Downtown Garland Square will transform into the epicenter of North Texas Asian American culture when the fourth annual Asian American Heritage Festival kicks into gear on May 16.
It will be an evening outdoors full of fun activities for the whole family. There will be vibrant cultural performances, featuring the fan dances of Thailand, traditional dances of Vietnam and Laos, Indian classical music, Southeast Asian folk performances and Asian-Pacific traditions.
The streets will also come alive during the Colorful World parade and lion dance. After the parade, attendees can explore the Artisan & Craft Market and buy goods made by local Asian-Pacific American artisans. There will also be a diverse spread of cuisines from across Asia and the Pacific represented, including Ube Land, which will be presented by Mexi-Pino dessert shop Scoops N’Buns. It will feature desserts made from the Ube, the purple yam originating from the Philippines.
Other vendors at the festival include Bamboo Kitchen, Artesania Claudia, Crunchies, Mahal Eating, Loro, Smith Spot BBQ, Weebie Takoyaki and more.
During the festival, live music and stage shows by community dance groups will be featured, along with student showcases. One of the performers this year will be Bangladeshi singer-songwriter Nabila Nur Kuhu, who is also the director of planning and development for the city of Garland.
She will be performing for the second time at the festival, presenting a refined blend of traditional Bengali music and contemporary interpretation during her performance.
“To represent my home country, Bangladesh, in Garland, the very city that I serve every day and through my musical identity that I am so passionate about, is nothing short of a magical experience,” said Nur Kuhu said.
May 16 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Downtown Garland Square, 520 W. State St., Garland. Free. visitgarlandtx.com