2026 Cleveland Asian Festival Press Release
For Immediate Release
April 29, 2026
Cleveland, OH – 2026 will be the 17th year (!) that the Cleveland Asian Festival (CAF) will bring tens of thousands of people to Cleveland’s AsiaTown to celebrate Asian heritage and Cleveland’s diversity. The grassroots festival was organized in 2010 by volunteer community leaders to celebrate Cleveland’s diversity and Asian Pacific American Heritage month (May). CAF has always been considered as the festival that kicks off summer.
The mission of CAF has remained the same over the years:
- Strengthening the identity of AsiaTown and supporting its economic growth
- Educating and promoting Asian culture and traditions
- Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Cleveland’s Diversity
- Uniting Cleveland’s Asian Community
Now in its 17th year, CAF is the signature event that defines AsiaTown and brings thousands to the neighborhood. CAF has led to the creation of new businesses in the area as well as neighborhood beautification with arts and cultural displays and decorations throughout the district.
Johnny K. Wu, one of the founders of CAF says, “Attendees can dive into an incredible lineup featuring 130+ vendors, exhibitors, and sponsors, plus 35 amazing food vendors and food trucks serving up must-try flavors. And that’s just the beginning—they won’t want to miss the packed schedule of performances happening all weekend long!”
Wu continued, “The economic impact that CAF has generated for the AsiaTown neighborhood and businesses is significant. People who attend not only shop and eat that weekend but a large percentage return to AsiaTown throughout the year after experiencing it at CAF.”
The annual festival offers Free Admission, Free Parking at the CSU lots. Along with the 35 food vendors, there will be dozens of live entertainment acts including Cultural Performances and demonstrations on two outdoor stages, a World Marketplace of vendors and exhibitors, free activities for kids and free health screenings at the Health Pavilion inside Asia Plaza.
About the 2026 Cleveland Asian Festival
The Cleveland Asian Festival is an annual celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage month in May in Cleveland’s AsiaTown neighborhood. It is a landmark undertaking to unite the community through collaboration and recognition of its culture, diversity, and people. The 2026 Cleveland Asian Festival will be held on Saturday May 16 and Sunday May 17. Distinguished Sponsors are the Cleveland Foundation and Jack Entertainment. Presenting Sponsors include Cleveland Public Power, OCA Greater Cleveland, Cleveland City Council, MetroHealth, Cleveland Water Pollution Control and City of Cleveland Water.
Contact
Johnny K. Wu, johnny@mdifilm.com
Office: 216.539.4634
