Celebrate Asian Heritage in Wichita!
In the biggest city in the state of Kansas, you can expect a wide variety of cultural events and attractions. For 41 years, the Wichita Asian Festival has been bringing Kansans together to share an appreciation for Asian culture. Known for offering the discovery of rich culture, traditional outfits, masterful performances and food representative of a variety of Asian countries, this year’s festival will take place on Saturday, Oct.15, at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center.
Want to attend? Here are five things to know about the Wichita Asian Festival.
1. New VIP tickets
For the first time ever, the Wichita Asian Festival will charge a $5 admission fee for those 10 and above. This year the festival will also be selling a select number of VIP tickets, which include skipping long food vendor lines and early entry into the festival! Half of the proceeds from ticket purchases will go back to supporting the Wichita Asian community, specifically in the form of academic scholarships for local youth. Purchase both VIP and general admission tickets here.
2. Live Performances and Entertainment
There will be multiple on-stage performances highlighting different traditions and values of Asian culture.
- Traditional dances and music
- Multiple Asian countries and religions represented
3. Asian Flavors
Taste the flavorful food from various Asian countries.
- Purchase delicious Asian food made from family recipes and representing a variety of countries including Philippines, India, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and more
- 20 food vendors on site
4. Vendors and Merchants
View traditional clothing and find unique, handmade items.
- Browse and buy cultural handmade items from craft vendors
- Artwork and crafts not typically available in Wichita will be on hand, representing 7 countries in Asia
5. Miss Wichita Asian Festival Pageant
There will be eight contestants competing in the Miss Wichita Asian Festival.
The contestants represent Nepal, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Vietnam, Philippines, and Laos as follows:
- Miss Nepal: Aakriti Adhikari
- Miss Cambodia: Dominique Lam
- Miss Bangladesh: Toyeba Khan
- Miss Pakistan: Sahareem Zia
- Miss India: Aruna Murugesan
- Miss Vietnam: Michelle Tong
- Miss Philippines: Trinity Rouse
- Miss Laos: Amelia Phommachanh
The Miss Asian Festival Pageant winner in 2021, Miss Philippines, Via Bayani Heitzman, will be presenting the crown to the winner of the 2022 pageant.
Additionally, Lily Wu, anchor and reporter with KWCH-TV, will emcee the event. For more information and updates, visit the festival’s Facebook page.
If you’re looking for other things to do in Wichita, check out their calendar of events.