Imagine yourself surrounded by over a hundred information tables of all kinds - advocacy groups, arts organizations, social clubs, professional associations, social service agencies, vendors, food stands, arts & crafts tables, even fortune tellers and Mhendi tatoo artists. A children's program is going on in one corner, and a mini-film fest is screening in a tent in another. At one end of the park is a demonstration area where martial artists are exhibiting their skills. On the other end is a performance stage where traditional and contemporary musicians and dancers are putting on a show. And all around you are thousands of people sharing and celebrating their culture and heritage. If you can picture this, then you are at the Annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival.

Read The New York Times Article on Asians and the Festival

Throughout the day, various programs are presented to highlite Asian Pacific American Hedritage. These include Martial Arts demonstrations, Arts & Crafts tables, a Children's Program, a Theme Exhibit, a Performance Stage and Information Booths from a over a hudred different organizations. Click on the map below to read more about the various program areas.

Beginning in 1979 with only 25 organizations participating, the Festival has grown to over a hundred booths featuring Asian foods, exhibits and information. The more than 20 stage performances scheduled throughout the day have in the past included traditional Korean, Chinese, Indian, and Filipino dancing, taiko (Japanese drumming), Vietnamese and Polynesian music and dance, modern dance, and jazz, folk, classical and rock music. In recent years, the Festival has honored the achievements of Asian Pacific Americans in specific fields of endeavor, including music, literature, film and sports. The Coalition has successfully held Festivals both at Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park and at Union Square Park.