Performance Information: Know Before You Go
From Plano AsiaFest Information
Performers can find information here on how to prepare to have a successful performance at AsiaFest.
Apply to perform
Applications are now open for Plano AsiaFest 2026!
Performance Application Form (Online Google Forms)
Submitting music
Music submission will open for accepted performances in April 2026.
Parking info
Loading permits are available by request. An email has been sent to all performers with information on how one may be requested.
Performers should park away from the Haggard Park parking lot in one of the other parking lots listed on the map below.
Performers are only offered the opportunity to temporarily use the Haggard Park Lot (in the below map, it is labeled by "Haggard Park parking lot is RESERVED") for loading and unloading only. Several spaces will be reserved for immediate loading and unloading only. This helps us reserve enough space for performers and vendors to move things in and out of the festival.
Only authorized people with parking decals can stay parked in the parking lot—performers will not be given parking decals, and therefore cannot remain parked in the lot. When going to the parking lot, please tell the parking lot attendant you are a performer.
The Plano Police Department has directed us to enhance traffic management for accessing the Haggard Park parking lot. To enter the Haggard Park parking lot, you must come on 15th Street from the west to the east. You will then need to wait in the left-turn lane for the parking lot attendant to let you in. Traffic coming from the east to the west will not be allowed to right turn because it will cause a traffic jam and cars may get stuck on the railroad track, which poses a serious safety concern. Please consider taking 14th Street west until H Avenue. Then, right turn onto H Avenue and go north. Finally, right turn onto 15th Street to go east and get into the left turn lane into the Haggard Park parking lot. Even though performers are authorized to enter the parking lot for loading/unloading, all performers must enter by coming from the west going east and left turn into the parking lot. Due to safety concerns and instructions we have received from the Plano Police Department, ALL right turns will be rejected.
Checking in and preparing for your performance
Please be at the stage at least 30 minutes before you are scheduled to perform, because sometimes the schedule could move earlier or later depending on the situation. Please come to Haggard Park at least 1 hour before your performance.
Our stage is at the gazebo, so you'll want to check in with us at the back of the gazebo. We will provide you with more information on when you are scheduled to go up. Please note: You will be waiting near the gazebo, but not in the gazebo. The gazebo is reserved for the current performance and AsiaFest staff. After finishing your performance, please expediently exit the gazebo to facilitate a smooth transition to our next performance.
We have tents for performers to change their costumes. You may ask our performance coordinators about the tent when you arrive.
The stage size is 24 feet wide and 16 feet deep.
All performers are required to wear dance shoes and/or socks as the stage floor could get very hot. CAAHF and AsiaFest are not responsible for any injury caused by failing to adhere to this requirement.
Please wear sunscreen and bring a bottle of water, as the weather could get very hot. There are food vendors and business vendors in the park all day, so bring some money and enjoy Plano AsiaFest!
Frequently asked questions
- When will I be notified of a decision of whether I have been accepted to perform at Plano AsiaFest?
- Decisions are usually released around April.
- Can I pick my time slot ahead of time?
- To facilitate scheduling, time slots cannot be requested at the time of submitting the performance application. Instead, once the preliminary schedule is released, certain performances can be moved around as needed for valid reasons only. The timing of performances will not be changed solely to accommodate personal preferences.
- Do we have to pay to perform at Plano AsiaFest?
- No — there is no application fee nor any other fees required to perform at Plano AsiaFest.
- Can I be reimbursed for performing at the festival?
- All performances are on a strictly voluntary basis. Plano AsiaFest does not provide any sort of monetary compensation for performances, nor is transportation expensed by the festival.
- Which types of performances are accepted?
- All performances relating to Asian and Pacific Islander culture are welcome to apply for Plano AsiaFest. Performances range from singing, the playing of instruments, to dances and martial arts performances, among others. Performances will be evaluated based on cultural fit. Plano AsiaFest and CAAHF will never consider anyone's ethnicity, race, or national origin when evaluating performances.
- What are the dimensions of the performance stage?
- 24 feet wide, 16 feet deep.
- Will performers be allowed to go on stage barefoot?
- The stage gets very hot under the sun. To protect performers from injury, under absolutely no circumstances will performers be allowed to go on stage barefoot.
- The performance is supposed to be done barefoot culturally.
- Safety always comes first. If accepted, please contact the performance committee to discuss a bespoke strategy on how to proceed. There are certain ways to avoid injury if being barefoot is absolutely essential for the performance, as long as the performers' feet do not touch the bare stage. But please do not attempt to bring your own carpet or any large items without first coordinating with the performance committee.
- Is electricity provided?
- The gazebo has only one 15-amp electrical socket and it is used exclusively for the sound system. If any electricity is needed for a musical instrument such as an electric piano, we recommend bringing a portable battery to power your instrument.
