The Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival will once again return to Calder Plaza for its sixth year on June 10 – 11, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. This free, annual family-friendly event seeks to celebrate the Pacific Islander and Asian American communities right here in West Michigan and will feature a diversity of cultural performances, demonstrations, youth activities, a marketplace, Asian food trucks and booths, and more.
"The festival educates, entertains and brings the entire community together to showcase the unique Asian-Pacific cultures and peoples that live right here in the Grand Rapids area—and beyond," said Ace Marasigan, founder and CEO of the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation.
Marasigan says he's proud of their team, vendors, sponsors and entertainers, and emphasizes that without these integral components, they wouldn't be able create an epicenter of Asian-Pacific pride in the West Michigan community. Every year, the festival brings new musical acts, spotlights the diversity of the Asian-Pacific populations in Grand Rapids and pays tribute to those who have made a difference in the Asian-Pacific community.
Lovers of food and craft beer will have their choice of over 15 food vendors representing a variety of Asian-Pacific cuisine and brews created specifically for the festival, including a Hmong beer created in partnership with The Mitten and sponsored by Bangkok Taste Cuisine, and a Korean beer brewed by Founders. Both brews will be available to be enjoyed at the festival.
In addition, all month long during May—Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month—Founders is donating $1 per chosen pour back to The Asian-Pacific Foundation, which in turn supports the festival.
"This year's festival is going to be BIG!" Marasigan said. "From the cultural fashion shows, multitude of clothing and food vendors, kids shows and yoga to the many performances by Asian-Pacific musicians, there is something for everyone at the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival."
There are plenty of special festival events to look forward to for 2022, including a grand opening ceremony, a cultural fashion show, various dance and musical performances, and much more. Additional details can be found on the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation website and The Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival Facebook Event Page.
Those who are interested in volunteering for the event can learn more here, while interested sponsors can contact [email protected] for more information.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
Photos Courtesy of Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival
