Immigrant Heritage Celebration 2026
Download our Immigrant Heritage Social Media Toolkit
April 2026
Immigrant Heritage Week 2026
The Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) is proud to celebrate the 22nd Annual New York City Immigrant Heritage Week which starts on Monday April 13, 2026. IHW 2026 kicks off MOIA's three-month immigrant heritage 2026 celebrations to run through June, National Immigrant Heritage Month.
In 2026, MOIA’s IHW is “Immigrants Power New York”. Immigrant New Yorkers are central to the city's workforce, economy, and bring our city to life every day. MOIA's 2026 signature illustration features of power grid to symbolize how immigrants are the driving force of New York, and the interconnectedness of our workers and all who call New York City home.
June 2026
National Immigrant Heritage Month
June marks the start of National Immigrant Heritage Month.
More than 40 percent of U.S. citizens can trace their ancestry
back to immigrants who arrived in the United States through Ellis
Island. Since 2014, the United States has commemorated June as Immigrant
Heritage Month to celebrate the shared diversity that forms the unique story
of America.
About the Artist
Celia Deming-Bernstein
Celia Deming-Bernstein combines her Political Science degree with her Visual Art degree to integrate art and design with public service. With multimedia skills in illustration, photography, and painting, she utilizes storytelling and systems thinking to drive community-centered political work. Celia has illustrated the cover and created the design layout of the Policial Science thesis journal for The New School, written and illustrated a series of children’s books for her cumulative thesis titled “Kids These Days”, and is currently developing illustrations for official merchandise for a mayoral office. At the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Celia amplifies MOIA’s mission to support immigrant New Yorkers by managing the volunteer program, conducting outreach to communities across NYC, creating a soon-to-be-introduced handmade outreach material, and now illustrating the Immigrant Heritage Week illustration.
Visit Celia's Instagram @cece.rosee_art
How to Celebrate with MOIA and get Involved
IMMIGRANT HERITAGE EVENTS
Please fill out MOIA’s Community Partners Immigrant Heritage Week Celebration Form to submit an event to be featured below!
Click a date, or press the enter key on a date, to reveal more information.
NYPL's Living Library: An Evening of Indian Classical Music & Dance
Organization: New York Public Library
Time: 6:30-8:30 PM
Location: Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, 455 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016
Admission Fee: FREE. Register for this event.
About the Event: The New York Public Library’s event born from the idea that the great works of literature were never meant to stay static on the shelves, the Living Library brings classic works of Indian literature onto the stage at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library to kick off the 2026 World Literature and Arts Festival. Join NYPL as they reimagine stories and verses through a dialogue between two of India’s profound classical dance traditions!
Pakistani Art and Embroidery Workshop
Organization: APNA Community Services
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: 2033-2035 Bath Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11214
Admission Fee: Free. Call 718-684-8807 to register ahead of time.
About the Event: Join APNA Community Services for a guided, hands-on experience to learn basic embroidery design techniques and art of glass painting. The program will be held in English and Urdu.
NYPL's Living Library: Taiko Takeover: Experience the Energy of Japanese Drumming
Organization: New York Public Library
Time: 6:30-7:30 PM
Location: Richmondtown Library, 200 Clarke Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306
Admission Fee: FREE. Register for this event.
About the Event: Join the New York Public Library and OMNY Taiko at Richmondtown Library for a presentation of Japanese Taiko drumming at the 2026 World Literature and Arts Festival! OMNY Taiko is a vibrant, tight-knit community drumming group and nonprofit organization striving to share the art of taiko drumming with people and communities across the New York City area through inclusive, accessible performances, classes, and workshops.
Founded in 2006 as a Shumei youth initiative, "One Miracle in New York" began with tire drums in a private garage. Under Koji Nakamura Sensei and leaders Linda and Tony Tan, it grew into a community group, becoming an independent nonprofit in 2024. Now led by Artistic Director Crissy Lau at the Brooklyn Music School, their repertoire features traditional, contemporary, and original works.
