Upcoming Events
Cambodian Cultural Workshop
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Middlesex Community College
9:00am - 2:00pm
Admission : By Invite Only
Lowell Public Schools is organizing a Cambodian Culture Workshop for students, faculty, and community members.
Registration Info Coming Soon*
Khmer Literary Arts Day
Friday, March 21, 2025
UMass Lowell, 255 Coburn Hall
11:00am - 4:00pm
Admission: Free
The Center for Asian American Studies at UMass Lowell, with support from the Cambodian American Literary Arts Association, will facilitate a one-day Khmer Authors' conference to provide spaces for reading, writing, and other sharing of experiences and emotions around the Cambodian American journey.
Proleung Khmer Launch Party
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Middlesex Community College, F. Bradford Morse Federal Building
4:30pm - 6:00pm
Admission: $50.00
The series will officially launch at the Middlesex Community College’s Federal Building with an inaugural reception including blessing dance, Proleung Khmer previews and presentations. This is a ticketed event. Following this reception, attendees will be invited to continue on to the Boott Mill Event Center to participate in the free Eco-Film Series focused on Khmer individuals and conservation work in Cambodia.
Photo Credit: Kalyanee Mam
Proleung Khmer Short Films
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
The Second Floor Events Center at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum
115 John St, Lowell, MA 01852
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Admission: Free, please RSVP
In recognition of the 50th year of the Cambodian Genocide, experience powerful stories that celebrate resilience, conservation, and the environmental struggles of a war-torn nation, including "Uncle Elephant", "Lost World" and "Once a Child Soldier.
"Don't Think I've Forgotten" & Q&A
Saturday, April 12, 2025
61 Wilder St, Lowell, MA 01854
O'LEARY LIBRARY 222, UMass Lowell
12:30pm-4:00pm
Admission: Free
Film screening and Q&A with filmmaker Mr. Nate Hun
"Transcending the In-Between"
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
MCC - Richard & Nancy Donahue Academic Arts Center
6:00pm - 7:15pm
Admission: Free
Middlesex Community College presents an artist talk and performance with Khmer-Cham (Muslim) Anida Ali.
Registration Info Coming Soon*
Genocide Remembrance Vigil
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Lowell JFK Plaza
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Admission: Free
Proleung Khmer invites all to join in a vigil to remember our loved ones who had perished during the genocide.
Khmer New Year Celebration (Lowell)
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Clemente Park, 803 Middlesex Street, Lowell
12:00pm - 5:00pm
Admission: Free
Traditional and modern Cambodian live performances, traditional khmer games, modern games, kids activities, merchandise and information vendors, accompanied by live Khmer band.
Khmer New Year Parade
Saturday, April 19, 2025
CMAA, 465 School St, Lowell
12:30pm
Admission: Free
Join CMAA and and Clemente Park Committee's Annual Khmer New Year Parade! The parade will begin at CMAA, and end at Clemente Park, followed by performances, popular Cambodian games and a live band, hosted by the Clemente Park Committee.
Main Exhibit
April 23 – May 24, 2025
Lowell Community Health Center, 5th Floor
101 Jackson Street, Lowell, MA 01852
Exhibit Hours
Wednesdays to Fridays: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
May 23, 2025: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Special Saturday Hours
May 10, 17, 24: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Admission: Free
Community members are invited to explore an immersive exhibit showcasing the history, resilience, and cultural identity of the Khmer people—from past to present.
Community members will be invited to visit and experience an all encompassing exhibit displaying history of Khmer people up to the present.
Ceremonial Tree Planting
Friday, April 25, 2025
10:00am
Armory Park
Admission: Free
The City of Lowell would like to contribute a ceremonial tree planting in honor of Proleung Khmer, those who had perished in the genocide, and survivors.
