Artwork by Shay Xie (谢春晖), shapeofsunshine.co

A note about the art: We have chosen to represent our diverse heritages through the beauty of our flowers.

Asian and Pacific
Heritage Festival 2026

Saturday May 30, 2026

12 - 5 PM
Waverly Place (Between Sacramento and Washington)

  • The Asian and Pacific Heritage Festival (APHF) is a free, public event that celebrates the AAPI diaspora, highlighting our unique cultures, languages, art, and traditions. The event features vendors, artists, informational booths, live performances, and interactive cultural activities. San Francisco’s historic Chinatown is this year’s venue as it is a cultural hub for many, if not most, of the Asian communities in the Bay Area.

    Event goals:

    • Celebrate the diversity of the AAPI diaspora

    • Highlight local orgs dedicated to passing their culture and traditions on to the next generation

    • Offer free, interactive mini classes featuring cultural activities

  • Chinatown is a big cultural hub for many, if not most, Asian communities in the Bay Area. Much of the Asian diaspora came through San Francisco, ultimately landing in the area known as Chinatown. The area surrounding modern-day Chinatown was populated with people from other Asian countries and it is important to note that Chinatown has always been a place that was built upon diverse Asian heritage. 

    Many of the locals and businesses are from various Asian countries, including, but not limited to, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and many more. Chinatown has never been a place for solely those of Chinese descent, but a welcoming place for all individuals with Asian heritage. By having Chinatown be the site of this celebratory event, we hope to help share each of our cultures and highlight the fact that so many other cultures and heritages call Chinatown home.

  • CVC wants to thank our supporting vendors and performers for this year’s event!

    BeChinatown, Unbound Bookstore, Clarion Performing Arts Center, Korean Center, Inc., Southeast Asian Community Center, On Waverly collab with The Very Asian Foundation, Waverly Services and Print, Bay Area Independent Chinese Dancers, Tai Chi Bagua Wellness Institute, West Coast Lion Dance Troupe & Long Fist Kung Fu, Ryan Boun of the San Jose Cambodian Cultural Dance Troupe, Nang Ann Pfa

Nang Ann Pfa

Festival Info

  • 12:00 PM West Coast Lion Dance Troupe & Long Fist Kung Fu Association

    12:30 PM Nang Ann Pfa

    1:00 PM Bay Area Independent Chinese Dancers

    1:30 PM Passerby Karaoke

    2:00 PM Passerby Karaoke

    2:30 PM Tai Chi Bagua Wellness Institute

    3:00 PM Ryan Boun (San Jose Cultural Dance Troupe)

    3:30 PM Raffle

    4:00 PM Southeast Asian Community Center

  • Clarion Performing Arts Center - Clarion Performing Arts Center provides education and live performance opportunities by fusing music, poetry, theater and visual art as one organic artistic experience. Its program aims to inspire and empower youth, seniors and the underserved immigrant community in San Francisco Chinatown, transform society's view on Asian Americans, and provide a safe and sacred space for addressing current social issues that impact the Asian community. Website

    Korean Center, Inc. - Korean Center, Inc. (KCI) is a leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing Korean culture and connecting generations across the San Francisco Bay Area. It serves as a vital cultural hub, offering diverse programs that engage both Korean Americans and the broader community. Through education, cultural initiatives, and community services, KCI enriches lives while fostering meaningful cross-cultural connections. Its annual Chuseok Festival in the Presidio—welcoming over 12,000 attendees—has become one of the region’s most recognized celebrations of Korean culture and shared heritage. WebsiteInstagram

    On Waverly collab with The Very Asian Foundation - On Waverly is a thoughtfully curated shop and creative space located in the heart of San Francisco's historic Chinatown. Opened in December 2023 by sisters Cynthia and Jennifer Huie, the store is dedicated to showcasing the talents of Asian American Pacific Islander Native Hawaiian (AAPINH) artists, authors, and makers. With a diverse selection of books, art, stationery, and gifts, On Waverly serves as both a retail destination and a community hub, hosting events that inspire meaningful conversations and connections. Website

    The Very Asian Foundation - Through our mission, we try to bridge the gap between community and journalism by serving the underserved and solving problems. We help libraries build diverse collections through The May Book Project. We help people chase their dreams with The Creators Microgrant Program. We host events and pop-ups to build stronger communities with our partners. We amplify and support AA and NHPI groups and issues. Through our mission, we try to bridge the gap between community and journalism by serving the underserved and solving problems. Website

    South East Asian Community Center (SEACC) - The Southeast Asian Community Center (SEACC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1975 to support Southeast Asian refugees and immigrant communities in Northern California. Based in San Francisco, SEACC provides services including housing counseling, employment training, SBA Micro Loan programs, small business assistance, advocacy, and cultural preservation initiatives. The organization works to empower individuals and families by promoting self-sufficiency, economic opportunity, and community leadership across the Greater Bay Area. Website

    Unbound Bookstore (格外书店)- Unbound Bookstore (格外书店 in Chinese) is a new independent Chinese bookstore located in San Francisco's Chinatown. It serves as a vibrant cultural "third space," aiming to foster discovery, connection, and a deeper engagement with Chinese culture within the Bay Area community. We offer a curated selection of Chinese books, including simplified and traditional Chinese, in addition to a growing selection of English books, and aspire to be a focal point to the region's rich cultural life. Website‍ ‍Instagram

