Asian American and Pacific Islander Festival

Saturday, May 10, 2025
12:00 PM  5:00 PM
Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods

Are you ready for an unforgettable celebration of diversity, community, and rich heritage? Look no further than the 4th annual AAPI Festival at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods in Columbia, Maryland!

This FREE family-friendly festival is filled with colorful performances and is a perfect way to introduce cultural celebration to your family during Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month.

AAPI Festival Performance - Photo Courtesy of Howard County Government

Hosted by County Executive Calvin Ball and the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission, in partnership with the Inner Arbor Trust, this free festival is a vibrant celebration of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Howard County, Maryland and beyond.

Find community and connection while enjoying live music, dance performances, diverse food vendors, and cultural games & crafts! 

AAPI Festival Performance - Photo Courtesy of Howard County Government

This year's AAPI Festival will open with a Parade of Cultures through Merriweather Park, ending on the iconic Chrysalis stage, and signalling the start of the celebration!

Enjoy music, dance, martial arts, and fashion as part of the live performances, then join in the celebration for yourself with hands-on games, interactive activities, and crafts! Try out your musical talents with drums and dance, or learn a new skill like origami or calligraphy.

While your eyes and ears take in the rainbow of performers, your sense of taste can try authentic Asian and Pacific Islander cuisines from local food trucks. After the festival, you can keep your celebration going by taking a culinary adventure to the diverse restaurants found in Koreatown, Maryland.

This festival is a great chance to connect with local organizations that provide resources to support the AAPI community. There will also be local AAPI artisans and business vendors available for you to shop small and find unique gifts.

AAPI Performer at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods

Extend Your Stay during AAPI Heritage Month

Why rush off when you can make a weekend out of it? Consider staying overnight at WhyHotel at Placemakr Columbia and explore everything Howard County has to offer. With its welcoming atmosphere and abundance of dining and shopping options, you'll feel right at home.

So mark your calendars, and gather your friends and family for a day of celebration, unity, and cultural enrichment at the 2025 AAPI Festival in Howard County, Maryland.