Cary, NC – September 20, 2025
The Triangle’s annual Asian Festival and Dragon Boat Races marked its 10th anniversary at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre, drawing thousands of visitors for a full day of competition, culture, and community celebration. From early morning, the lakeside venue was alive with the sounds of drums, cheering fans, and the aromas of food from across Asia.
This year’s event broke records, with 40 dragon boat teams competing. Teams represented major corporations such as Google, Lenovo, and Cisco, as well as schools including Cary Academy and Durham Academy, along with community and family groups. Nearly 100 cultural booths showcased food, crafts, and activities from China, Vietnam, India, Japan, the Philippines, and beyond. Stage performances featured traditional and modern dances, music, and martial arts, creating a vibrant showcase of Asian heritage.The festival’s significance was underscored by the presence of leaders from every level of government—from members of Congress to state legislators and mayors from neighboring cities—reflecting the broad community support for this cultural milestone.
While the event celebrated Asian traditions, it also attracted a diverse audience. Many non-Asian residents joined the festivities, some through company-sponsored dragon boat teams and others out of a personal interest in learning more about Asian cultures. Their presence highlighted how the festival has grown into a unifying event for the entire region.
Overall, attendees praised the organization and atmosphere of the festival, though some noted that parking remained a challenge, with congestion and limited access creating difficulties for visitors. Still, the 10th anniversary celebration stood out as a resounding success, leaving the community with lasting memories of cultural exchange and shared joy.
