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Grand Rapids Hosts Asian-Pacific Foundation Festival

Celebrating unity and diversity at the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival.

News Summary

From June 13 to June 15, Grand Rapids will celebrate cultural diversity at the eighth annual Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation festival at Calder Plaza. The ‘Togetherness’ theme encourages unity among diverse communities, offering activities like live music, traditional performances, and a K-Pop Cover Dance Competition. Organizers aim to showcase 48 countries from Asia and the Pacific Islands, creating an engaging atmosphere for all attendees and supporting local AAPI businesses.

Grand Rapids will host the eighth annual Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation festival from June 13 to June 15 at Calder Plaza in Downtown Grand Rapids. This free and family-friendly event is designed to foster cultural togetherness and highlight the diverse communities present in the Asian and Pacific regions.

This year’s festival theme is “Togetherness”, reflecting the aim of the foundation to create an inclusive space for all attendees. Activities will commence on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with Sunday’s events taking place from noon to 5 p.m. As attendees explore the festival, they can expect a range of traditional and contemporary cultural experiences.

The festival promises an exciting lineup that includes live music, traditional dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, fashion shows, art exhibitions, and a vibrant cultural parade. Performers and artists from major cities like New York City and Chicago will contribute to a dynamic atmosphere. Special events scheduled for this year include a K-Pop Cover Dance Competition on Friday and a concert by singer-songwriter Voy Kwan on Saturday, both of which are free and open to the public.

Organizers of the festival aim to represent 48 different countries across Asia and the Pacific Islands, showcasing diverse cultural elements each year. Activities will cater to a wide array of interests, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy. This initiative not only celebrates the Asian American and Pacific Islander community but also aims to enhance cultural awareness in West Michigan.

In promoting unity, the event is viewed as a unique opportunity for cultural representation, providing a platform for local Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) businesses and talent to flourish. The foundation’s mission includes improving cultural awareness and encouraging collaboration among community members. The organization has been hosting the festival since 2017 and has consistently attracted tens of thousands of visitors each year.

For those planning to attend, convenient parking is available at the Government Center Parking Ramp located beneath Calder Plaza. Additional city-owned parking lots are also accessible, with public transportation options including the free DASH shuttle to facilitate attendance.

More information about the festival, including specific event details and programming, can be found on the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation’s official website. This opportunity to participate in a celebration of cultural diversity is highly anticipated by the community, and preparations are already underway to ensure an enjoyable experience for all attendees.