Asian American Heritage Festival

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.

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

Colorful World Walking Parade

Lion Dance & Firecrackers

Ube Land

Festival Program Schedule

5:00 PM — Festival Opens

• Emcees: Breanna Kalayaboon & Selina Woodrow
• National Anthem
• Welcome remarks, VIP recognition, and community acknowledgments

5:10 PM — Kuhu & Friends

• Bangladeshi music spotlight

5:45 PM — Cultural & Student Performances

• 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

• 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
• Emcees: Alanna Quillen & Breanna Kalayaboon

7:30 PM — Dance Performances & Fashion Show

• 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 & Helen Vu
  • Featuring: Dynamix Band
  • Guest artist: Vân Anh Tran