614NOW Survival Guide: Asian Festival

Every year, the beautiful and lush space at Franklin Park Conservatory plays host to The Asian Festival. It’s a festival where Ohioans come together to celebrate all Asian cultures and cuisines ranging from China to India to Vietnam. Whether it’s inspired dance, martial arts, or new-to-you desserts, this festival offers a chance to explore Columbus’s rich Asian culture while enjoying a day at the Conservatory.

And before you head out this weekend, here are a few tips to making the most out of Asian Festival.

Let’s Just Get This Out Of The Way Now: It’s Free

Obviously, food and drinks, and anything else you want to purchase costs money, but it’s totally free to hang out. Bring your little ones! This time you won’t have to use the classic white lie to get free admission. You know the conversation I’m talking about: “Ok, today, you guys are all 10-years-old, got it?”

Hot From The Sun? Cool Off With Dessert

Asian Festival is mostly outdoors and Ohio’s summers can be just as brutal as Ohio’s winters. J-Pops are popsicles, but these send your local ice cream truck guy running home to his mom. These gourmet pops come in flavors like lemon basil or watermelon mint. On the other hand, options like Aloha Ice is your stop for shaved ice in a multitude of flavors. And of course, rolled ice cream courtesy of Simply Rolled Ice Cream LLC is your Insta-aesthetic option.

So You Think You Can… Art?

You don’t have to be exclusive to being a spectator throughout the weekend, there’s plenty of ways to participate. Saturday is loaded from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with craft-driven activities like Chinese calligraphy at 10 a.m., or paper animal construction at 4 p.m. Sunday keeps this ball rolling with activities like kimono design at 2 p.m.

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Step Out Of Your Cuisine Comfort Zone!

The classic American/Midwesterner in you might only think of that takeout joint down the road from your house when you think of Asian cuisine, but I’m here to tell you, you’re sorely mistaken and missing out. Asian food spans across many different countries. Do you love Ramen? Ok, admittedly, that’s an easy one, but your kids will know it and probably love it* (*no promises, kids are unpredictable).

What about Bahn Mi? Never had it? It’s a Vietnamese sandwich that will change your damn life. There’s also the opportunity to try the popular Hawaiian dish, poke—a rice bowl that typically features raw fish with veggies and sauces. Even your vegan friends can find a delicious Indian meal from Flavors Of India.

Have A (Tea) Party!

Saturday also plays host to tea tastings for those looking for something new in their mugs. The first of the two is slated earlier in the day while the second will serve as one of the last events to cap off the first day of the festival.

Asian Festival is happening Saturday, June 25 from 10:00AM- 8:00PM and Sunday, June 26 from 10:00AM0 6:00PM at Franklin Park.

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