📖✨ ZINE MAKING NIGHT ! ✨📖

Cut, paste, draw, write, collage, and create your very own zine! 🎨✂️🖊️

Join us for a laid-back night of creativity, self-expression, and community as part of the Starry Nite Arts Festival. 🌙⭐

📍 AtCha (9889 Bellaire Blvd, #234)
📅 Thursday, September 10
⏰ 7–9 PM

No experience necessary—just bring your ideas and let your creativity run wild! 💫

🎟️ RSVP Here!

#freeevents #zinemaking #houstonart #houstonevents #supportlocal

Origami & Chill Nite with Kyle Fu

✨🦢 Origami & Chill is back! 🦢✨

Take a break, fold some paper, and hang out with us for a relaxing night of origami, creativity, and good vibes! 💖

Hosted by local Origami Master @kylefuhouston

📍 Atcha (9889 Bellaire Blvd, #234)
📅 Thursday, September 3
⏰ 7–9 PM

No origami experience needed! Just come ready to fold and chill! 🫶

🎟️ RSVP Here!

This event is part of Starry Nite Arts Festival ✨🌙

#StarryNiteArtsFestival #freeevents #HoustonEvents #stufftodoinhouston #origami

American Mosaic Festival

🎈You are Invited to the 2026 American Mosaic Festival! 🎉

Come celebrate the cultures, traditions, and communities that make Houston such a special place to call home. Bring your family and friends for a day filled with fun, connection, and cultural experiences!

✨ Join Us & Enjoy:
🎶 Live cultural performances
🍽️ Delicious food from local vendors
🎭 Interactive cultural exhibits
🎨 Kids’ arts & crafts
🎁 Raffles & giveaways
🤝 Community resources
📍 Stamp Rally

📅 Saturday, August 29, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Chinese Community Center
(9800 Town Park Dr., Houston, TX 77036)

🎟️ FREE admission and fun for all ages!

Register today by scanning the QR code on the flyer or clicking the RSVP Now! link.

Let’s come together to celebrate the diversity that makes our community stronger. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Disaster Preparedness Workshop

Are you prepared for the next emergency?

Disasters can happen anytime. Join us for an informative Disaster Preparedness Workshop and learn practical steps to protect yourself, your family, and your community. 💪🏽🏠

🌪️ Learn how to prepare before a disaster
📋 Create a family emergency plan
📱 Learn how to stay informed and connected
🤝 Build a stronger, more prepared community
🍱 Free food
⭐ Free safety items

📅 Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Korean Community Center
(1809 Hollister St, Houston, TX 77080)

Bring your questions and your family! Everyone is welcome.

🚨DISASTER READINESS FOR ALL🚨

Harris County Public Health
Living Hope Wheelchair Association
Disaster Readiness For All
Harris County Precinct 4, Commissioner Lesley Briones
OCA-Greater Houston
Korean American Association and Community Center of Houston
Korean American Senior Citizens Association of Houston
NAKASEC Texas

Bingo Night

RSVP for an exciting Bingo Night!
Get Ready for a Night Full of Fun & Prizes!
Grand Prize will be 2 Tokyo X Tickets Day Pass!!!
Light Refreshments Provided.

📍 DoubleTree Westchase (10609 Westpark Dr)
📅 Friday, August 21, 7–9 PM

Painted Bridges: Houston Mural Program Unveiling Ceremony

Presented by EpNex and supported by the Ministry of Education's Youth Billion Overseas Dream Fund

Painted Bridges: Houston Mural Program – Community Mural Unveiling

From Taiwan to Houston: six artists, one shared table, and a seat for everyone.

Admission is free and open to the public.
Please RSVP by Thursday, August 6!

📅 Friday, August 7, 2026 | 9–11 AM
📍 9750 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77036
(next to Trung Nguyen E-Coffee)

Join us for the public unveiling of Painted Bridges: Houston Mural Program, an international public art and cultural exchange connecting six Taiwanese artists and designers with Houston’s creative community while introducing them to the people, places, and cultural landscapes of the broader Greater Houston region.

The unveiling marks the culmination of a 21-day experiential-learning program led by EpNex 橋翼 in partnership with GONZO247 Studio. As the inaugural cohort of EpNex Meridian Fellows, the six artists have spent three weeks learning, creating, and building relationships across cultures. Their experience has included cultural immersion throughout Houston, Pearland, and Sugar Land; conversations with local artists and arts professionals; studio sessions; mentorship; collaborative mural development; and individual portfolio work.

At the center of the program is the creation of a permanent public mural in Houston’s Southwest Management District. Under the mentorship of Houston muralist GONZO247, each Fellow contributed perspectives and skills from their own creative practice, including painting, public art, installation, visual design, storytelling, education, and socially engaged research. Together, they drew inspiration from the region’s people, histories, neighborhoods, and cultural diversity to create a unified mural design.

The mural reflects the conversations, discoveries, and relationships that shaped the artists’ experience. Each Fellow is also developing an individual portfolio inspired by the program theme, “The Space Between”—the meaningful moments between arrival and departure, process and completion, and people who began as strangers and became collaborators.

