March 2026 Newsletter
Asian Night Market Festival Nominated for
USA TODAY 10BEST!
Our Asian Night Market Festival has been nominated for Best Night Market in USA TODAY 10BEST’s Reader’s Choice Awards!
An expert panel nominated their picks for the top night markets in the country, based on the diverse range of their booths or stalls, the unique and authentic foods and products on offer, their vibrant and energetic atmospheres, and opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture with games and performances.
You can vote once a day until polls close on Monday, April 13 at noon ET. The winning night markets, as determined by your vote, will be announced on Wednesday, April 22.
We’re in the running with some amazing festivals across the country, and are honored to be nominated alongside of them!
Photography: Ed Schotter
2026 Vendor Appilcations Open!
We’re excited to announce that vendor applications for the 2026 Asian Night Market Festival are now open!
This year’s festival will take place on October 2–3, 2026, and we are thrilled to welcome back the incredible food and retail vendors who help make this event such a vibrant celebration of Asian culture in Oklahoma City.
📅 Festival Hours:
Friday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM (extended hours!)
This year we are expanding our Saturday hours, starting at 12:00 PM instead of 5:00 PM, giving vendors more time to connect with guests and serve the thousands of attendees who come out to enjoy the festival.
Due to the growing popularity of the Asian Night Market Festival, vendor space is limited. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee a vendor spot, as selections will be made based on space availability and festival needs.
If you’re interested in participating as a vendor, please complete the application by July 1, 2026. The application includes important details about vendor eligibility, requirements, and booth costs.
Pictured is Emelio who won “Best Overall Pitch” and Cassie who won “Best Visual Presentation.
Standing in-between them are “singles”, Imran Kurani & Michael Schwarz.
Valentine’s Day Pitch to Pair
The 3rd Pitch to Pair was full of laughter and connection on Valentine’s Day at Han Jan Pocha. The sold-out crowd enjoyed an evening of creativity as participants took the stage to “pitch” their single friends and family members to the audience in hopes of finding them a match.
Presentations were both hilarious and heartfelt—some included singing, and one even featured a custom video! Emelio Daughtery won Best Overall Pitch for presenting his single cousin, Imran Kurani, while the undefeated Cassie Fluitt took home Best Visual Presentation for the third time for her pitch of longtime friend Michael Schwarz.
Thank you to Han Jan Pocha for hosting such a fun and memorable evening for the community! We hope to host another dating event some time in the summer!💘
Lunar New Year at Myriad Garden
Lunar New Year in partnership with Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City was a cold and windy day on February 21, 2026. The community came out to witness cultural performances and peruse vendors and food trucks that surrounded the Devon Lawn.
The Asian District Youth Board were there to hand out information about their upcoming Asian Youth Mingle and Asian Youth Empowerment Conference, as well as give away free plush toys and candies.
Several board members came to show support and run the Asian District Cultural Association booth to sell the “Year of the Horse” T-shirts!
An overall wonderful day of celebration to ring in Lunar New Year! Special shout-out to Executive Director, Steve Le, who emcee’d the event.
First Asian Youth Mingle at Grand House
Photos courtesy of Chris Dietrich from Westmoore High School
The Asian District Youth Board planned, organized and hosted its very first Asian Youth Mingle at Grand House at February 16, bringing together around 70 high school students from across Oklahoma City area for an evening of connection, fun, and community.
Students enjoyed several lively rounds of trivia, competing for prizes while connecting and meeting new people. Those feeling extra brave entered a raffle for the crowd-favorite Spicy Noodle Challenge, where participants tested their spice tolerance in front of cheering friends.
Attendees also enjoyed delicious food and refreshing matcha drinks provided by Necessity Matcha, which generously hosted a 15% giveback to support youth programming.
The event was a great success and marks the beginning of more youth-led gatherings aimed at building friendships and empowering the next generation of AANHPI in Oklahoma City.
A special thank you to Grand House for sponsoring the food and to Necessity Matcha for their generous community partnership. 💚
Upcoming Events
Gather & Connect:
Mahjong & Mingling
This event, in partnership with Oklahoma Mahjong, is sold out for March 24!
We hope to do this again soon. Thank you for those who will be participating. We look forward to seeing you!
Asian Youth Empowerment Conference
The annual Asian Youth Empowerment Conference will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at OCU’s Tom & Brenda University Center for High School AANHPI students!
Last year drew in 130 students from 22 different schools, so come to connect with other Asian youth, celebrate culture & build confidence.
Must register to attend— $15 fee, includes lunch & t-shirts.
Volunteer Opportunities
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It takes a village to plan this 2-day event for October 2 & 3rd! Apply to join the committee to help plan one of the largest cultural festivals in the state!
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We have heard that Classen is a hard stretch for marathon runners— so we are going to do our best to energize the Asian District area for our marathoners! Join us to help cheer, hand out drinks and snacks.
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Sign-Up will open in September!
Cheers to a great year ahead,
Asian District Cultural Association
