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WCCC · Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month · 2026
亚洲文化节

Gateway
to Asia

Open the Door to Culture

A vibrant, free celebration of Asian cultures through performances, food, workshops, and family experiences — open to everyone at The Yard at Bayshore Shopping Center.

DateSaturday, May 16, 2026
Hours11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
LocationThe Yard at Bayshore Shopping Center
AdmissionFree & Family-Friendly
Register Now — Enter the Raffle! View Stage Schedule Passport Adventure Get Involved
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Free
Admission
6.5 hrs
Of Programming
8+
Asian Cultures
20+
Vendors & Booths
All Ages
Welcome
About the Festival

Celebrate. Connect.
Inspire.

Gateway to Asia is a free, family-friendly celebration of Asian traditions presented by the Wisconsin Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Bringing together culture, commerce, and community during Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this festival invites all of Wisconsin to discover the beauty, diversity, and joy of Asian heritage — through live performance, authentic food, hands-on workshops, and cultural storytelling.

View Schedule Explore Cultures
📅
Date
Saturday, May 16, 2026
🕙
Hours
11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
📍
Location
The Yard at Bayshore Shopping Center
Glendale, Wisconsin
🎟️
Admission
Free — Open to All
Families, community visitors, everyone welcome
🤝
Presented By
WCCC, HWCC, MCCC & AREAA Greater Milwaukee
Why This Festival Matters

Culture · Commerce · Community

Culture
Celebrate Traditions

Introduce families and neighbors to Asian traditions through performance, food, crafts, storytelling, and hands-on cultural learning experiences.

Community
Connect Wisconsin

Create a welcoming destination that brings together diverse communities, encourages discovery, and fosters lasting connections across Wisconsin.

Impact
Support Small Business

Spotlight Asian-owned businesses, engage local vendors, and provide a platform for community organizations to connect with new audiences.

Explore the Cultures

Eight Traditions, One Festival

China flag
China

Lion Dance, traditional fan dance, classical instruments, Chinese calligraphy, lantern coloring, and dumpling folding.

🌿
Hmong Heritage

Traditional dance, the Qeej bamboo instrument, Pov Pob, Hmong textiles, and cultural storytelling.

India flag
India

Bollywood showcase, classical dance, henna art, spice discovery, and a family Bollywood mini dance class.

Japan flag
Japan

Japanese Taiko drums, karate, tea ceremony highlights, origami, and hands-on rhythm activities for families.

Philippines flag
Philippines

Filipino folk dance, live music, Parol lantern craft, and family-friendly cultural participation.

Indonesia flag
Indonesia

Traditional Balinese and Javanese dance, gamelan music, and batik-inspired craft activities.

Laos flag
Laos

Traditional Lao dance and choreography celebrating the cultural heritage of the Lao community.

Thailand flag
Thailand

Classical Thai dance, storytelling, and cultural craft activities rooted in Thai tradition.

Festival Zones

A Full Day of Discovery

🎭 Main Performance Stage

Scheduled cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations, live music, and community showcases running all day.

🍜 Taste Zone

Asian food vendors, culinary demos, bubble tea, sushi handrolls, and chai tastings.

🎨 Workshop Alley

Calligraphy, origami, lantern making, henna art, tea etiquette, Bollywood mini-class, and instrument try-outs.

👧 Kids Corner

Crafts, folktales, percussion play, and engaging cultural activities designed for children and families all day.

🤝 Community Marketplace

Cultural organizations, artisans, schools, community groups, and local businesses sharing their stories and products.

📸 Photo & Costume Station

Traditional dress-up and photo opportunities featuring kimono, sari, Hmong attire, and Baro't Saya.

Asia Discovery Passport

Explore, Stamp, Win

Families can explore the entire festival through the Asia Discovery Passport Adventure. Collect stamps at cultural stations and return a completed passport to the Information Booth for a small prize.

1
Pick up your passport at the Information Booth
2
Visit cultural stations around the festival
3
Join a short activity at each station
4
Collect a stamp in your passport
5
Return your completed passport for a prize!
Cultural Activities
  • Chinese calligraphy mini lesson
  • Lantern coloring
  • Origami folding
  • Parol lantern craft
  • Batik-inspired stamping
More Stations
  • K-Pop dance moment
  • Taekwondo demonstration
  • Pov Pob ball toss
  • Henna demonstration
  • Bollywood mini dance class
Completion Prizes
  • Festival sticker set
  • Mini lantern
  • Cultural bookmark
  • Asian snack treat
  • Festival wristband
Main Stage Program

