The Art of Being AANHPI takes center stage in Kansas City

2025 The Art of Being AANHPI Festival // Photo by Travis Young

The sixth annual AANHPI Heritage Festival returns to Kansas City on Saturday, May 2, transforming the Zhou B Art Center into a vibrant hub of culture, creativity, and connection. Running from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., the event brings together performances, local vendors, and interactive art, all centered around this year’s theme: The Art of Being AANHPI.

Hosted by Hella Good Deeds, the festival has grown into one of the city’s most anticipated cultural celebrations. What began in 2021 as a gathering of roughly 75 people outside City Hall—marking the official recognition of May as AAPI Heritage Month—has evolved into an event expected to draw more than 5,000 attendees.

In 2021, the City of KC officially declared May as AAPI Heritage Month // Photo by Béty Lê Shackelford

For founder Béty Lê Shackelford, that growth reflects more than attendance. It signals a community becoming more visible, more connected, and more confident in sharing its stories. Many who first attended as guests have since stepped into volunteer and leadership roles, helping shape an event built by and for the community.

Behind the scenes, the scale of the festival contrasts with the size of the team organizing it. “What people might not realize is how small the team is,” says Xay Vongxay, Operations Director for Hella Good Deeds. “We’re a group of community members who stepped forward because we wanted to support people who look like us.”

“There are so many moving pieces, and we’re trying to hit all of them as best as we can,” Shackelford adds.

Despite having fewer than ten core organizers, the team continues to expand the festival’s reach each year—growth that Shackelford attributes to listening. “Our work is defined by listening,” she says. “How do we continue loving our community better?”

The festival is also deeply personal for Shackelford. She was pregnant during the first event in 2021; now her daughter has attended every festival since, growing alongside it. That evolution—from a small gathering outside City Hall to a large-scale celebration—underscores what organizers describe as a thriving AANHPI community in Kansas City.

“People are proud and want to be part of it,” says Christine Pham Bernhard, Hella Good Deeds’ Director of Community Events. “That’s what makes it special.”

2025 The Art of Being AANHPI Festival // Photo by Phon Wills

This year marks the festival’s second time at Zhou B Art Center, a venue chosen for both its size and its mission. The partnership grew organically through connections between Shackelford, Jackie Nguyen of Café Cà Phê, and Izzy Vivas of Zhou B Art Center—each bringing shared experiences as transplants seeking stronger AANHPI community ties in Kansas City.

Founded by the Zhou B brothers, artists originally from China, the space aligns closely with the festival’s focus on creative expression and cultural storytelling.

“It’s an honor to bring together artists, performers, and vendors in a way that’s accessible,” says Izzy Vivas, Art Director of Zhou B Art Center. “It invites people to be curious—there’s so much to discover.”

With more than 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, the venue allows the festival to expand while maintaining an intimate, community-centered feel. “You’ll be greeted with food trucks, vendors, and activities right away,” Vivas offers. “Come hungry—not just for food, but for art, connection, and inspiration.”

Organizers describe the festival as intentionally immersive rather than instructional—an experience designed to reflect the diversity within the AANHPI community while welcoming a broader audience. “It’s an immersive experience, not an educational one,” Shackelford says. “We want to make Asian culture accessible for everyone.”

2025 The Art of Being AANHPI Festival // Photo by Travis Young

This year’s programming includes wellness offerings such as massages, acupuncture, and yoga, alongside a lineup of performances and exhibits. Highlights include a Haka performance by Big Uce, a multicultural fashion show, lion dance performances, and appearances by Lana Luxx and KC Breakers. A curated art exhibit at Zhou B Art Center will also run throughout the month. Families can expect activities for children, rounding out what organizers hope will be a full-day experience of connection and discovery.

At its core, the festival is about creating a sense of belonging—for both AANHPI attendees and those experiencing the culture in this setting for the first time.

“For non-Asian attendees, it’s a chance to see what it looks like to celebrate this culture—how we love and support each other,” remarks Lauri Pham, Associate Director of Hella Good Deeds.

Vivas emphasizes that the impact extends beyond the festival itself. “It’s about remembering the human side of it all—artists, vendors, small business owners,” she reflects. “We want people to feel engaged and inspired.”

As the festival continues to grow, its mission remains unchanged: creating a space where culture is celebrated, stories are shared, and community is strengthened. “We just want the city to enjoy this,” Shackelford says invitingly.

The Art of Being AANHPI festival is held at Zhou B Art Center at 1801 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108. Tickets are $10, and free for children under 5 years old.