Every year, the vibrant Knoxville Asian Festival returns to downtown Knoxville, immersing the city in a blend of tantalizing aromas and captivating performances from various Asian countries. The 11th annual Knox Asian Festival is set to open its doors to the public on Sept. 8 at 10:30 a.m., offering an array of authentic foods representing nations such as China, The Philippines, Taiwan, Bangladesh, and Malaysia.
Poster Contest Winner
Leading up to the festival, a poster contest was held, with the top honors going to Margarita Lu-McClure. Her design, featuring The Sunsphere in a traditional Asian style, graced promotional materials and will be prominently displayed during the event.
Culinary Delights and Cultural Showcases
The festival, held at World's Fair Park, will feature a myriad of vendors showcasing their culinary skills and cultural performances from their respective countries. The performance lawn will house country-specific booths offering a diverse range of activities for attendees to enjoy.
Exciting Program Line-Up
At 10:15 a.m., the Asian Cultural Parade will kick off, leading towards the amphitheater followed by a concert at 11:10 a.m. by the Clayton-Bradley Academy. Concurrently, various performances and activities, including Korean fan dancers, a presentation by the Knoxville Kendo Club, an Asian fashion show, and a cosplay contest, will take place on the festival and performance lawns.
Ninja Spectacular
One of the main attractions of this year's festival is the performance by ASHURA, a ninja corps known for their thrilling demonstrations of shuriken, sword-fighting, and kusarigama. Attendees who purchase a $25 VIP ticket for the pre-event on Sept. 7 can witness the ninja performance along with a Japanese drum show and Indian dance. On the festival day, Sept. 8, entry will be $3.
Supporting Asian Culture
While the event was previously free, this year's organizers have introduced a $3 admission fee to help sustain and expand the festival. Kumi Alderman, one of the organizers, expressed that the proceeds would contribute to the growth of the festival and their organization's mission to promote Asian culture through educational programs and outreach initiatives.
Don't miss the opportunity to experience the vibrant tapestry of Asian culture at the Knoxville Asian Festival. Join us for a day filled with delectable cuisine, captivating performances, and an unforgettable ninja spectacle!