April 2026 Newsletter
5th Annual Asian Youth Empowerment Conference
Inspires the Next Generation
On April 4, the Asian District Cultural Association proudly hosted the 5th Annual Asian Youth Empowerment Conference at Oklahoma City University, a powerful student-led event created by our Asian District Youth Board.
From 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, students from across the state from 16 different schools gathered for a day centered on the “Three C’s”: Culture, Connection, and Confidence.
This year’s impact was evident in the dedication of attendees—four students traveled long distances to be part of this experience, including one student who drove over four hours from Hooker, Oklahoma. We were also proud to welcome students from Pauls Valley and Cache, a true testament to how meaningful and needed this space is for AANHPI youth across the state.
Throughout the day, participants rotated through interactive workshops designed to educate, engage, and empower. The Culture workshop, led by Sainrithya Dance Academy, brought energy and excitement as students learned Indian dance choreography and performed together. Connection workshops encouraged relationship-building through team games and a hands-on tissue paper flower activity, tying into this year’s conference theme.
The Confidence workshop, led by therapist Jennifer Storm, created space for students to explore their AANHPI identity and build confidence in who they are.
The Lunch Expo, generously sponsored by the Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce, featured catering from Lee's Sandwiches and Happy Lemon. During this extended session, students connected with 30 career professionals, six cultural nonprofits, and higher education representatives from UCO, OU, and OCU.
The day concluded with 16 raffle giveaways and a $1,000 OCU scholarship awarded to Kamilla Quiambao of Norman North High School.
We are incredibly proud of our Youth Board for leading this impactful experience and grateful to our generous sponsors for making it all possible. Together, we are investing in the future leaders of our community.
Gather & Connect:
Mahjong & Mingle
On March 24, the Asian District Cultural Association hosted a fun and welcoming evening at our “Gather & Connect: Mahjong & Mingle” event!
In collaboration with Oklahoma Mahjong and hosted at Tastea Moment, we brought together community members for a night of connection, culture, and friendly competition. Fifteen participants had the opportunity to learn and play Japanese Mahjong, many for the very first time.
This free event created a relaxed space for people to meet, laugh, have boba and try something new.
We’re excited to continue creating opportunities like this that bring our community together in meaningful (and fun!) ways! 🀄
2026 Asian Night Market Planning Committee Begins!
ADCA is excited to officially kick off planning for the 2026 Asian Night Market Festival!
On April 9, our Planning Committee gathered for the first time to begin preparing for this year’s festival on October 2 & 3rd. What’s even more exciting is the incredible growth of this team—from 16 members in 2025 to 36 members this year!
Our dedicated volunteers are organized across six committees: Logistics, Development, Event Engagement, Programming, Volunteer, and Vendor—each playing a vital role in bringing this beloved community event to life.
As the festival continues to grow year after year, so does the passion and commitment behind it. We’re thrilled to build on that momentum and can’t wait to create an even more vibrant and impactful experience for our community in 2026.
ADCA + Bungalow 23
Dragon Boat Race Team
We’re excited to share that Asian District Cultural Association formed its first Dragon Boat racing team to compete in RIVERSPORT OKC’s Stars & Stripes River Festival on June 27, 2026!
ADCA is proud to partner with Bungalow 23 to bring this team to life. Over the next 10 weeks, our team will train together as we prepare to compete on the water.
Be sure to cheer us on and wish us luck! 🚣♀️
2026 Vendor Applications Open!
Vendor applications for the 2026 Asian Night Market Festival are 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.
Volunteer Opportunities
COME CHEER WITH US!
Join us on April 26th in the Asian District to help cheer the Memorial Marathon runners!
Upcoming Events
July 24:
Heart of the District Dinner
Join us as we reflect on our 2025 Impact, share stories of growth, and honor the individuals & organizations who help our community thrive.
Enjoy an inspiring evening filled with meaningful connections, delicious food, and a special cultural performance by KAPWA OKC.
We will be recognizing our 2026 Honorees:
Legacy Lantern Honorees: Nathan & Scarlet Cao
Asian District Anchor Honoree: Grand House
Cultural Luminary Honoree: KAPWA OKC
Cheers to a great year ahead,
Asian District Cultural Association
