The 2026 Cleveland Asian Festival (CAF) was a rousing success with overflowing crowds. In fact it was so busy that it had to shut down a few hours early on Sunday. Here is the unedited release from leaders to explain:
The 17th annual Cleveland Asian Festival drew a larger than expected number of attendees eager to enjoy the best showcase of Asian food and culture in northeast Ohio. The attendance peaked late Sunday afternoon to unprecedented levels, leading city officials to determine that the venue had reached a critical safety limit. Citing concerns over isolated heat-related medical incidents and restricted EMS access due to area road construction, traffic, and large crowds, the Cleveland Asian Festival was directed to close the festival early. The Cleveland Asian Festival immediately complied and worked alongside local authorities to conduct an orderly shutdown.
This year's festival once again showed the strength, pride, and unity of the community, highlighting Northeast Ohio's incredible enthusiasm for Asian culture. We are grateful to the partners and participants whose support transformed the heart of AsiaTown into a vibrant home for food, performance, and connection.
The Cleveland Asian Festival also reaffirms that AsiaTown is the rightful home of this event. The festival was created to celebrate and strengthen the neighborhood, support local businesses, and honor the history, identity, and continuing presence of Cleveland's Asian community. The Cleveland Asian Festival remains committed to working with community partners and public officials to ensure this important tradition continues to grow in a safe and welcoming way for all.
The Cleveland Asian Festival extends heartfelt thanks to its sponsors, supporters, volunteers, vendors, performers, attendees, the Cleveland Police Department, the sheriff's department, the festival security team, and the City of Cleveland for helping make this year's celebration possible. Gratitude goes to everyone who showed patience, understanding, and support throughout the weekend.
It has grown into such a "must-do" event since volunteers started it in 2010 largely in part to the Executive Committee of the Cleveland Asian Festival who deserve the credit (along with dozens of committee members and volunteers). From left to right: Wayne Wong, co-founders Lisa Wong. Johnny Wu and Vi Huynh, Michael Mendoza, Oanh Loi-Powell, Gabriel Kramer and Karis Tzeng.  CAF Executive Board
Here are some more photos courtesy of Oanh Loi-Powell and Rohit Shastry.
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