Most Clevelanders are familiar with the city’s AsiaTown, a neighborhood built by Chinese immigrants before welcoming an influx of Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese newcomers later in the 20^th century. Though AsiaTown earns every bit of its praise, Cleveland’s Asian diaspora also carries its own unique story, says Sunda Tan, cofounder of the Southeast Asian Festival.

Now in its second year at Edgewater Park, the Southeast Asian Festival will be building on the success of last summer’s debut when the festival returns as a full-day celebration this Sunday, Aug. 23, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Tan, a second-generation Cambodian-American whose parents fled the Khmer Rouge genocide, expects 2,000 to 3,000 visitors this weekend, doubling last year’s attendance. Guests will enjoy food, art, and live performances from a mixture of cultures, including Cambodian, Laotian, Vietnamese, Burmese, Malaysian, Filipino, and more.

According to the 2022 census, about 2.5% of Clevelanders identify as Asian. Asian-Indian (34%) comprises the largest population, followed by Chinese (26.1%), “other Asian” (15.3%), and Filipino (9%).

Tan says his goal isn’t just to spotlight Cleveland’s distinct communities, but to create a shared space where these groups can come together.

“In the 1990s, families often gathered at Edgewater Park, but separately, within their own communities,” says Tan, who launched the festival with friends and fellow entrepreneurs Daruny Mounthanivong and Adam Southivong. “That’s how divided our subcultures were. We said, ‘Hey, if we all come together, we can bring more eyes to us.’

“It wasn’t until our generation, the children of those families, that these communities began to mingle more closely, creating connections across cultures that had once existed largely side by side,” Tan continues. “To inspire the next generation to carry that on is very important.”

Peple of all backgrounds are welcome to Sunday’s free festivities, which will feature 17 performers, 25 food and beverage tables, and a curated market showcasing 60 artisan and community vendors.

Sunday’s fun is financed by nearly $8,000 in local grants, including a NeighborUp award from community-building nonprofit Neighborhood Connections. Additional funding comes from Northwest Neighborhoods, a community development corporation representing Edgewater, Cudell, and the Detroit Shoreway.

Thanks to additional support from Ward 11 Councilwoman Nikki Hudson—who helped secure a larger main stage and other municipal resources—Tan adds that the 2026 festival is poised to outshine even last year’s party.

“Last year was so successful, it would be great if this year turned out the same,” she says. “Our goal is to build on that momentum and grow our partnerships even more for next summer.”

For Tan and her co-organizers, the event is as much a platform for cultural advocacy as a celebration of distinct heritages. Tan, a Cudell resident and founder of the Self Love Club wellness community, recalls a time when her mother could walk to a Laotian grocery store or patronize other businesses steeped in Southeast Asian culture.

Through the festival, Tan hopes to honor a colorful assortment of cultures with deep roots in Cleveland.

“Last year’s inaugural festival proved just how deeply our community values these moments of connection and shared history,” Tan said in a press release. “With the dedicated support of [Councilwoman Hudson], we are thrilled to make this festival even more accessible, ensuring everyone in Cleveland can join us in celebrating the rich heritage and vibrant stories that continue to shape our neighborhood.”