CAF 2025, 40,000+ Attendance

The Cleveland Asian Festival 2025 was a vibrant showcase of Asian culture, cuisine, and community, drawing over 40,000 enthusiastic attendees to Cleveland’s AsiaTown on May 17-18, 2025. This milestone event highlighted the neighborhood’s spirit, diversity, and welcoming atmosphere.

Festival Highlights

The festival transformed E. 27th and Payne Avenue into a lively hub for the community with 48 stage events featuring cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations, and competitions like the Cosplay Showcase and Asian Pop Dance. Attendees also enjoyed the Colors of Asia Fashion Show and a variety of interactive workshops including calligraphy, Ikebana, and Rangoli sand art.

Over 120 non-food vendors filled the World Marketplace, selling everything from handcrafted jewelry and bonsai plants to art and traditional attire, while 33 food vendors and 15 food trucks served up authentic Asian dishes, drinks, and desserts. The festival was free to attend, with complimentary parking and shuttle service available thanks to community partners.

Community and Cultural Impact

Since its inception 17 years ago, CAF has united Cleveland’s Asian community by celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and shining a spotlight on AsiaTown’s growth. The huge turnout has helped support local businesses and fostered ongoing interest in the neighborhood well beyond the festival weekend.

As festival co-founder Johnny Wu emphasized, CAF is an inclusive event designed to embrace culture and community, welcoming people from all backgrounds to experience Cleveland’s rich Asian heritage. Visitors participated in a range of activities, from dance contests and health screenings at Asia Plaza to food competitions and fashion celebrations, ensuring there was something for everyone.