Press Release – 2025 Cleveland Asian Festival
For Immediate Release
May 7, 2025
Cleveland, OH – Tens of thousands of people will attend the Cleveland Asian Festival (CAF) on May 17 & 18 in Cleveland’s AsiaTown. 16 years ago the grassroots festival was organized 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 16th 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.
Lisa Wong, one of the founders of CAF, says, “There are 48 stage events, including cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations, and CAF-hosted events. We have over 120 non-food vendors in our World Marketplace, offering a wide array of products and services, from henna tattoos and kimonos to bonsai plants, Japanese art, Chinese paintings, and interactive activities like screen printing, Rangoli sand art, easy Chinese calligraphy, and Ikebana. With the addition of six new food trucks, we now have a total of 15 food trucks, complemented by over 20 food vendors offering authentic Asian cuisines, drinks, and desserts.”
Add to this the Colors of Asia Fashion Show, Asian Pop Dance Competition, the return of the Cosplay Showcase, Trivia, Food competitions and even free health screenings inside Asia Plaza and you can see that CAF has something for everyone.
Johnny Wu, another of the founders of CAF reminds us that, “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 and Free Parking at the CSU lots with dozens of Live Entertainment acts including Cultural Performances and demonstrations on two outdoor stages.
About the 2025 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. Sponsors include Jack Entertainment, Cleveland Foundation, Cleveland Public Utilities, MetroHealth, City of Cleveland Ward 7, OCA Greater Cleveland, Progressive, Cleveland Cavaliers, Tyler Village, PNC and the City of Cleveland.
The 2025 Cleveland Asian Festival will be held on Saturday May 17 and Sunday May 18.
Contact: Johnny Wu, johnny@mdifilm.com or Office: 216.539.4634