Spring Into Wellness + Community Free Market
Organization: Translatina Network
Time: 6:30-7:30 PM
Location: 127 W 26 Street 2 FL, New York, NY 10001
Admission Fee: FREE. Call 646-882-2000 to RSVP
About the Event: Join Translatina Network for an informative and empowering workshop designed for LGBTQ+ individuals, friends, and allies. This session will feature an experienced immigration attorney who will provide guidance on navigating the immigration process and understanding your rights and options. In addition to legal information, attendees will have access to supportive resources, including: nutritional services, HIV and Hepatitis C screenings, and Case management support. This is a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone in our community to learn, connect, and access vital services. All are welcome at Translatina Network.
Workshop Reading of "SombraLuz" by Montserrat Méndez
Organization: The People’s Theatre
Time:
2:00-5:00 PM
And
7:00- 10:00 PM
Location: Teatro Circulo 64 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003 10306
Admission Fee: FREE. Register for this event.
About the Event: A searing new play written by Montserrat Méndez, developed through The People's Theatre last year’s Playwrights Unit, and directed by Jean Carlo Yunén Aróstegui. The play follows Luz, a former marine whose service leaves indelible marks on her and her children. SombraLuz explores how the burdens carried by those in uniform reverberate across generations, resonating powerfully today as our military is once again called into questionable roles at home and abroad.
Christian perspective in advocacy for Ukrainian prisoners of war. A conversation with Ukrainian defender.
Organization: First Ukrainian Assembly of God (Cornerstone Church NYC)
Time: 6:00-9:00 PM
Location: Cornerstone Church NYC located at 59 Cooper Square, New York, NY 10003.
Admission Fee: Donations are kindly appreciated. Register for this event.
About the Event: Please join us for a special gathering with Ukrainian Defender Viktor Cherniavskyi callsign “Gideon”. A special memorial to remember American heroes of all nationalities and prisoners of war will be held in front of the Ukrainian American Flaggstaff at 6 pm on the corner of East 10 Street and 2 Avenue. Come together to hear Gideon’s testimony, and to remember, pray, and advocate for the liberation and rights of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
MOCA PERFORMS - Fly Mi Away
Organization: Museum of Chinese in America
Time: 7:00-8:00 PM
Location: 215 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013
Admission Fee:$25. Register for this event.
About the Event: In this performance, composer and performer Miguel Sutedjo reflects on his journey as a Chinese Indonesian in America through jazz piano, musical theater, and song writing. He shares selections from his original musical Fly Me Away—which follows Frank, a teenage pianist chasing his jazz dreams in conflict with his immigrant father’s traditional expectations—alongside other original compositions. The program—arranged for piano, bass, drums, and three vocalists—offers a vibrant blend of personal storytelling and musical exploration. This event forms part of Carnegie Hall’s United in Sound: America at 250 festival.
Khmer/Cambodian New Year Celebration
Organization: Mekong NYC
Time: 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: New Mulan, 136-17 39th Avenue, Queens, New York 11354
Admission Fee: Adults: $90 Children: $80. Register for this event.
About the Event: Mekong NYC's Khmer New Year Celebration is their largest arts and culture event with over 200 Cambodian-American community members and Mekong NYC supporters attending the celebration. The program will include dinner, a live band, traditional performances, and a raffle drawing. Join Mekong NYC for our annual Cambodian/Khmer New Year celebration!
Collaging & Cooking with Chef Nadège Fleurimond!
Organization: Brooklyn Public Library
Time: 1:00- 3:00 PM
Location: Macon Library, 361 Lewis Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11233
Admission Fee: FREE. Register for this event.
About the Event: Join for collage-making followed by a food demonstration by local Haitian chef, Nadège Fleurimond! We will have collage materials and writing prompts centered around cultural heritage. Please bring any recipes or photos that you would want to use for your collage! After collaging, chef Nadège Fleurimond will guide us through how to make a traditional Haitian dessert, Blan Manje. Participants will also have the option to submit their collages to our Community Food Collage Zine! Haitian Creole interpretation will be available.
Founded in Vin jwenn nou pou fè kolaj, apre sa ap gen yon demonstrasyon manje avèk chef ayisyèn lokal ak otè Nadège Fleurimond! Nou pral gen materyèl pou fè kolaj ak kestyon pou ekri ki santre sou eritaj kiltirèl. Tanpri pote nenpòt resèt oswa foto ou ta renmen itilize pou kolaj ou! Apre kolaj la, chef Nadège Fleurimond ap montre kijan pou fè yon desè tradisyonèl ayisyen ki rele Blan Manje. Patisipan yo ap gen opsyon tou pou soumèt kolaj yo nan Community Food Collage Zine nou an! Ap gen entèpretasyon an Kreyòl Ayisyen.
