CelebrAsian 2026 to Welcome More Than 100,000 to Downtown Des Moines

The festival brings together communities representing more than 20 Asian countries and cultures through authentic food, live performances, cultural exhibits, educational activities, martial arts demonstrations, art, fashion and family-friendly experiences. It has become one of the signature multicultural events in Iowa and continues to grow every year.

This year’s theme is “The Story of US.” As America celebrates 250 years, many of our Asian communities are also reflecting on the stories, sacrifices, relationships and generations of people who helped shape America into what it is today. The theme focuses on storytelling not just where we came from, but how our communities have become part of Iowa and America.

As President of the Thai Association of Iowa, I have proudly participated in CelebrAsian for over a decade. What began years ago as a small effort to preserve Thai culture for our children has grown into a much larger community celebration. For many immigrant families like mine, this festival is deeply personal because it gives us the opportunity to share our heritage while also celebrating the life we have built here in Iowa.

The Thai Village has historically been one of the most active and recognized areas of the festival, winning multiple cultural awards throughout the years. This year, instead of competing, the Thai Village has been selected as the Showcase Village in recognition of our longtime participation and contributions to CelebrAsian.

2026 Thai Village Highlights

Some highlights guests can expect from the Thai Village this year include:

• Authentic Thai food prepared by local Thai families and volunteers
• Traditional Thai dance performances and cultural demonstrations
• Interactive cultural experiences
• Traditional Thai costume rentals where guests can dress in Thai attire and walk the festival for photos and fun
• Opportunities to learn about Thai traditions, celebrations, and history

What makes CelebrAsian special is that it is more than just a festival. It is truly a gathering of communities sharing culture, building understanding, and creating connections across generations and backgrounds. Many of us have spent years bringing our children into this event so they can grow up proud of who they are while also feeling connected to the broader Iowa community.

I think this year’s theme and the stories behind the communities would make for a meaningful Downtown DSM feature, especially during AAPI Heritage Month and America’s 250th celebration.

Here is the festival website for more information:
Iowa Asian Alliance – CelebrAsian 2026

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