women dance in colorful costumes at the Courtesy of Asian Festival on Main in Fairfax

Food & Drink

7 Asian Festivals in Northern Virginia and DC This May

Enjoy authentic street food, vendors, and live music at these celebrations of Asian community and culture.

By Kate Oczypok April 24, 2026 at 7:00 am

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Local groups in Northern Virginia and DC are hosting Asian festivals and events celebrating the culture, traditions, and history of Asian Americas. Here are seven events — all free of charge — to check out.

IlluminAsia at The National Museum of Asian Art
Throughout May

The annual IlluminAsia Festival is celebrating America250 by honoring Asian American storytelling. During the month of May, the festival will bring individuals together to commemorate AANHPI perspectives and achievements in arts and culture. There are plans for a children’s book fair on May 23, a Bruce Lee night on May 22, and more. 1050 Independence Ave. SW, DC, free admission

2026 Fiesta Asia Street Fair
May 16, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Allow plenty of time to see more than 1,000 performers, vendors, and artisans at this Capitol Hill festival celebrating Asian heritage. Now in its 21^st year, the street fair is the longest-running free Pan-Asian festival in the DMV. 400 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC, free

Asian Festival on Main
May 17, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Over 60 food vendors will be serving a wide range of Asian street food, and local artisans and vendors will be showcasing their wares. Check out free games, an Otaku garden, a Cosplay runway, karaoke, and a beer garden. Throughout the day, cultural performances and showcases are scheduled. 3999 University Dr., Fairfax, free

people learn dance steps in the street at the Asian Festival on Main in Fairfax — *Courtesy Asian Festival on Main*

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration
May 23, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Celebrate the diverse cultures of Asia at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space in Annandale. All programming is held outdoors, rain or shine. Guests are encouraged to walk, bus, or bike, as parking is limited. 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, free

DMV Asian Night Market
May 23, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Check out Asian street food, vendors, and more in a night market atmosphere. There will also be live music, and the event has free admission and parking and is also pet friendly. 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, free

Dancers perform at the Fil-Am Spring Fest in Fairfax — *Fil-Am Spring Fest (Courtesy Jerie May Photography)*

Fil-Am Spring Fest
May 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This spring festival supports programs serving local families and those in the Philippines as well. Expect lots of Filipino food and desserts, including food trucks, live cultural performances and entertainment, and booths with local vendors, small businesses, and nonprofits. Family-friendly activities and interactive experiences will be held throughout the day. 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, free

Asian American Pacific Islander Month Celebration
May 30, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

This free event celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures through food, music, art, and community storytelling. In addition to local vendors and live entertainment, communities can take in cultural demonstrations and youth activities. 4653 Taney Ave., Alexandria, free

Feature image courtesy Asian Festival on Main

Kate Oczypok

Contributing Writer

Kate Oczypok has been a freelance writer since 2011, and is proud to be a regular contributor to Northern Virginia Magazine in digital and print since 2020. Her bylines have appeared in The New York Times, People.com, Better Homes and Gardens, and locally The Georgetowner and Washingtonian Magazine, among others. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism from American University and a M.Ed. in Education from Penn State. She also teaches virtual piano lessons in the after school hours and does portrait photography on weekends.