At the heart of the mural is a shared feast where everyone is welcome. Each person has something to contribute—a dish, a story, or simply their company. The gathering celebrates what becomes possible when people from different cultures, generations, and experiences come together.

An empty seat at the center holds a dual meaning: it serves as an honorary place for loved ones who have passed while remaining open for anyone to join. Its message is simple: “There is always a seat for you.”

Woven into this broader visual story is a tribute to photographer Corky Lee, whose documentation of Asian American history expanded visibility and representation. His inclusion adds another layer of remembrance to a composition centered on shared stories, cultural memory, welcome, and belonging. Together, the mural’s elements honor those who came before, recognize those gathered in the present, and leave space for future relationships and stories.

This collaboration honors the past, reflects the community of the present, and looks toward a future shaped by greater visibility, connection, and belonging.

Event Highlights

• Public unveiling and artist presentation of the completed mural

• Introduction of the six EpNex Meridian Fellows

• Remarks from GONZO247, Lead Artist Mentor, and community representatives

• Refreshments, photo opportunities, and community celebration

Participating Artists

• GONZO247, Lead Artist Mentor

• Lawrence Hsieh

• Tsai-Ni Chen

• Hsin Hwuang

• Stu Yang

• Lin Ying Huang

• Ami Liu

Program and Community Support

Painted Bridges: Houston Mural Program is presented by EpNex 橋翼 in partnership with GONZO247 Studio and supported by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education Youth Development Administration through the Youth Billion Overseas Dream Fund.

The Houston mural is supported by the Southwest Management District and Greatland Management, with event, outreach, and logistical support from OCA-Greater Houston. Additional local support was provided by Stephen Le, Kenneth Li, and community partners who supported the Fellows through meals, hospitality, introductions, local knowledge, and practical assistance throughout their stay.

EpNex 橋翼 facilitates international youth leadership and cultural exchange programs connecting emerging leaders and artists through global collaboration.

The Southwest Management District works to strengthen quality of life, economic vitality, and public spaces throughout southwest Houston.

OCA-Greater Houston advances the well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through advocacy, arts, education, civic engagement, and community partnerships. OCA-Greater Houston secured permission from the Corky Lee Estate to include Lee’s image and legacy in the mural and is supporting event outreach and logistics.

While Painted Bridges is an independent international collaboration, the project aligns with the spirit of OCA-Greater Houston’s AAPI Trailblazers Initiative, which recognizes AAPI history, leadership, and contributions throughout Greater Houston. The mural demonstrates how future public artworks can continue honoring AAPI trailblazers and sharing their stories with broader communities.

About Dr. Kjell Lindgren

Dr. Kjell Lindgren is a NASA astronaut, physician, and Deputy Director of NASA’s Flight Operations Directorate. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, he spent part of his childhood in Taiwan before returning to the United States to pursue a career in medicine and human spaceflight. A veteran of two International Space Station missions, 311 days in space, and two spacewalks, he proudly represents the enduring ties between Taiwan, Houston, and the shared pursuit of exploration, innovation, and service.

CARE Fest

Join us at this pre-July 4th annual community service festival to raise funds to sponsor an elementary school in need (over 90% of students come from low-income families) with a new backpack full of school supplies for an entire year, for every student (averaging 900 students). After supplies are purchased, volunteers will come together once again in August to pack backpacks and distribute them to students!

This annual event was started over 30 years ago by the Chinese American Relief Effort Coalition (C.A.R.E.), a collaboration of organizations with members of Chinese American heritage, including OCA-Greater Houston.

📅 Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
⏰ Time: 10am – 3pm
📍 Location: Chinese Community Center

AAPI Heritage Month Festival

Join Us at the AAPI Heritage Month Festival!
FREE Admission

📅 Saturday, May 9, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
📍 Alief-Amity Park, 12509 Alief Clodine Rd, Houston, TX 77082

Celebrate APA Heritage Month and the Kickoff of AAPI Restaurant Weeks with culture, art, and community! This event will be packed with exciting activities for everyone to enjoy.

Here’s what’s in store:

Authentic AAPI Food, Games & Cultural Performances: Enjoy games, prizes, live music and thrilling lion dances. Shop Local Goods: Discover handmade crafts, artisanal products, and unique local treasures.

Bring your friends and family for an unforgettable celebration at that captures the spirit of community and belonging!

Interested in being a vendor?

We have vendor spots still available! Go to www.ocahouston.org to apply

24th Annual They Serve With Honor Awards Reception & Charity Casino

Come Celebrate Lunar New Year with us at the annual They Serve With Honor Awards Reception & Charity Casino!

📅 Friday, March 20, 2026
⏰ 5 PM – 6 PM VIP; 6 PM - 10 PM General
📍 LamBo Ballroom, 6159 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057

Come test your new year luck at our annual charity casino (mahjong, blackjack, roulette, and craps). Connect with the community, win unique prizes while savoring on delicious authentic food, desserts, and specialty treats.

At this annual reception, OCA-Greater Houston honors outstanding AAPI employees & community members who have demonstrated leadership in their professional and/or personal lives. Funds raised at this event go towards supporting our fellowships for student leadership development as well as our outreach and education programs. With your generous support, we will continue to grow our programs and services for the community.

