July 29, 2025

Knoxville Hosts 12th Annual Asian Festival

News Summary

Knoxville is set to celebrate its 12th annual Asian Festival at World’s Fair Park, featuring a diverse array of performances, food vendors, and cultural displays. With activities planned for all ages, the festival promises a vibrant atmosphere that highlights the rich traditions from various Asian cultures. Attendees can expect live music, dance performances, and a unique VIP event featuring sumo wrestling and sushi. Admission details and community outreach make this much-anticipated festival an inclusive event for everyone.

Knoxville Prepares for 12th Annual Asian Festival

Knoxville will host its 12th annual Asian Festival at World’s Fair Park on August 24, with an exciting lineup of activities and performances aimed at celebrating Asian arts and culture. The event will showcase diverse food, art, and cultural experiences from across Asia, providing a vibrant community atmosphere.

Festival Highlights

The festival will feature three performance stages where attendees can enjoy a variety of performances, including traditional music and dance. More than 52 food vendors will serve authentic dishes from across Asian cultures, along with over 85 craft and commercial vendors offering unique goods. Cultural pavilions representing 14 Asian countries, including Japan, China, India, and The Philippines, will provide insights and education about their respective traditions and customs.

For the first 8,000 guests, free water bottles will be distributed, and several facilities have been included to enhance the visitor experience, such as misting stations, shaded areas, water refill stations, and an open splash pad for cooling off in the summer heat. Admission prices are set at $3 in advance and $5 at the gate, while children under 12 can enter for free.

VIP Sushi & Sumo Event

In a unique pre-festival event, a VIP Sushi & Sumo evening will be held on August 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Amphitheatre. This event will feature live sumo wrestling matches with U.S. sumo champions and include sushi from Zukku Sushi. Tickets for this exclusive event start at $79.83 and also grant admission to the main festival.

Engaging Activities and Contests

This year’s festival will introduce Hawaiian fire dancing and hula performances for the first time. Additionally, attendees can participate in a “Passport Program,” allowing them to collect stamps from different cultural pavilions to win prizes. A cosplay contest will be hosted by Yama-Con, adding further engagement opportunities for guests. Kid-friendly activities will be available throughout the day, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Festival Schedule and Participants

The festival will officially kick off with a colorful cultural parade led by delegations from various participating countries at 10:30 a.m. Attendees will experience the rich diversity of cultures through dance, music, and cuisine. With over 50 food vendors and 85 craft vendors, festival-goers can savor a variety of sights and tastes in one central location.

Community Support and Educational Outreach

Volunteers are being sought to assist with the event. Interested individuals can sign up through the festival’s website. Proceeds from the VIP event will benefit the Asian Culture Center of Tennessee’s educational programming, which aims to reach K-12 schools in East Tennessee.

Official Capture of the Event

The festival will be documented by local photographer Scott Thompson, who will capture the cultural essence of this engaging community event, ensuring that the memories created are preserved for years to come.

The Knoxville Asian Festival promises to be a celebration of heritage and connection, welcoming all members of the community to come together to experience the richness of Asian cultures.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER

The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

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