Wichitans not paying attention could miss this annual celebration of Asian food
Those who aren’t paying close attention to the Wichita calendar are at risk of missing one of the biggest foodie events of the year.
The annual Wichita Asian Festival, which always fills Century II with vendors selling foods from around Asia, is earlier than normal this year. Its 44th installment is happening from 5 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, but for decades, the event has always happened in mid- to late October.
This year, though, Century II was booked for the October dates that the Wichita Asian Association usually reserves, said the association’s president, Sonalli Kurlekar. Also, too many other fall festivals were scheduled this year on the festival’s usual dates, and organizers didn’t want to compete.
Though the festival will return to October next year, Kurlekar said, organizers say there could be some upsides to the date change this year: At least the weather will for sure be warm.
“We realize that if the weather is good, people show up, and we want the Wichita community to come and enjoy all the things we are planning for them,” she said.
Like always, the festival will include cultural performances, a Miss Asian pageant and vendors selling things like jewelry, anime items, accessories and clothing.
But the big draw will be the food. Kurlekar said that at least 60 different food vendors representing a long list of Asian countries have signed on. Several local restaurants will be there, including Yum Mi Express, China Town, Noble House, Umi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, Coffee Daze, Astoria Indian Grill, and New Paradise Biryani Pointe.
Other food vendors include student groups, church groups and caterers. A full list is below.
The festival will be spread out between Century II’s Convention and Exhibition halls. Tickets are $5 and available in advance at selectaseat.com or at the door. Children under 10 get in for free.
This story was originally published September 25, 2025 at 12:07 PM.
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