The first-ever Hudson Valley Asian Festival brought together culture, business, and community on May 2, 2026, at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, drawing visitors, vendors, and performers from across the region.
Organized by the Hudson Valley Asian American Chamber of Commerce in partnership with New Century Festivals, the event marked a vibrant celebration of Asian Heritage Month and a milestone for the growing Asian American community in the Hudson Valley.
Building community and economic connections
Dr. Sean Lin, Executive Vice President of the Chamber, said the festival aims to unite local Asian businesses while strengthening ties with the broader community.
“Our goal is to bring people together—culturally and economically,” Lin said. “We want to showcase the richness of Asian culture beyond food, and create opportunities for collaboration and growth in the region.”
Founded in 2025, the Chamber seeks to support Asian-owned businesses and connect them with local and international partners.
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Vendors bring culture, education, and innovation
Dozens of vendors showcased a wide range of cultural traditions, educational programs, and local businesses, offering visitors both hands-on experiences and deeper cultural insight.
At the Northern Academy booth, student creativity was on display through 3D-printed artwork and design projects. Karen Chang, Director of Admissions, explained the goal behind their participation: “We’re here to let people know about our college and showcase our students’ work. It’s a way for them to apply what they’ve learned and also learn business skills.”
Nearby, representatives from the Northern Foundation introduced plans for a new medical school in Middletown, emphasizing a more holistic approach to healthcare. “There’s a need for more primary care doctors in the community,” said Dr. Alejandro Centurion. “We’re looking at training physicians with a whole-person approach—mind, body, and spirit.”
Dr. Damon Noto added that the organization is currently focused on outreach. “We’re here to raise awareness about the school and connect with the community,” he said.
Cultural and digital platforms were also represented. Stephanie Zhang of Ganjing World said the organization’s mission aligns closely with the festival’s theme. “We want to bring people back to traditional culture,” she said. “We’re happy to share videos, stories, and content that help people reconnect with their roots.”
Local businesses also drew strong interest. At FaYuan Bookstore, visitors explored books, tea, and traditional items. “Some people are interested in the books, others in the cultural stories,” said staff member Sally. “Many are curious and want to learn more.”
Meanwhile, Aline Zhang of Orient Green Farm shared not only farm products but also a philosophy of sustainable living rooted in tradition. “When I work on the farm, I feel connected to nature and to my family,” she said. “We want people to understand that connection and where their food comes from.”
Visitors discover something new
For many attendees, the festival was an unexpected but welcome experience.
Mark, a visitor who originally came to shop, said he was surprised to encounter the event. “It feels like a real community gathering,” he said. “I discovered new things, like local media and educational programs.”
Another family visiting from out of state said they were drawn in by the performances. “We usually come here for shopping, but the music and dance were something new for us,” one attendee said.
Performances highlight cultural heritage
Live performances throughout the day showcased traditional and contemporary Asian arts.
Athena Zhu, an erhu performer from Northern Academy, presented three musical pieces expressing hope and resilience. “I hope people feel happiness and gratitude through the music,” she said.
Other performances included Thai drum presentations, adding energy and rhythm to the festival atmosphere and engaging audiences of all ages.
A promising start
As the inaugural event, organizers see the festival as the beginning of a larger vision.
“This is just the start,” Lin said. “We hope to grow this into an annual tradition that brings more cultures, businesses, and communities together.”
With its blend of culture, education, and community engagement, the Hudson Valley Asian Festival offered a glimpse into the region’s diversity—and its potential for deeper connection.