Happy Lunar New Year!

Join us at the Chinese Community Center for the annual Lunar New Year Festival! OCA-Greater Houston has had a booth to support the festival since it’s founding (history tidbit: the Chinese Community Center & OCA-Greater Houston were both founded in the same year, 1979). We will have free fun games, activities, and information on voting! We will also have AAPI autographed books, goody bags & stickers for sale to support our youth leadership work.

📅 Saturday, February 14, 2026
⏰ 10 AM – 4 PM
📍 Chinese Community Center, 9800 Town Park Dr, Houston, TX 77036

Bring the family and come enjoy free cultural performances, games and activities, and try some great food! Have a memorable experience celebrating the beginning of the Lunar New Year holiday which lasts for an entire month!

OCA-Greater Houston is partnering with the Houston Public Library to welcome author Monique Truong to read her book, Mai’s Áo Dài. This is your chance to step into the mind of the author as she shares the special traditions her family celebrates during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Enjoy an intimate conversation about her creative journey, inspiration, and storytelling process and get an exclusive sneak peek at her upcoming projects. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just curious about her work, this event is perfect for book lovers of all ages!

Autographed copies of her book will also be available!

Register now:
✅ https://calendar.houstonlibrary.org/event/15868790

📅 Sat, Feb 7, 3-4pm
📍 Alief-David M. Henington Regional Library
(inside the Alief Community Center, 11903 Bellaire Blvd)

Join us for an in-person training to learn how to legally register voters to make voting more accessible for everyone.

Sign up here:
http://ocagreaterhouston.qrd.by/janvdvr

We’re excited to invite you to join us in celebrating Lunar New Year 2026 and welcoming the Year of the Horse!

The Year of the Horse holds special significance in Lunar New Year traditions. The Horse is admired for its strength, energy, and perseverance, and is associated with progress, hard work, and positive momentum—qualities we look forward to embracing together as a community in the year ahead.

Event Details:
Lunar New Year Community Celebration
Where: Walmart Store 2993
Address: 345 Hwy 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478
Store entrance (ample parking available in the store lot)
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM

Guests will enjoy a traditional Lion Dance performance, a tradition believed to bring prosperity, happiness, and good fortune in the year ahead. Commonly performed during Lunar New Year celebrations, the Lion Dance is meant to invite success and positive energy, making it a meaningful way for us to come together and welcome the new year.

To mark the occasion, Walmart will also be gifting limited-edition Year of the Horse pins and lucky red envelopes to customers, associates, and community partners as a symbol of appreciation.

Kindly RSVP by January 14th!

#SparkTheFuture #LunarNewYear

End-of-Year Film Screening & Vision Boarding

You played an important role in our organization this year, and we want to thank you. Come watch a fun movie, hang out with us, and build your vision board for 2026.

All materials will be provided — just bring yourself!

FILM: LUCKY GRANDMA | 88 Minute Screening

In the heart of Chinatown, New York, an ornery, chain-smoking, newly widowed 80-year-old Grandma is eager to live life as an independent woman, despite the worry of her family. When a local fortune teller predicts a most auspicious day in her future, Grandma decides to head to the casino and goes all in, only to land herself on the wrong side of luck... suddenly attracting the attention of some local gangsters. Desperate to protect herself, Grandma employs the services of a bodyguard from a rival gang and soon finds herself right in the middle of a Chinatown gang war. Co-written by Sugar Land native, Angela Cheng.

🚨From exclusion laws to “foreign ownership” bans, bureaucracy has always been a border.

Join OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates for "Paperwork as Power", the second event in its two-part History of Anti-AANHPI Laws and Legal Battles series, and learn how documents, data, and property restrictions from the Geary Act to the Alien Land Laws turned suspicion into control and continue to shape belonging today.

🔗 Register at bit.ly/paperworkaspower
📅 Wednesday, December 3 at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET
🎙️ Featuring: Mae Ngai, Natsu Taylor Saito, and Xiaojian Zhao

This Giving Tuesday, OCA-Greater Houston is taking donations for low-income seniors and families in the Greater Houston area. Rising prices are making it harder for people who already live on tight budgets to meet their basic needs, especially with the holiday season approaching.

With your support, we can provide nutritious food, relief, and hope to those who are struggling with food insecurity. Every dollar makes a real difference in bringing joy to families and seniors across our community.

Help ensure no one in our community goes hungry. 100% of donations will be going directly to support families and seniors struggling with food insecurity. Give today on Giving Tuesday!

🚨Who gets to belong and who decides?

Join OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates for "Citizenship as Architecture", the first event in its two-part History of Anti-AANHPI Laws and Legal Battles series, exploring how laws from the 1790 Naturalization Act to Wong Kim Ark constructed American citizenship through exclusion, loyalty, and race, and how those boundaries still shape belonging today.

🔗 Register at bit.ly/citizenshipasarchitecture
📅 Monday, December 1 at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET
🎙️ Featuring: Robert S. Chang, Aziz Rana, and Hiroshi Motomura