The City of Tulsa’s Asian Affairs Commission is launching its first major celebration of Asian cultures with the inaugural Tulsa Asia Fest, set for Jan. 31 at the Arvest Convention Center.
The event will run from 3 to 8 p.m. and is free to attend. Organizers say the festival is designed to showcase Tulsa’s growing Asian communities through music, dance, food and fashion, all while helping usher in the Year of the Horse.
A new cultural tradition for Tulsa
The Tulsa Asia Fest is the first city-sponsored festival of its kind focused entirely on Asian heritage and traditions. The event builds on the success of previous Lunar New Year celebrations held in the city.
“Building on the success of our community Lunar New Year event, the Asian Affairs Commission is excited to kickstart a new community tradition with the Tulsa Asia Fest,” said Sarah Gilpin, chair of the Asian Affairs Commission. “Tulsans will be able to take part in the citywide lunar new year celebrations and experience the vibrant cultures of our Asian community.”
What to expect at Tulsa Asia Fest
Attendees can expect a mix of cultural showcases, local artisans, and educational experiences throughout the five-hour event.
Highlights include:
- 3 p.m. – Doors open to artisan and food vendors, along with interactive educational booths
- 3:45 p.m. – Opening ceremony followed by community-led cultural performances
- 5:30 p.m. – Fashion show highlighting traditional attire from dozens of Asian cultures represented in Tulsa
- 7:15 p.m. – Closing remarks and a grand finale of cultural performances, including a traditional dragon dance
About the Asian Affairs Commission
Created in 2023 by city ordinance, the Asian Affairs Commission includes 15 representatives from Tulsa’s Asian communities. The group advises city leaders and works to increase representation and visibility for Asian immigrant and refugee populations.
The commission is one of six Title V bodies that advocate for historically underrepresented groups in Tulsa, including Latino, African American, Native American, women’s and human rights commissions.
For more information, visit tulsaasiafest.com.