Arab American Heritage Month: Arab Culture Day
Organization: Queens Public Library, New Americans Program
Time: 1:30- 4:30 PM
Location: Queens Library at Broadway (40-20 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11103)
Admission Fee: FREE. Register for this event.
About the Event: Please join us in celebrating Arab American Heritage Month with a series of unforgettable events honoring the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Arab world. Guests will enjoy high-energy, authentic Middle Eastern Dabka dance performances that showcase the diversity and beauty of Arab heritage. You will also have the opportunity to attend a panel discussion on Arab American women’s empowerment, featuring two accomplished Arab American women: Iman Fawzy Mehelba, Executive Director of the Ansob Center for Refugees, and Siham Bourhane, a Moroccan chef and entrepreneur. They will share their professional journeys and cultural experiences.
شهر التراث العربي الأمريكي: يوم الثقافة العربية ندعوكم لانضمام إلينا للاحتفال بشهر التراث العربي الأمريكي، من خلال سلسلة من الفعاليات المميزة التي تكرم التاريخ والثقافة العربية الاصيلة وإسهامات العالم العربي في العديد من المجالات. سيستمتع الحضور بعروض رقصات "الدبكة" التي تستعرض تنوع وجمال التراث العربي. كما ستتاح لكم الفرصة لحضور حلقة نقاشية حول نجاحات المرأة العربية الأمريكية، بمشاركة سيدتين عربيتين وهما السيدة إيمان فوزي محلبة، المديرة التنفيذية لمركز "أنسوب للاجئين والسيدة/ سهام بورهاني رائدة أعمال ومالكة لاحدى المطاعم المشهوره في منطقه استوريا . هذا ويقام هذا البرنامج بدعم ورعاية من مؤسسة تايجر بارون.
Experience Africa: The Continuum (African Bead Work Class)
Organization: New York African Chorus Ensemble, Inc.
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: 501 West 152nd Street, C- Level New York, NY 10031
Admission Fee: Free. Register for this event.
About the Event: Join for a dynamic two-part cultural experience celebrating Yoruba tradition through movement and language. Part 1: Thunder & Rhythms: Sango Dance. Step into the energy of Sango through authentic Yoruba dance, blending powerful movement with storytelling and cultural insight. Wear red, burgundy, or purple and come ready to move, no experience needed, just bring your energy. Part 2: Learn the Yoruba Language Learn practical Yoruba greetings, expressions, and cultural meanings in an engaging, beginner-friendly setting.
Fambul's Storie Storie
Organization: Fambul
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: The Theater Center, 210 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019
Admission Fee: $$40 adults; $20 children; Lap infants under 2 are free. Class registration and fee are required to attend. Interested participants can buy their ticket online before or on site at the workshop.
About the Event: African storytelling arrives on Broadway at The Theatre Center in Times Square. This modern showcase centers on the theme "Know Yourself. Claim Your Power," celebrating heritage and inner strength. The event headlines Sierra Leonean storyteller and author Alim Kamara alongside the high-energy West African percussive ensemble Ballet Fe Sa. Featured performers also include The Gilded Ones author Namina Forna and actress Marion Grey. Join to witness a vibrant, communal celebration of music and culture — vibrant, communal, and unforgettable.
BronxWorks Multicultural Immigrant Heritage Fair
Organization: Bronxworks
Time: 09:30 PM – 12: 00 PM
Location: 1130 Grand Concourse Bronx NY 10456 (Gym)
Admission Fee: Free
About the Event: Join Bronx Works for an in person immigration workshop on Know Your Rights. This workshop will be given in English and Spanish.
We Love Immigrant NYC, MOIA Immigrant Enclave Illustration Series
In 2023, our team launched MOIA's Immigrant Enclave Illustration Series as part of MOIA's Immigrant
Heritage Celebration. NYC is home to 3 million immigrants and our aim with this series is to highlight
the endless contributions, rich histories, and unique cultures of our city's diverse immigrant communities
throughout all of the five boroughs.
Download and share your favorite MOIA Immigrant Enclaves Illustration.