    Waverly Services and Print - Waverly Services and Print (formerly Culture Lite Printing) is a local, woman-owned, professional printing business known for high quality prints, fast turnaround time, and friendly service. From posters and banners, business cards and stationary, to fine art prints and document printing, Waverly Services and Print can meet your printing needs. Google Maps

  • Bay Area Independent Chinese Dancers (灣區獨立舞者) - Bay Area Independent Chinese Dancers is a collective of independent Chinese dancers, choreographers, and allied artists who use traditional arts to tell new Bay Area and global stories in our own voices. While we were created to provide a gender-inclusive home for 22-50 year-old Chinese dancers, we are open to anyone who shares our passion for creating new work in traditional arts and original interpretations of derived pieces, regardless of age, national origin, gender, or other dance team/studio affiliations. Our goal is not to replicate the traditional studio model, but to focus on original choreographies and solos that better fit with working adults' schedules while democratizing individual dancers' artistic voice. We hope to connect traditional audiences with local issues, and use our public engagement to introduce new communities to the diversity of Chinese dance. Facebook‍ ‍Instagram

    South East Asian Community Center (SEACC) - The Southeast Asian Community Center (SEACC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1975 to support Southeast Asian refugees and immigrant communities in Northern California. Based in San Francisco, SEACC provides services including housing counseling, employment training, SBA Micro Loan programs, small business assistance, advocacy, and cultural preservation initiatives. The organization works to empower individuals and families by promoting self-sufficiency, economic opportunity, and community leadership across the Greater Bay Area. Website

    Tai Chi Bagua Wellness Institute - An inductee to the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame and 9-time International All-Around Grand Champion, Dr. Mike J. Ng is an integrative health educator, clinician, and movement specialist with over 30 years of experience blending Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Acupuncture, and Traditional Chinese Medicine to support stress resilience, nervous system regulation, and mind-body awareness.  In today’s demonstration, participants will have the opportunity to discover how Tai Chi can enhance mental and physical health with a flow focused on restoring balance, releasing tension, and promoting calm and relaxation. Website

    West Coast Lion Dance Troupe - Founded in 1988 by Sifu Tony Shiu, the West Coast Lion Dance Troupe strives to promote the tradition of lion dance and pass along the culture behind the art of Lion Dancing in the Bay Area.

    Long Fist Kung Fu - Long Fist Kung Fu Association in Clovis, CA brings 23 years of training experience in traditional kung fu and lion dance. We teach kids classes, adult programs, kickboxing, and performance training. Students trust our structured approach, strong instruction, and consistent results built through disciplined training and real skill development. Website

    Ryan Boun of the San Jose Cambodian Cultural Dance Troupe - I will be presenting some short excerpts of Cambodian classical dance, showcasing various character archetypes found within the dance style, such as the Neang (Princess Role) Neayrong (Prince Role) Yeak (Ogre role) and Sva (Monkey role). They all have their own music that is used to accompany the performances. I teach with the San Jose Cambodian Cultural dance Troupe, a program of the Cambodian American Resource Agency in San Jose, California. Website‍ ‍Instagram‍ ‍Facebook

    Nang Ann Pfa - Nang Ann Fha represents the beauty, spirit, and traditions of Laos through culture, art, and performance. Like a graceful bird of the sky, we carry the heart of Laos and share it with the world.

  • Where is the Festival?
    The festival will be located at Waverly Place (Between Sacramento and Washington) in San Francisco Chinatown.

    Is there an Entrance Fee?
    This event is FREE admission for all attendees! But we appreciate any and all donations.

    What time does the Festival Start?
    The festival officially begins at 12 pm. There will be an opening ceremony to commemorate the start.

    What time does the Festival End?
    The last performance and closing ceremony will begin at 4:00 pm. The festival ends at 5 pm.

    How do I get to the Festival
    Driving: Parking is available at Portsmouth Square (check hourly rates) or at St Mary’s Square Parking Garage (entrances on Pine st. and California st. only; $8 for 12 hours on) weekends).

    Bus lines: T-Line, Cablecar, 30 Stockton, 45 Union, 1 California, 8 Bayshore, and 12 Folsom-Pacific will get you to Chinatown. Check the Muni site for schedule.

    Will there be food for sale?
    Unfortunately, food and drinks will not be for sale at the event. However, there are many delicious restaurants and cafes throughout Chinatown if you’re looking for something to eat.

    Who are the organizers?
    The Chinatown Volunteer Coalition, CVC, is a not-for-profit volunteer organization that is dedicated to support the San Francisco diverse Asian American diasporic communities through advocating for increasing language access to resources, promoting and supporting ethnic enclaves, and fostering a new and caring Asian American community to mentor and lead future generations of Asian Americans.

    How can I get involved?
    Fill out our form if you’d like to get involved with CVC in our “Get Involved” Section

  • Click here to help make this and future events possible. We appreciate any and all support!

    Suggested levels of support:

    • CVC Fandom Sponsor at $20

    • Friends of CVC Sponsor at $100

    • Community Sponsor at $500

    • Champion Sponsor at $1000

    • Partner Sponsor at $5,000

    • Title Sponsor at $10,000

Event Map

Waverly Place (Between Sacramento and Washington), San Francisco Chinatown

Upcoming Events

Want to Perform or Table next year?

Check out our previous Heritage Festivals!