LOS ANGELES – October marks Filipino American History Month (FAHM), a nationwide celebration honoring the contributions, stories and resilience of Filipino Americans – the second-largest Asian American group in the country.
Filipino American communities, university organizations, notable public officials, museums and cultural organizations are preparing a vibrant lineup of programs that spotlight history, heritage and the arts.
A growing national tradition
First recognized nationally in 2009, Filipino American History Month highlights the arrival of the first Filipinos in what is now the continental United States on Oct. 18, 1587 in Morro Bay, California.
Today, Filipino American History Month has become an annual tradition that bridges generations – celebrating cultural pride while deepening awareness of Filipino American history’s place in the American story.
West Coast highlights
The Bay Area will open the month with Stanford University’s Filipino American Community hosting Bridging Filipino Founders & Funders: From Brain Drain to Brain Gain on Oct. 3. The program explores entrepreneurship and innovation within the diaspora.
Southern California communities will also host major celebrations.
The City of Carson will hold its annual FAHM event on Oct. 4 at the Carson Event Center, featuring live entertainment, Filipino cuisine, cultural performances and appearances by Filipino artists.
Los Angeles will celebrate with its Filipino American Heritage Month Festival on Oct. 12 at the Carson Event Center.
Long Beach will host a FAHM event on Oct. 7, 2025, 2–7 p.m. at the Long Beach Civic Center (411 W. Ocean Blvd, free parking at 332 W. Broadway).
In Northern California, San Jose will host FAHM Jam 2025 on Oct. 24, a vibrant celebration with music, food and community activities.
Vallejo will hold Struggle & Resistance: Filipino American History Month on Oct. 5, featuring an art exhibit and community discussion, while Pinole will celebrate on Oct. 11 with cultural performances and family activities at the Pinole Senior Center Hall.
Nevada is celebrating with Fiesta Filipino – A Fusion of Cultures on Oct. 4 at the M Resort in Henderson/Las Vegas and the inauguration of Nevada’s first Filipino Town on Oct. 9 along Maryland Parkway. Las Vegas will be the venue for this year’s annual TOFA Awards, celebrating the achievements and contributions of exceptional Filipino Americans across various fields.
In Washington State, Tacoma will host Buhay: The Filipino American Experience on Oct. 16 at the Washington State History Museum.
Seattle will feature the Talipapa Market Cultural Festival on Oct. 3–4 at the Filipino Community of Seattle and the I Am Filipino exhibit at the Wing Luke Museum throughout October.
Midwest celebrations
Chicago is rolling out a robust calendar of FAHM programming. The Chicago Public Library will launch Halo-Halo: A Celebration of Filipino American Culture on Oct. 2 at the Harold Washington Library Center, featuring artwork, music, and performances. On Oct. 11, the celebration continues at Sulzer Regional Library with family workshops and storytelling.
The Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago (FAHSC) will open its 2025 FAHM exhibit on Oct. 19 and host a special lecture by historian Ambeth Ocampo at the Newberry Library on Oct. 25.
Denver, Colorado will host a FAHM celebration on Oct. 19 at the History Colorado Museum, featuring cultural performances, exhibits, and community activities.
South celebrations
Houston, Texas will host a FAHM celebration on Oct. 12 at POST Houston, featuring live music, dance, Filipino cuisine and community vendors.
Georgia will host multiple FAHM events throughout the state:
? Fulton County FAHM Proclamation: Oct. 1 at 10:00 AM, Assembly Hall, Atlanta.
? SAWSAWAN 2025: Oct. 11, Block & Drum, Chamblee – full-day festival with adobo tasting, market, and live music.
? Bayanihan to Brilliance: 30 Years of Filipino Excellence in Georgia Gala: Oct. 17, Atlanta Marriott Northeast/Emory Area.
? Warner Robins FAHM Proclamation: Oct. 20, Warner Robins City Hall.
? Bayanihan Fest 2025: Oct. 25, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Uptown Atlanta – cultural celebration with vendors, performances, and food.
? WWII GA Veterans Exhibit in the Philippines: Oct. 27 at noon.
? Cobb County FAHM Proclamation: Oct. 28, 7 p.m., Marietta.
East Coast gatherings
Virginia will host multiple FAHM celebrations. The Hampton Roads region will present FilFEST USA 2025 from Oct. 3–5 in Virginia Beach, featuring music, food, and cultural showcases. Richmond will hold its celebration on Oct. 11 at Main Line Brewery, featuring Filipino food vendors, retail and community booths and cultural performances.
New Jersey will host the Filipino-American Heritage Fest in Princeton on Oct. 4 and the Studio Ligaya FAHM Celebration (Ligaya Fest) in Metuchen on Oct. 5.
New York City will mark FAHM with UBE FEST / Philippines Fest in the East Village on Oct. 4, community storytelling and family events on October 5. Gardiner, New York will host NAWA: Movements of Our Roots on Oct. 25, featuring Indigenous dances, weaving, textiles and design from the Philippines.
Looking ahead
While published announcements are concentrated in California, Nevada, Washington, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia and Georgia, Filipino American communities in Florida and Maryland, and other locations are also expected to unveil their own FAHM programs in the coming weeks.
Local community leaders, Fil-Am organizations, consulates and universities traditionally play a central role in organizing FAHM events. Organizers are encouraging the public to watch for event calendars from Filipino community centers and advocacy groups.
2025 Filipino American History Month (FAHM) Events
West Coast
Midwest
South
East Coast
*This is a current list of published events online and on social media. Please refer to your local community organizations and agencies for updates and announcements.