On January 30^th, 2025, the historic Ah Louis Store, in partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo and the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market, will revive the beloved Lunar New Year festivities during a Palm Street Block Party from 6 – 8:30 PM. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the rich cultural history of SLO’s Chinatown District with performances, food vendors, and cultural exhibits. Ribbon-Cutting & Historic Sign Unveiling: The fun begins at 5:30 PM with the unveiling of the restored neon sign from Chong’s Homemade Candy. This iconic sign once graced the heart of Chinatown and is making a comeback! Guests can marvel at the sign’s return and explore an exhibit of historic photos and cultural artifacts under the glow of its vibrant lights. Cultural Booths & Educational Experiences: Starting at 6:00 PM, Palm Street will be buzzing with booths featuring local artists, mouth-watering foods, and educational exhibits. From traditional snacks at Mee Heng Low Noodle House to discovering local tea at Inari Tea Lounge, there’s something for every taste bud and curious mind. Immerse yourself in SLO’s rich Chinatown history and feel the community spirit come alive. Live Performances & Cultural Celebrations: At 6:00 PM, Central Coast Chinese Association will kick things off with a spectacular mix of Chinese dance, martial arts, and live music. Get ready to be blown away by the high-energy Lion Dance from the Cal Poly Lion Dance Team at 6:30 PM. Then, Inari Tea Lounge will close out the night with a serene traditional tea ceremony at 7:30 PM, offering the perfect wind-down after an exciting evening. Palm Theatre Screening: For film lovers, The Palm Theatre is celebrating all month with special programming, and on January 30^th, they’ll screen the fascinating documentary “The Search for General Tso” at 7:00 PM. Before the film, why not indulge in a three-course prix fixe dinner at Ox + Anchoras a part of their “Indies + Eats” program? It’s the perfect evening combo! https://visitslo.com/

By Lisa Skriloff, Multicultural Travel News

What’s multicultural about Coastal Mississippi, an area encompassing 62 miles of shoreline along three coastal counties? Multicultural Travel News visited recently to find out.  Our visit, from Bay St. Louis to Ocean Springs, turned up woman owned and run establishments as well as businesses owned by and museums honoring the many ethnic communities that have made this area home for generations. Here’s a snapshot of what my partner John and I explored.

Join us in Cayuga County this September and beyond to honor Underground Railroad Month and explore the rich history of Harriet Tubman, who chose Auburn, NY, as her home after her courageous work on the Underground Railroad. Experience guided tours of significant sites, including Tubman’s residence, and the Harriet Tubman Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, a National Park Service Historic Site. Where she fought for justice and equality. Engage with local historians and participate in special events that celebrate her enduring legacy and the community’s commitment to freedom. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the powerful story of resilience and hope that defines our region. For more information visit https://www.tourcayuga.com/harriet-tubman/.

Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, Autograph Collection (HDM)  invited guests to an exclusive, immersive cultural experience in celebration of Mexican Independence Day. This event took place on September 15th, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the rich traditions of Mexico, all set against the backdrop of HDM’s charming hacienda-style architecture. Nestled in the heart of Los Cabos, HDM’s stunning villas, winding pathways, and lush green gardens provided the perfect setting for a true Mexican fiesta. Guests were treated to a culinary journey that spans the diverse regions of Mexico, with an array of appetizers, and a variety of traditional beverages. The celebration will be enhanced by live music, offering guests a full spectrum of Mexican culture. From September 1st to 30th, the resort will celebrate the Temporada de Chiles en Nogada at the renowned Pitahayas Restaurant. This seasonal event honors one of Mexico’s most iconic dishes, offering guests a chance to savor the true flavors of Puebla. Prepared by Chef José Lazcarro, a Puebla native, the Chiles en Nogada will feature endemic ingredients such as the manzana panochera, pera lechera, durazno criollo, and Castilian walnut, among others. This culinary experience will be accompanied by a carefully selected menu of traditional Puebla dishes, making it a must-visit event for food enthusiasts. For more information, visit www.marriott.com/sjdhm.

