Welcome to the 13th Knox Asian Festival!
The 13th Knox Asian Festival, scheduled for August 30, 2026, at World’s Fair Park and the Knoxville Museum of Art, is a premier cultural event presented by the Asian Culture Center of Tennessee. This festival serves as a dynamic platform for fostering cross-cultural understanding, community engagement, and equitable access to diverse Asian traditions.
The festival will feature over 50 authentic food vendors representing 14 Asian countries, offering attendees an immersive culinary experience that highlights the richness and diversity of Asian cuisine. In addition, more than 120 commercial and craft vendors will showcase traditional arts, handmade goods, and cultural products, supporting small businesses and cultural entrepreneurs.
A cornerstone of the festival is the Passport Program, an interactive educational initiative designed to encourage attendees—particularly youth and families—to explore and learn about 14 different Asian countries. Participants visit cultural booths, engage with community representatives, and collect stamps in their festival passports. This hands-on experience promotes cultural literacy, curiosity, and meaningful engagement, with incentives that reward participation and learning.
The festival will also present continuous programming across three stages of live performances throughout both days, featuring traditional and contemporary artists. Highlighted performances include internationally recognized groups such as Matsuriza Taiko and a Japanese Koto (harp) ensemble, offering audiences an authentic and educational experience of Asian performing arts.
In addition, the festival will host a Kids Business Park, providing young entrepreneurs with opportunities to develop and showcase their business ideas in a supportive, real-world environment. This initiative promotes youth empowerment, creativity, and early exposure to entrepreneurship.
Through these combined efforts, the Knox Asian Festival continues to play a critical role in strengthening community connections, supporting cultural preservation, and expanding access to educational and cultural resources. Funding support will enable the festival to grow its impact, enhance program quality, and ensure inclusive participation for diverse and underserved communities