Performance schedule for 2026
| Time range | Performance title | Performing organization | Culture | Description |
| 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Traditional Lion Dance Opening | Chinese Cultural Center | Chinese | Enjoy our annual festival opener: a traditional lion dance by the Chinese Cultural Center! |
| 11:00 AM - 11:20 AM | Festival Opening Announcements | Celebrating Asian American Heritage (CAAHF) | ||
| 11:20 AM - 12:00 PM | Vasant Pallavi | Paisley Theater and Dance Academy | Indian | "Arabhi Pallavi" is a staple of the Odissi repertoire, highlighting the grace, precision, and lyricism of the dance form. This dance is choreographed by the legendary Maestro Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. |
| Indian Classical Dance - Bharatanatyam | Natyasthalam Vidyalaya | Indian | These verses praise Lord Krishna as the divine son, protector, and destroyer of evil, celebrating His love, strength, and grace. Through this dance, the performers express deep devotion, surrender, and gratitude to Him as the giver of protection and liberation. | |
| Indian Classical Dance - Bharatanatyam | Natyasthalam Vidyalaya | Indian | This dance is a heartfelt plea to Lord Venugopala, expressing surrender, longing, and a prayer for His kindness, forgiveness, and protection. Set in Ragam Bilahari and Talam Adhi, the choreography unfolds through graceful movements and expressive storytelling, bringing out the emotion and devotion embedded in the piece. | |
| "An Encounter with Dunhuang" | DL Dance Art School | Chinese | One dance stuns the heart; one glance spans a thousand years. As flowing blue costumes sway and the celestial dancers of Dunhuang descend gracefully, a group of young performers transform into spirits from the ancient murals, bringing the mystery and splendor of thousand-year-old Dunhuang to the stage. With expressive eyes, elegant movements, steady technique, and breathtaking formations, they breathe new life into traditional culture through the innocence and brilliance of childhood artistry. | |
| "The Little Basket" | DL Dance Art School | Chinese | "The Little Back Basket" is a folk song that, in the style of a children’s rhyme, portrays the warm and tender moments shared between ethnic minority children in western Hunan and their mothers. Through the image of the “little back basket,” the song weaves together childhood memories such as picking wild fruit and watching dragon boat races. The repeated phrase “Mother’s little back basket” expresses a deep longing for and remembrance of a mother’s love. | |
| Kalari and Silambam | World Federation of Kalari and Silambam | Indian | The World Federation of Kalari and Silambam team is proud to present a 2,500-year-old Indian ancient martial arts tradition — Kalari and Silambam. This presentation showcases the richness of these traditional arts, featuring demonstrations of Silambam (traditional stick), spear techniques, stick fighting, sword combat, choreographed artistic stick movements, and the activation of vital points. | |
| The Sky Calls (Tibetan dance) | FGS Dallas Temple | Chinese (Tibetan) | Call of the Sky is a traditional Tibetan folk dance inspired by Tibetan culture. It is commonly performed in theatrical productions, dance competitions, and cultural showcases. | |
| Ukulele Philippines | Jessica Maeve 'Ukulele | Filipino | Jessica Maeve is an award winning 'ukulele artist and singer songwriter. Her style of playing is original and unique, so you're always in for a treat! Welcome to the stage, Jessica Maeve! | |
| Taekwondo | Golden Tiger Taekwondo Academy | Korean | A traditional Taekwondo demonstration highlighting discipline, teamwork, and martial arts excellence by Golden Tiger Elite Team from Garland, TX. | |
| 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM | Guzheng Ensemble | Yitong Guzheng Ensemble | Chinese | Performance of two modern adaptations: Red Dust Inn, which evokes a romantic and nostalgic world of ancient China, and Huo Yuanjia, inspired by the legendary eponymous hero, expressing strength, courage, and determination. Together, these pieces showcase the beauty of tradition blended with contemporary spirit. |
| Chen Style 34 Tai Chi Fan | Jian Wu Feng Min Tai Ji Group | Chinese | A dynamic martial arts routine blending Chen-style techniques with fan manipulation, emphasizing internal energy (Qi) cultivation, relaxed movements, and explosive power (Fajin). | |
| Nach Kudiye and Rang Rangeela | Dancing StarZ Bollywood Dance Academy | Indian | This dance medley starts with the lively Bollywood dance performance showcasing expressive gestures, rhythmic footwork, and the joyful spirit of India based on the popular Punjabi song "Nach Kudiye", followed by an energetic Bollywood dance performance with colorful moves, made even more delightful by cute costumes and lively expressions. | |
