CHANDLER, Ariz. — Each May, the City of Chandler commemorates Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, celebrating the contributions of the AAPI community, which makes up the largest ethnic group in Chandler.
As part of the celebration, the city’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division will host the Asian American Community Connection, a free networking opportunity to connect with the community and listen, learn and engage in meaningful conversations. The event will be from 4:45 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, at the Phoenix Palace Restaurant, 2075 N. Dobson Road, Chandler.
During the event, attendees will be able to connect with multiple city departments/divisions and community organizations, including Chandler Police, Planning & Zoning (2026 General Plan), Water Conservation, Institute for Digital Inclusion Acceleration (IDIA)-The Hive, and Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Seating is limited and registration is required. Every attendee must individually register for this event. Priority will be given to those who reside within Chandler city limits.
To register online, visit Chandler AAPI. For more information about the Asian American Community Connection, contact Adrianna Tušek Erickson with Chandler’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division at 480-782-2224.
In addition, the city has other opportunities for residents to learn more about AAPI culture. Chandler Museum features an exhibit titled “Gaman: Enduring Japanese American Internment at Gila River” now through Jan. 26, 2026. This exhibit highlights how the Japanese value gaman—enduring the seemingly impossible with patience and dignity—guided these American citizens’ experience of loss and incarceration in the Arizona desert during World War II. The Chandler Museum is located at 300 S. Chandler Village Drive and has free admission. It’s open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
Chandler Public Library also has recommended reading lists for young and older kids available at Chandler AAPI.
The city will honor Vietnam veterans and celebrate Vietnamese culture at Freedom, Hope, Future, a special event marking five decades since the end of the Vietnam War. The free event occurs on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Chandler City Hall courtyard, 175 E. Arizona Ave. An event schedule is available online at Freedom, Hope, Future.
Attendees will hear stories from members of the Vietnamese community, witness a special recognition for Vietnam veterans and participate in family-friendly activities provided by Chandler Public Library and Chandler Recreation. Those interested in sharing their stories with the Chandler Museum may do so online at Freedom, Hope, Future. During the event, attendees also can get additional information about submitting their stories to the Museum.
Media contact:
Stephanie Romero
Public Information Officer, City of Chandler
480-782-2231