October 2026 · Chicago and Surrounding Communities
Celebrate Filipino American History Month
Join us this October for exhibitions, performances, workshops, and community gatherings celebrating Filipino American history and the people who continue to shape it.
The Filipino American National Historical Society’s (FANHS) 2026 theme, “Beyond the Margins: Centering Intersectional Filipino American Histories,” invites us to recognize stories too often overlooked and consider how our identities and experiences shape our shared history.
Local programs bring this theme to life by honoring Filipino nurses, highlighting Filipina perspectives, bringing personal stories to the stage, and helping families preserve their histories. As the Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago (FAHSC) celebrates its 40th anniversary and CIRCA Pintig marks its 35th season, we welcome you to participate in preserving and sharing our community’s stories.
October events
October 3
FAHSC 40th Anniversary Gala & Exhibits Closing Reception
5–7 PM · Trickster Cultural Center, Schaumburg
Celebrate four decades of preserving Filipino American history and the closing of two exhibitions: Unheard Voices of Care: Filipino Nurses in America and 40 Years of Stories and History.
October 14
Unheard Voices of Care: Filipino Nurses in America - UIC Exhibition Opening
Panel: 3:30–4:30 PM · Reception: 4:30–6 PM · UIC Asian American Resource and Cultural Center, 723 W. Maxwell St., Chicago
Explore the history, migration, contributions, and personal experiences of Filipino nurses in the United States. Produced by FAHSC, CIRCA Pintig, and House of Nurses, this traveling exhibition brings caregivers’ stories into public view.
Free and open to the public. The exhibition continues through December 4.
October 17
The Soul Anchors of the Filipina - Opening Reception & Open House
10 AM–2 PM · FAHSC Museum at Mana Contemporary Chicago, 2233 S. Throop St., Suite 316, Chicago
Visit FAHSC Museum’s new art exhibition highlighting Filipina perspectives, opening in conjunction with Chicago’s architecture and open house weekend.
October 17
Tracing Home: A Family History & Archiving Workshop
3–5 PM · Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave., Evanston
Learn how to research, record, and preserve family and community stories. Using local Filipino American history as a starting point, historian and author Dr. Jenny Thompson will introduce resources and practical tools for uncovering your own history. All are welcome.
October 17
ALABAN: Filipino Fashion and Culture Night
6–10 PM · Amron Hall, 6421 N. Hamlin Ave., Chicago
Experience Filipino fashion, live performances, culinary offerings, and artisan booths during Chicago Fashion Week. Founded by designer Edrei Alaban, couture fashion house ALABAN will debut its newest collection alongside work from emerging Filipino designers.
CIRCA Pintig will share work developed through the Unheard Voices of Care exhibition, bringing Filipino nurses’ stories to this gathering of designers, artists, performers, and community members.
Tickets are $27 early bird, limited to 25 tickets; $42.50 general admission; and $83.75 VIP. VIP admission includes VIP seating, a reception, a complimentary drink, photos with models, and a goodie bag.
October 17–18
Not Alone Anymore: Asian American Solo Show Festival
Rizal Center, 1332 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago
Presented by CIRCA Pintig and Asian American Arts Chicago, this new festival celebrates Asian American solo theater and storytelling as part of CIRCA Pintig’s 35th anniversary season.
Sunday’s programming highlights Filipino American voices in celebration of Filipino American History Month.
Saturday, October 17
- 2 PM: Lauren Kee
- 5 PM: Huy Nguyen
- 7 PM: “How to Make a Solo Show” Workshop
Sunday, October 18
- 2 PM: RJ Silva
- 5 PM: Lani T. Montreal, Anak ni Tapia: Leaving Mother
- 6:30 PM: Festival Closing Party
October 24
Rooted in the Philippines, Created in Chicago: Celebrating Filipino-American Creativity
1–3 PM · Albany Park Branch, Chicago Public Library, 3401 W. Foster Ave., Chicago
Meet Filipino American creatives representing music, film, literature, food, and fashion as they discuss their work, heritage, and contributions to Chicago’s cultural landscape.
Presented by the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago in partnership with FAHSC and the Chicago Public Library.
October 25
Rizal Center Chess Club Monthly Tournament
9 AM–4 PM · First round at 10 AM · Rizal Center, 1332 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago
Enjoy a day of chess and community connection. Open and Children’s categories welcome both rated and unrated players. Prizes will be awarded to top finishers. Registration includes lunch and snacks, and early registrants receive a $5 discount. This is a nut-free event.
Officiated by the Chicago Chess Foundation, with sponsorship from the Chicago Mabuhay Centennial Lions Club.
October 28
Unheard Voices of Care Community Reading
3:30–5 PM · UIC Asian American Resource and Cultural Center, 723 W. Maxwell St., Chicago
Attend a community reading connected with Unheard Voices of Care, featuring writings about immigrant experiences in the United States from the 1940s through today.
Every Friday
Rizal Center Friday Evening Chess Club
Learn, practice, and connect with fellow players through free chess tutorials and friendly play at the Rizal Center. Beginners are welcome.
Make the Rizal Center mural part of your visit
While attending an event at the Rizal Center, stop for a photo by the newly painted mural on the side of the building. The mural celebrates Filipino American experiences in Chicago and throughout the Midwest, bringing our community’s stories into public view.
Keep exploring and celebrating
We encourage you to explore additional Filipino American History Month celebrations across Chicago, the Midwest, and the country. Discover programs offered by community organizations, FANHS chapters, museums, libraries, universities, and arts groups.
Stay connected with these organizations for events, educational opportunities, and ways to participate throughout October and beyond:
- CIRCA Pintig
- Rizal Center
- Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago (FAHSC)
- FANHS Greater Chicago Chapter
- Filipino School of Chicago
- FANHS National
Community members, families, friends, and neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome. Attend an event, invite a friend, share a program, or support an organization preserving Filipino American history.
Together, we can help more of our stories reach new audiences and future generations.