| Bức Họa Đồng Quê" (A Painting of the Countryside) | In’t Artistic Empowerment ( IAE ) | Vietnamese | This Vietnamese dance is to the tune of Bức Họa Đồng Quê" (English: A Painting of the Countryside), composed by Văn Phụng before 1955, a renowned, vibrant Vietnamese song that paints a vivid, colorful picture of a peaceful rural life. Known for its joyful, bustling rhythm, it is often described as one of the most cheerful songs in the 1950s Vietnamese pop music scene, celebrating the beauty of nature and the joy of harvest. | |
| Asian Traditional Fashion Showcase | Ms. International Texas | Pan-Asian | Traditional fashion show dedicates to showcase heritage, craftsmanship, and evolution of clothing from specific cultures. It focus on cultural storytelling and the continuity of ancestral designs. | |
| 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM | Lion Dance to the Gazebo | Chinese Cultural Center | Chinese | - |
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| Art Competition Award Ceremony | Celebrating Asian American Heritage Foundation (CAAHF) | - | ||
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| Traditional Lion Dance Drum Show | Chinese Cultural Center | Chinese | - | |
| 1:45 PM - 2:15 PM | Glimpse of the Philippines | Maharlika Dancers | Filipino | “Glimpse of the Philippines” showcases one of the country’s most popular traditional dances, Tinikling, or the bamboo dance, which depicts the movements of a bird as it gracefully skips and hops through rice paddies. |
| Legend of Kung Fu | Wang Tao Kung Fu | Chinese | Ancient and timeless—Chinese Kung Fu blends combat, artistry, and athleticism. Wang Tao Kung Fu is a local studio preserving this art performing their routine for their 20th year at Plano AsiaFest. | |
| Asian Fusion Line Dancing | Dance E Motion | Asian Fusion | Asian Fusion Line dancing is a choreographed, non-partner dance form, where participants stand in lines or rows and execute a repeating sequence of steps in unison, usually facing the same direction. | |
| "Auspicious" (Tibetan dance) | Yuan Ling Dance Art | Chinese | An original choreography rooted in Tibetan dance vocabulary, blending blessings, prayers, and a celebration of life, and conveying wishes for peace and harmony. | |
| Silambam | Payil Silambam | Indian | In the realm of ancient martial arts, Silambam stands as a testament to India's rich cultural heritage, boasting a 2000-year legacy. This intricate and physically demanding discipline requires unwavering dedication, precision, and physical endurance. Payil Silambam is proud to present a showcase of Silambam today. Payil Silambam passes on the ancient art form to the next generation with the support of trained and skilled Aasans & dedicated students. | |
| 2:15 PM - 2:50 PM | A Laugh at the Vast World | Sunshine Studio | Chinese | Guzheng is the most classical string instrument in the east. It evokes the sounds of flowing water, wind, and nature. Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art. Together they make wonderful art. |
| Ngoi Ca Que Huong Em | SKN Van Lang | Vietnamese | The song praises the beautiful homeland of Vietnam, with rivers flowing through immense rice fields with beautiful girls wearing Vietnam Southerners traditional outfits, áo bà ba, singing and dancing next to the green bamboo forest. | |
| Mong Chieu Xuan | SKN Cultural Services | Vietnamese | Set to a gentle and melodious tango tune, “Dream of a Spring Afternoon” evokes a dreamy and romantic springtime scene. | |
| Bharatanatyam | Navayukti Dance Academy | Indian | A folk classical song about Lord Muruga, combining elements of Bharatanatyam. Performed by Yashwita, Dhanmayi, Akshita, Sujantika, Mridula, Srianvi, Ruthwika, Vernika. | |
| Hanfu Fashion Show | BesideYou Mandarin | Chinese | Dreaming of China is a Hanfu-themed performance featuring both Chinese and non-Chinese children. Dressed in traditional Chinese clothing, the children will present a simple runway show combined with light performances. Through this program, children share their appreciation of Chinese culture while creating a fun and engaging cultural experience for families and audiences. | |
| Jade Tiger Kung Fu and Tai Chi | Jade Tiger Martial Arts | Chinese | Jade Tiger Martial Arts will perform traditional Kung Fu and Tai Chi routines. | |
| 2:50 PM - 3:25 PM | Sri Rama Chandra Krupalu Bhajaman song | Charishnu Performing Arts | Indian | This song, Shri Ramchandra Kripalu, is composed by the poet Tulsidas and written in the Sanskrit and Awadhi languages. This song is often set to Raagam: Yaman Kalyan and Talam: Aadi. The song urges the mind to worship the compassionate Lord Ram, who removes the fear of worldly existence. It describes his physical beauty (lotus-eyed, blue-complexioned) and his divine qualities, such as being the destroyer of demons. |
