Asian Festival On Main Draws Thousands To Old Town Fairfax: Video

FAIRFAX CITY, VA —Morning rain failed to dampen the spirits of the thousands of people who turned out Sunday for the Sixth Annual Asian Festival on Main in the City of Fairfax.

The annual street festival, organized by the Old Town Fairfax Business Association, filled the blocks of historic Old Town Fairfax with food, performances and cultural exhibits as organizers marked the sixth year of the event.

This year's event featured more than 60 Asian food vendors and more than 60 nonfood vendors and exhibitions, a cosplay runway, kids’ activities, a beer garden and special exhibits including an Otaku Garden dedicated to Japanese pop culture, according to the event's organizers.

Established in 2021, the Asian Festival has expanded into a major Asian showcase in the Washington metropolitan area with expected attendance of more than 20,000.

Tina Disch, executive director of the Old Town Fairfax Business Association, told the crowd the event aimed to deepen cultural understanding.

“One of the things that I really wanted to impart on you guys this year is we’re trying to do a lot more cultural learning,” Disch said, noting an Asian Cultures Plaza offering hands-on activities and a passport program for children. She also thanked sponsors and city partners and urged attendees to “go down to the Asian Cultures Plaza” and to “stay hydrated” during the hot day.

Mayor Catherine Read praised the festival as a collaborative effort and linked the celebration to Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

“When people have good ideas, and there are people who say, ‘We need to make that good idea real in this city.' It happens,” Read said, crediting community partners and volunteers. “Our city welcomes everyone,” she said, urging attendees to enjoy the music, food, dance and art on display.

The festival’s presenting sponsor was Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, and organizers highlighted the role of city government and local businesses in supporting the event.

Founded by the Old Town Fairfax Business Association in 2021 to unite the community and showcase Asian cultural traditions, the event continued to emphasize family-friendly activities and free admission, organizers said.