The following is a press release written by Andrew Shannon and Desiree DeMolina for The City of Bloomington.
Bloomington, Ind. – The Indiana University Asian Culture Center, in partnership with the City of Bloomington’s Community and Family Resources Department, will host Asianfest, an annual event celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The festival will include an outdoor street fair and a series of cultural performances, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to engage with the diverse traditions, stories, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
Asianfest will take place in two locations:
- Outdoor Festival – Kirkwood Avenue (between Walnut and Washington Streets) from 5-7 p.m. This portion of the event will feature food trucks, activity booths, games, and interactive cultural displays.
- Cultural Performances – Buskirk-Chumley Theater (114 E. Kirkwood Avenue) from 7-8:30 p.m.
Events are free and open to the public.
The theme of the 2025 celebration, "Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander History and Community," emphasizes the shared history and cultural diversity within these communities. The event aims to highlight the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals while fostering cross-cultural connections in Bloomington.
“This celebration serves as a reminder that our city thrives on the diverse traditions and stories that shape it,” said Andrew Shannon, Safe and Civil City Director. “Asianfest is an opportunity to learn, engage, and honor the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities while strengthening our shared commitment to inclusion and understanding.”
- Attendees will experience a variety of performances and cultural traditions, including:
- Musical Performances – A clarinet and saxophone duo and a trio from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music performing works inspired by the 2024 Lunar New Year (Year of the Dragon) and “Saans” by Indian American composer Reena Esmail.
- Tinikling – A traditional Filipino dance presented by the Filipino American Association.
- Fan Hat Dance – A performance by the Vietnamese Student Association.
- Cultural Cuisine Sampling – A tasting experience featuring regional Asian dishes.
Additional performances and activities will be announced leading up to the event.
Asianfest is made possible through the contributions of sponsors and community organizations committed to celebrating Bloomington’s diversity. A full list of sponsors and event partners can be found at Indiana University’s Asian Culture Center.
For event updates and additional details, visit Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Events.
For more information, please contact Andrew Shannon, Safe and Civil City Director andrew.shannon@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3559.
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