The inaugural Oaxaca Food & Wine Festival, February 20-23, 2025 will be an immersion of Oaxacan food, locally produced artisanal and ancestral mezcals, Mexican wines, and in-depth cultural visits to neighboring indigenous villages. A total of 8 events over 4 days will include a variety of activities such as wine-pairing dinners, a market tour, a cacao and chocolate-making workshop, mole and mezcal tastings, an inside peek at artists creating “alebrije”, (a traditional, ancient folk art), and more. Pre and post-festival tours to nearby villages, each specializing in their unique artisanal craft, will provide an upfront and personal experience. Weave your own wool tapestry on a 150-year-old loom, see how Oaxacan cheese is made, or watch how red pottery is still produced as it was hundreds of years ago. The festival utilizes local talent and Oaxacan staff, from restaurants to transportation services to language teachers, to make the event financially and culturally positive for the community. Tickets are on sale now with options to suit every budget. Full VIP packages include lodging we’ve selected and all 8 events or  there’s a VIP package for all 8 events but you book your own hotel. Tickets can also be purchased individually for each event. Visit www.oaxacafoodandwinefestival.com for event descriptions and prices, lodging and travel information, our partner brands, and to purchase tickets. Contact:  1-800-474-4319 or oaxacafoodwinefestival@gmail.com for more information.

Tennessee is evolving into a destination where everyone, regardless of ability, can access adventures of all kinds. In recent years, an array of communities, outdoor spaces and attractions across the state have introduced a diverse range of programs and initiatives that seek to improve and enhance accessibility to the very best of Tennessee. According to the Center for Disease Control, 61 million adults in the United States live with a disability. It’s a sizable market, with MMGY research reporting travelers with mobility disabilities spend $58.2 billion per year on travel — a figure that is only rising as the baby boomer generation ages. Yet, people with disabilities remain underserved in many destinations. Visit TNvacation.com and follow @TNvacation on social media for travel inspiration.

Asbury Park, New Jersey is an iconic Jersey Shore town with a rich history and vibrant LGBTQ community. While the town hosts events year-round, summertime is when it comes alive with festivals and concerts. As early as the 1930’s Asbury Park had gay clubs, even at a time when LGBTQ folks were widely unaccepted for who they are. The LGBTQ community is credited for revitalizing the city and making it a place where people could be themselves. Pride Event: Sunday, June 2, 2024, marks the 32nd Annual Jersey Pride event in Asbury Park. Pride events this year kick off with a performance from Drag superstar, Trixie Mattel who is hosting The Solid Pink Disco Pride Kickoff Party on May 30. Atlantic City, a popular resort city in South Jersey with diverse people, food, and activities will have no shortage of fun for visitors looking to spend their Pride on the shore. This year’s lineup of events includes a “Stilettos & Spurs” Pride Kickoff at Anchor Rock Club inspired by the excitement surrounding Beyonce’s #1 Country Album, Cowboy Carter, on June 14th. Local contestants will compete for a grand prize at North 2 Shore’s Dancing Under the Rainbow, a charitable showcase event where contestants will be coached by local professional dancer, Arlin Padilla. Visitors can close out their Pride month with the 2nd Annual Atlantic City Pride Sunset Cruise on July 12th, which is a ticketed event with limited space available Haddon Township will kick off Pride month celebrations at their 4th Annual Haddon Township Pride Parade + Events also known as HT Pride. This year’s Pride Parade + After Party will take place June 6 from 6pm-10pm along Haddon Avenue and will feature vibrant performances from the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Hoboken like many other towns in the garden state, has a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign which evaluates discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity making it an ideal town to spend Pride in. Hoboken’s Official Pride Party and the Hoboken Pride Crawl will both take place on Saturday, June 22 for an epic day of fun. Jersey City has a deep history of celebrating diverse people and received a perfect score of 100 from the Human Rights Campaign, Pride celebrations in Jersey City are can’t-miss events. For some exciting places to spend your downtime at, check out Six26, whose name pays homage to the date the Marriage Equality Act was passed and features a downstairs lounge as well as a rooftop bar & lounge area or LGBTQ-owned craft distillery. Other events include: Montclair Pride,  Morris County Pride Festival, Newark’s 2024 Pride Festival.

From Ponce de León to Dr. Martin Luther King to Andrew Young, there are more than 600+ years of multicultural history to explore in St. Augustine, Florida, America’s oldest city.