You can celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May.

There are events and activities across the area. Everything is open to the public.

It’s the first monthlong celebration in the Capital Region and was created by Asian Americans to raise awareness of the local AAPI community.

The kickoff is Thursday at Volcano Asian Barbecue and Hot Pot on Nott Street in Niskayuna.

Other events during the month include a traditional Korean wrapping cloth workshop at The Son of Egg restaurant in Rensselaer.

There’s also a plant-based Chinese food workshop at Honest Weight Food Co-Op in Albany, where you can learn how to fold, cook and serve dumplings made with plant-based ingredients.

MORE: AAPI Heritage 518