Khmer New Year Celebration (Lynn)
Saturday, April 26, 2025
POSTPONED to: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Lynn Commons
8:00am - 6:00pm
Admission: Free
Karona Center Inc. of Lynn invites all to join in Khmer New Festivities. The event begins with parade at 7:30 am at Lynn City Hall to the Common. (rain date 5/3)
What You Are Now & Panel Discussion
Sunday, April 27, 2025
Merrimack Repertory Theatre 50 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852
2:00pm
Admission: $15 - $50
Set in Lowell, What You Are Now follows Pia, a passionate young researcher investigating new ideas about how to heal the mind from traumatic memories. Her interest is deeply intertwined with her family’s history. When a figure from the past shows up, urging Pia’s mother to testify about her experiences during the violence of 1970s Cambodia, unresolved histories are brought to the surface. what you are now is a thrillingly insightful new play that asks the audience to move through the shifting dance between the past and present, and to consider how with new understanding we might change “who you were then” to “what you are now.”
Attend the 2:00pm matinee and stay for the post-show discussion (ticket required Admission: $15 - $50)
Or attend only the post-show discussion (entry begins after the show ends at approximately 3:30pm)
Use promo code KHMERBOGO for a buy one ticket/get one ticket. Valid on Zone A-C. Not valid on Zone D. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. 978-654-4678
Post-Show Discussion with Bora Chiemruom
Sunday, April 27, 2025
Merrimack Repertory Theatre 50 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852
Following 2pm performance
Admission: $15 - $50
Join us for a special post-show conversation with Bora Chiemruom, Executive Director of Angkor Dance Troupe, following the 2:00pm matinee of What You Are Now.
Bora is a passionate advocate for the arts, immigrants, and social justice. With over 20 years of experience in community service and leadership, she has made history as the first Cambodian American woman to lead both the Lowell Telemedia Center (LTC) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission (AAPIC). She now leads Angkor Dance Troupe in its mission to preserve and evolve Cambodian Performing Arts while strengthening community connections. Bora also serves as Executive Committee Chair of Mosaic Lowell, a citywide initiative supporting arts and culture in Lowell.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear Bora reflect on identity, healing, and the power of cultural memory in connection to the themes of What You Are Now.
Attend the 2:00pm matinee and stay for the post-show discussion (ticket required Admission: $15 - $50)
Or attend only the post-show discussion (entry begins after the show ends at approximately 3:30pm)
Use promo code KHMERBOGO for a buy one ticket/get one ticket. Valid on Zone A-C. Not valid on Zone D. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. 978-654-4678
"Khmer in Lowell" Gallery Exhibit
"Soft" opening ceremony and reception: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Loading Dock Gallery & Nibbana Cafe
5:00pm - 7:30pm, by special invitation
Exhibit dates: May 1 - June 1, 2025, open to the public
Loading Dock Gallery, Western Ave. Studios
There will be an opening ceremony for the "Khmer in Lowell" exhibit.
Lakhon Bassac & Panel Discussion
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Stoklosa Middle School, Lowell, MA
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Admission: Free
Lakhon Bassac is a type of Khmer theatre that is a cross between opera and a musical. Masters Chamroeun You and Neang Sovanndara will lead a traditional performance of "Preah Chan Korup" by the Khemarak Rangsey Troupe with live music led by Music Master Sovann Khon and the Tepniyum Band. During the refugee camps, Lakhon Bassac was performed to entertain refugees along the Thai Border. The performers had fled Cambodia at the end of the Khmer genocide and wanted to practice, train and perform their art. Although the target audience will be the elders who may have seen Lakhon Bassac performed while they were refugees, all are welcome to attend this event. A Q&A will allow the performers to tell their stories of survival.
What You Are Now & Panel Discussion
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Merrimack Repertory Theatre 50 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852
2:00pm
Admission: $15 - $50
Set in Lowell, What You Are Now follows Pia, a passionate young researcher investigating new ideas about how to heal the mind from traumatic memories. Her interest is deeply intertwined with her family’s history. When a figure from the past shows up, urging Pia’s mother to testify about her experiences during the violence of 1970s Cambodia, unresolved histories are brought to the surface. what you are now is a thrillingly insightful new play that asks the audience to move through the shifting dance between the past and present, and to consider how with new understanding we might change “who you were then” to “what you are now.”
