Events
About AA/PIRC programming
AA/PIRC hosts a variety of events and programs related to A/PI/SWANA topics and culture. These range from programs created by our student interns, larger annual events, taking students to conferences, and more!
Annual events
The Asian American/Pacific Islander Resource Center (AA/PIRC) offers a dynamic series of events throughout the year that celebrate and support AA/PI/SWANA identities, histories, and communities. Open to all, these programs create space for connection, reflection, joy, and collective empowerment. From cultural celebrations and heritage month events to healing-centered gatherings and leadership development opportunities, AA/PIRC’s events are rooted in community and care. Whether you’re building new connections or deepening your sense of identity, AA/PIRC invites you to gather, grow, and thrive with us.
Community Welcome (Fall)
Community Welcome kicks off the academic year and helps students get involved, find, and engage with their community. By connecting and engaging with AA/PI and SWANA organizations and campus resources, students will be able to build communities, networks, friendships, and find their home on campus.
Comedy Night (Winter)
An annual collaboration with the Resource Centers and C9/JRLC Activities Office to host AA/PI/SWANA-identified comedians and bring the campus community together for an evening of laughs!
Previous guests include Bowen Yang, Philip Wang of WongFu Productions, Hari Kondabolu, Maysoon Zayid, JR de Guzman, and Irene Tu!
SWANA Banquet (Spring)
A night of music, food, performances, a live DJ set, and other cross-cultural experiences to celebrate and educate the UCSC community on Southwest Asian & North African Heritage culture!
AA/PI/SWANA Heritage Night Market (Spring)
AA/PI/SWANA Heritage Night Market is a vibrant evening celebration of culture and community, right here on campus!
This FREE event is open to all UCSC community affiliates and features foods, vendors, games, activities, and performances — all showcasing the diverse talents and cultures among our communities.
The inaugural AA/PI/SWANA Heritage Night Market was held in May 2025 at the Quarry Amphitheater, with over 950 attendees who came together to celebrate Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Southwest Asian & North African Heritage.
Year-End Ceremony (Spring)
The Asian American/Pacific Islander and Southwest Asian and North African (AA/PI and SWANA) Year-End Ceremony acknowledges and celebrates the academic achievements and contributions of graduating students who contribute to the AA/PI/SWANA community at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
This event consists of keynote speakers, student speakers, performances, awards/scholarships, a sashing ceremony, wrapped up by a food reception.
SWANA Con
Our annual conference for students interested in connecting with SWANA identities, SWANA Con is hosted collaboratively with our UC partners. This free conference is designed to connect students across campuses and diasporas, build leadership and academic skills, and discuss challenges impacting our communities while embracing cultural heritage and identities.