Saturday, May 16 — Full Day

11:00 – 11:30 AM
Grand Opening
  • Lion Dance (Grand Opening Performance)
  • Thailand Flower Dance
  • Opening speech
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
China — Traditional & Festival Arts
  • Traditional Fan Dance (classical/folk)
  • Plaza Dance Performance
  • Youth Dance Performance
12:30 – 1:00 PM
Japan — Rhythm & Discipline
  • Karate Demonstration (traditional kata + youth showcase)
  • Interactive Taiko Call-and-Response (family-friendly audience participation)
1:00 – 2:00 PM
🌏 Southeast Asia Showcase — Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines
  • Indonesia: Traditional Dance (Balinese/Javanese)
  • Philippines: Folk Dance & Rondalla Music
  • Interactive Cultural Dance with Kids (Indonesia, Lao, Philippines)
  • Thailand: Cultural Dance Performance
2:00 – 2:30 PM
Martial Arts & Movement
  • Karate Showcase & Youth Belt Demonstration
  • Interactive Kids Introduction (on-stage participation)
  • Plaza Dance Performance
2:30 – 3:00 PM
✨ Cultural Fusion & Sponsor Segment
  • Cultural Fusion Performances
  • Sponsor Remarks
  • Dragon Dance
3:00 – 3:30 PM
🌿 Hmong Cultural Showcase
  • Youth Hmong Dance Performance
  • Teen Hmong Dance Performance (Featuring Hmong Community Booth)
3:30 – 4:00 PM
India — Movement & Color Rhythm, Dance, and Ritual
  • Family Yoga Session (guided poses & breathwork)
  • Bollywood Dance Showcase
  • Classical Dance (Bharatanatyam or Kathak)
  • Family Bollywood Mini-Class (interactive)
4:00 – 5:00 PM
🎶 Contemporary & Fusion Showcase Young Voices of Asia
  • Live Band Performance
  • Thailand Youth Dance
  • Traditional Instrument Set (Erhu, Guzheng, Bamboo Flute)
  • Vocal Performance
  • Guzheng Solo
  • Chinese Youth Dance
  • K-Pop Dance
5:00 – 5:30 PM
Closing & Celebration
  • Finale Fusion Performance (Bollywood, K-Pop, Indonesian Dance)
  • Group Photo with Performers, Sponsors & Community Leaders
  • Closing Remarks & Acknowledgements
Vendors & Participation

Join the Festival

We are welcoming food vendors, cultural organizations, artists, dance studios, and community groups to be part of Gateway to Asia. This is a unique opportunity to share your culture, products, and story with thousands of festival visitors.

🍱 Food Vendors

Asian restaurants, food trucks, and culinary businesses. Share authentic flavors with festival visitors in a high-visibility, high-traffic setting.

🎨 Marketplace Vendors

Artists, crafters, cultural artisans, and retail businesses. Showcase and sell handmade goods, cultural products, and unique items.

🏫 Community Organizations

Cultural nonprofits, schools, language programs, and community groups. Connect with the public and raise awareness for your mission.

🥋 Activity Partners

Martial arts studios, dance schools, and cultural educators interested in hosting interactive demonstrations or workshop stations.

Ready to be part of Gateway to Asia?
Contact us to learn about booth availability, setup details, and participation requirements.
Contact Us
赞助商
Sponsorship Opportunities

Support Culture & Community

Align your brand with one of Wisconsin's premier Asian cultural events. Gateway to Asia offers meaningful visibility and community connection for sponsors of all sizes.

Become a Sponsor →
Our Sponsors
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Sponsorship Tiers
Presenting
$3,000
Title Sponsor
  • Premier logo placement on all materials
  • Recognition from the main stage
  • Dedicated booth presence at the event
  • Visibility across all event marketing
Performance
$1,500
Stage Sponsor
  • Stage signage & recognition
  • MC acknowledgement during performances
  • Performance area branding
Family
$1,000
Kids Corner Sponsor
  • Branding in the family activity area
  • Recognition in event materials
  • Direct connection with family audiences
Community
$500
Community Sponsor
  • Logo inclusion in event materials
  • Event acknowledgement
  • Community support recognition
Interested in sponsoring?
Let's talk about partnership opportunities.
Apply Now Contact WCCC
Presented By & Community Partners

Together We Celebrate

WCCC
Presenting Organization

Wisconsin Chinese Chamber of Commerce supports small businesses, entrepreneurship, and community connection across Wisconsin.

HWCC
Co-Host

Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce advances entrepreneurship, professional development, and economic opportunity within the Hmong community.

MCCC
Co-Host

Milwaukee Chinese Community Center promotes Chinese language education, cultural programs, and community engagement in the Milwaukee area.

AREAA
Co-Host

AREAA Greater Milwaukee supports homeownership, housing education, and professional collaboration in the Asian community.

Wisconsin Chinese Chamber of Commerce

Ready to Open the
Door to Culture?

Whether you want to attend, volunteer, vend, or sponsor — Gateway to Asia has a place for you. Reach out to get involved and help make this a celebration Wisconsin will remember.

Register Now — Enter the Raffle! Become a Vendor Explore Sponsorship

General inquiries: info@wisccc.org