Attend the 2:00pm matinee and stay for the post-show discussion (ticket required Admission: $15 - $50)
Or attend only the post-show discussion (entry begins after the show ends at approximately 3:30pm)
Use promo code KHMERBOGO for a buy one ticket/get one ticket. Valid on Zone A-C. Not valid on Zone D. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. 978-654-4678
Post-Show Discussion with Vice Mayor Paul Ratha Yem
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Merrimack Repertory Theatre
50 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852
Following the 2:00pm performance
Admission: $15 - $50
Join us after the 2:00pm matinee of What You Are Now for a conversation with Paul Ratha Yem, Vice Mayor of Lowell and City Councilor representing District 7, which includes the Acre neighborhood.
A longtime resident of Mount Vernon Street, Paul came to the U.S. as a Cambodian refugee and has lived in Lowell for over 30 years. His work as a City Councilor focuses on key issues like affordable housing, public safety, community revitalization, and economic recovery for small businesses. He also serves as Chair of the Veterans and Housing Subcommittees, and contributes to committees on the environment, youth, and senior services.
Vice Mayor Yem will share insights from his personal journey as a refugee, his ongoing dedication to public service, and how his vision for the Acre connects with themes of healing, memory, and resilience in What You Are Now.
Attend the 2:00pm matinee and stay for the post-show discussion
(ticket required · Admission: $15 - $50)
Or attend only the post-show discussion
(entry begins after the show ends at approximately 3:30pm)
Use promo code KHMERBOGO for a buy-one-get-one ticket offer!
Valid on Zone A–C. Not valid on Zone D or previously purchased tickets.
Box Office: 978-654-4678
What You Are Now & Panel Discussion
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Merrimack Repertory Theatre 50 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852
2:00pm
Admission: $15 - $50
Set in Lowell, What You Are Now follows Pia, a passionate young researcher investigating new ideas about how to heal the mind from traumatic memories. Her interest is deeply intertwined with her family’s history. When a figure from the past shows up, urging Pia’s mother to testify about her experiences during the violence of 1970s Cambodia, unresolved histories are brought to the surface. what you are now is a thrillingly insightful new play that asks the audience to move through the shifting dance between the past and present, and to consider how with new understanding we might change “who you were then” to “what you are now.”
Attend the 2:00pm matinee and stay for the post-show discussion (ticket required Admission: $15 - $50)
Or attend only the post-show discussion (entry begins after the show ends at approximately 3:30pm)
Use promo code KHMERBOGO for a buy one ticket/get one ticket. Valid on Zone A-C. Not valid on Zone D. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. 978-654-4678
Post-Show Discussion with Sothea Chiemruom
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Merrimack Repertory Theatre
50 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852
Following the 2:00pm performance
Admission: $15 - $50
Join us following the 2:00pm matinee of What You Are Now for a conversation with Sothea Chiemruom, Executive Director of the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA).
Sothea brings over 25 years of experience in nonprofit and social service work, including leadership roles at organizations such as YouthBuild USA, the Hyams Foundation, and the Coalition for a Better Acre. He also previously served as CMAA’s Deputy Director in the late 1990s, before returning as Executive Director in 2022. From empowering youth and immigrant families to advancing affordable housing and civic engagement, his work has been rooted in strengthening communities and promoting self-sufficiency.
He will speak about his journey as a Cambodian American leader, the role of CMAA in uplifting Lowell’s Khmer and immigrant communities, and how themes in What You Are Now resonate with the lived experiences of those CMAA serves.
Attend the 2:00pm matinee and stay for the post-show discussion
(ticket required · Admission: $15 - $50)
Or attend only the post-show discussion
(entry begins after the show ends at approximately 3:30pm)
Use promo code KHMERBOGO for a buy-one-get-one ticket offer!
Valid on Zone A–C. Not valid on Zone D or previously purchased tickets.
Box Office: 978-654-4678
Panel Discussion for the Lowell High School Community
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Lowell High School Cafeteria
3:30pm - 5:00pm
Admission: LHS Students and Teachers
Cambodian Americans discuss the inter-generational impact of trauma on mental health, identity, and community, highlighting resilience, healing, and the need for greater representation and beyond.
Closing Ceremony & Cultural Showcase
Friday, May 23, 2025
Lowell Memorial Auditorium
Admission: $20 - $50
To conclude the series of events for Proleung Khmer 2025, there will be a cultural showcase bringing together different generations of performers, artists, and genres of music and dance to the big stage, and ending with a celebration of our resiliency and strength.
Registration Info Coming Soon*