AsianFest returns for 10th year of diverse food, traditions

CEDAR RAPIDS — AsianFest returns this week for a milestone celebration of diversity, equity and inclusion in Cedar Rapids.

The free annual festival, now in its 10th year, will feature cuisine, immersive cultural experiences and live performances from countries across the world’s largest continent.

The event will be held from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at NewBo City Market, 1100 Third St. SE.

Attendees can indulge in a variety of dishes from across the continent including India, Japan and the Philippines.

Visitors also can engage with interactive villages representing Japan, Korea, India, China, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Each village demonstrates traditional clothing, languages and activities from each culture.

Throughout the day, the festival will put on performances showcasing the richness of Asian culture, such as Bollywood Zumba and Tai Dam songs. The event will conclude with AsianFest’s popular fashion show highlighting contemporary and traditional Asian attire.

“By bringing people together through culture, food and shared experiences, AsianFest is a perfect reflection of what Welcoming Week stands for,” said Sarika Bhakta, Board Member of the Iowa Asian Alliance Eastern Iowa Chapter. “It’s not just a festival, it’s a celebration of our community’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.”

AsianFest, hosted by the Iowa Asian Alliance, is part of Welcoming Week 2024 — a nationwide campaign that celebrates efforts to include and welcome immigrants and refugees.

“Welcoming communities are more appealing to the workforce, as it helps attract and retain talent here in Cedar Rapids,” said Doug Neumann, executive director at the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, said of Welcoming Week. “Here in Cedar Rapids, immigrants are our largest growing population and help strengthen our workforce and economy. Plus, it’s always a great reminder that the United States was built by immigrants and refugees from all over the world.”

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.