and the School of Film and Animation for an online screening, followed by a discussion with director Ciara Lacey from Hawaii!
Night Market
Saturday, April 11, 2026
6:30-8:30pm, SAU (Lobby, Ingle, Davis Room)
Welcome to RIT’s annual Night Market, celebrating vibrant Asian cultures through activities, food, and performances! Hosted by the Asian Culture Society, Night Market will take over the SAU and offer an opportunity for attendees to participate in hands-on crafts and games, sample delicious Asian food, and enjoy a wide range of cultural music and dance performances from RIT, University at Buffalo, and University of Rochester.
The Peking Acrobats at The Smith
Sunday, April 12, 2026
3:30-8pm, Off-site (Transportation provided)
A small cohort of students will have the opportunity to join the Division of Access, Engagement, and Success to see a live, spectacular performance of The Peking Acrobats in Geneva, NY. Transportation and snacks will be provided. Departure from the Sentinel at 3:30pm.
APIDA Heritage Month Mixer
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
5-7pm, Gracie’s
All RIT students, staff, and faculty are welcome to attend the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month Mixer at Gracie’s to connect over a special menu spanning the breadth of the Asian continent. Share experiences and advice, connect to peers and mentors, and build community over a shared meal. The first 60 registrants will have their meals paid for by the Division of Access, Engagement, and Success.