Asian American Heritage Festival

Date: May 16, 2026

Time: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Location(s):

Mark your calendars — on Saturday, May 16, 2026, join us for the (4th annual) Asian American Heritage Festival in the Downtown Garland Square for an unforgettable celebration of culture, community, and connection.

The festival shines a spotlight on the rich cultural heritage, creativity, and resilience of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. It’s a time to come together — families, friends, neighbors — to honor traditions, discover new ones, and build community across generations.

What’s in Store

Vibrant Cultural Performances — From the graceful fan dances of Thailand and traditional dances of Vietnam and Laos, to the rhythm and sound of Indian classical music or Southeast Asian folk performances, the stage will showcase a broad and beautiful array of Asian-Pacific traditions.
“Colorful World” Parade & Lion Dance — Watch the streets come alive in a festive parade where participants don traditional attire, vibrant colors, flags, and celebrate our shared heritage — followed by a dynamic lion dance performance, full of energy and cultural symbolism.
Artisan & Craft Market — Explore stalls filled with handmade crafts, traditional art, cultural goods, and goods from local Asian-Pacific American artisans. A perfect place to find unique gifts, home décor, or keepsakes.
Food, Flavors & Community Eats — Savor a diverse range of cuisines from across Asia and the Pacific. Past festivals featured specialties such as “Ube Land” — a celebration of the vibrant Filipino ube — and other delicious offerings that bring flavor and community together.
Live Music & Stage Shows — From community dance troupes and student showcases to headline musical acts, the evening will pulse with music, song, and celebration. Expect performances that honor tradition while embracing modern expression.
Family-Friendly Fun — The festival is free and open to all ages. It’s a space for families, kids, elders, and everyone in between to gather, enjoy, and learn.

This is a FREE outdoor event.

Colorful World Walking Parade

Lion Dance & Firecrackers

Ube Land

Join Scoop N’ Buns, a proudly Mexi-Pino dessert shop, for Ube Land at the Asian American Heritage Festival —featuring ube-inspired eats from vendors.

Festival Program Schedule

5:00 PM — Festival Opens

Emcee: Alanna Quillen
National Anthem by Cecile Thiên Ân
Welcome remarks, VIP recognition, and community acknowledgments

5:10 PM — Kuhu & Friends

Bangladeshi music spotlight

5:45 PM — Cultural & Student Performances

Emcees: Breanna Kalayaboon & Selina Woodrow
5:45 PM: God's Servant Church - Vietnamese cultural dance
5:50 PM: Garland ISD Student Showcase
- Parsons Pre-K
- Hickman and Lister Elementary Schools
6:20 PM: Selepak Angkor - Cambodia cultural dance
6:35 PM: Amihan Philippine Dance Society

6:40 PM — Lion Dance & Firecrackers

Emcees: Alanna Quillen & Breanna Kalayaboon
6:40 PM: Hoa Dao Lion Dancers performance
6:55 PM: Firecracker spectacle

7:00 PM — “Colorful World” Walking Parade

Led by lion dancers; participants parade to the main stage in cultural dress

7:30 PM — Dance Performances & Fashion Show

Emcees: Breanna Kalayaboon & Selina Woodrow
7:30 PM: Miss Asia America International Pageant’s cultural fashion show
7:40 PM: EDM Philippines Dance Company
7:50 PM: Polaris KPOP
7:55 PM: HO'OMAKA HOU Hula Tahitian Halau
8:10 PM: Serng Pong Larng - Thai/Laos cultural dance
8:20 PM: Charishnu Performing Arts

Headliner Concerts

8:30 PM: Concert Headliners & Celebrity Performers
- Emcees: Anh Vu & Hoang Lan
- Featuring: Dynamix Band
- Guest artist: Vân Anh Tran, Cecile Thiên Ân, Hoang Lan Group

Vendors

Garland's Asian American Heritage Festival features a diverse lineup of vendors offering a mix of Asian-inspired dishes, fusion flavors, and unique goods. Visitors can explore a variety of food options, from savory bites to sweet treats, while also browsing handcrafted items, art, and specialty products from local businesses. Check out the vendor list below to see what you can look forward to at the event!

Vendor Selection Timeline & Details

Thank you for your interest in this vendor opportunity. Please note, the deadline to apply has passed.

Important Dates:

March 4 – Application opens
April 3 – Application deadline
April 13 – Vendor notification
May 1 – Site fee must be received
May 16 – Load-in available from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Vehicles must be off-site by 3:00 p.m.
May 16 – Festival opens at 5:00 p.m.

Participating vendors receive:

10' x 10' display space includes canopy, table, and 2 chairs
Prominent visibility on Downtown Garland's Square
Comprehensive event marketing

DOWNTOWN GARLAND

Downtown Dining

Blue Rat Thai Kitchen
Cafe Frida
Del Rancho
Dos Banderas
Fish N' Tails
Fortunate Son
Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery
Latham Bakery
Lockwood Distilling Co.
Main Street Café
Main Street Deli
Mrs. J's Heav'nly Delights
Rosalind Coffee
Scoop N' Boba
Scoop N' Buns
Smith Spot BBQ
Tavern on the Square
Taco y Vino

Downtown Parking

Looking for a place to park for the event? Then check out our Downtown Garland parking map!

We've made it easy for you to find convenient parking spots, so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying the festivities.

ADA parking for the event will be available in the parking garage located behind Garland City Hall. Golf cart rides will also be available and can be accessed near the first floor elevator.