Tulsa’s Asian Affairs Commission voted to pause its popular Asia Fest in 2027, saying the decision reflects the event’s rapid growth — not a lack of community interest.
During a May 5 meeting, commissioners said the festival’s popularity quickly outpaced the volunteer-led commission’s capacity. The group’s first Lunar New Year celebration in February 2025 drew more than 1,000 attendees, far exceeding expectations. By the following January, Asia Fest had grown into an event drawing thousands to the Arvest Convention Center.
Because the commission primarily serves as an appointed advisory group to the mayor and city council, members said producing an event of that scale required significant volunteer labor and was not sustainable in its current form.
Rather than rushing to recreate the festival next year, commissioners said the pause will allow time to rethink the event’s long-term structure, build partnerships, raise money, clarify its purpose and give incoming leadership time to develop a stronger strategy.
“We’re not disappearing. We will still have community presence,” Commissioner Sofia Noshay said, noting the commission plans to remain active through other community events.
Other events spotlighting the Asian community include Tulsa Global District’s annual Asian American Night Market, set for 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at Hannah Hall.
This was informed by Tori Ross’s Documenter notes from the Tulsa Asian Affairs Commission meeting on May 5. If you’re interested in becoming a Documenter, visit us at documenters.org.
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