| Traditional Hmong Dance 1 | Lone Star Hmong Dance | Hmong | This traditional Hmong dance performance tells the story of romance and courtship. | |
| Traditional Hmong Dance 2 | This traditional Hmong dance performance will take you through the daily life of living in a Hmong village. | |||
| 24-form Tai Chi | Southlake Tai Chi | Chinese | The 24-posture Simplified Form of Tai Chi is one of the most popular tai chi forms worldwide. It's created by a group of tai chi masters in China in 1956. This performance today celebrates its 70-year anniversary! | |
| Sattriya Dance | North America Sattriya Dance and Traditional Arts | Indian | Experience the soul of Assam through Sattriya, one of the eight primary Indian classical dance forms. Originating in the 15th-century monasteries of the Brahmaputra Valley, this art form was founded by the great saint-reformer Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev. More than just movement, Sattriya is a living tradition of devotion, blending rhythmic footwork, expressive storytelling, and the timeless philosophy of the Bhakti movement. | |
| Echoes of the Tang Palace | JPS Dance School 石家萍舞蹈学校 | Chinese | Set against the backdrop of ancient Chinese imperial banquets, it depicts a magnificent scene of guests gathering in celebration, with music and dance flourishing in a time of prosperity. | |
| Melody of Majestic Bluebird | JPS Dance School 石家萍舞蹈学校 | Chinese | Ling Yu Xuan Yin follows a hero with music-based powers who grows through mystical cultivation. | |
| Stand up set | An Nguyen | Vietnamese American | Stand up comedy focused on An's cultural experiences as a Vietnamese American. | |
| 3:25 PM - 4:00 PM | The Spirit of Tamil Soil: Kambathu Aattam | Thaalam Performing Arts Team | Indian | "Kambathu Aattam" is an ancient folk art of India rooted in rhythm and strength. "Thaalam Performing Arts" presents this powerful dance with high energy, festive spirit, joy, and deep cultural pride. |
| The Spirit of Tamil Soil: Kambathu Aattam | Thaalam Performing Arts Team | Indian | ||
| Mix Duet | M & M Singing Duet | Chinese | A duet of the theme song "Red Scarf", which reminisces about memories of a past lover, from the movie "Till We Meet Again" | |
| The Final Blossom Dance | Cambodian Women Society of Texas | Cambodian | The Final Blossom Dance tells the story of a man recalling his love for a nymph in spring, accepting that the changing seasons will soon take her away as they share their final moments together. | |
| Bollywood Fusion Dance | Bollywood Beats | Indian | Sona, Nithya, and Julia are passionate college students performing a Bollywood Fusion Piece! It consists of different styles of Indian Dance such as Folk Dance, Kuthu Dance, and Bollywood! | |
| Joyful Dance of Blessings (吉祥欢歌) | AAA Dancing Group | Chinese (Tibetan) | This dance performance features a joyful dance of a group of Tibetan girls celebrating their blessed and happy life. | |
| Ganesha Kautvam | Charishnu Performing Arts | Indian | Prayer to Lord Ganesha | |
| 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Blooming Red Flowers | CaiCai Dance Group | Chinese (Minority) | A Chinese minority dance depicting a young boy’s love for a beautiful girl, blossoming like a red flower. |
| Bharatnatyam | Agni Nritya Academy | Indian | Presented by Agni Nritya Dance Academy, this Bharatanatyam performance in Vasantha Ragam and Adi Talam captures the ineffable beauty of Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance at Chidambaram, illustrating through graceful movement and expression that His divine energy transcends the power of mere words. | |
| Tibetan dance | Southlake Dance Studio | Chinese (Tibetan) | The dance is about people dancing and enjoying themselves in the festivals, to express the idea of a community with a shared future for mankind. | |
| A Man Should Strengthen Himself | Harmony Bridge Youth Orchestra | Asian American | A dynamic youth ensemble blending Eastern and Western instruments, performing the powerful classic “A Man Should Strengthen Himself.” | |
| Studio Ghibli Medley | Yamaha Music School Plano | Japanese | Yamaha Music School Plano presents Annson Lu who will perform Entry of the Gladiators and a Studio Ghibli medley featuring works from Spirited Away & My Neighbor Totoro. | |
| Bharatanatyam | Navayukti Dance Academy | Indian | A Bharatanatyam performance on a poem called Nachiar Kauthuvam about a goddess named Andal. Performed by Swara, Smera, Harini, Janani, Naisha, Poorvika | |
| 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM | Mua Tren Que Huong | SKN Cultural Services | Vietnamese | This is a dance to the song "Rain in the Homeland" by musician Minh Chau, which shows the joy and relaxation of farmers when the rice fields are watered by raindrops. The village girls in Ba Ba shirts will paint for the audience a vivid picture of the countryside. |
| "Seeing Jasmine Again" | Yuan Ling Dance Art | Chinese | Inspired by a classic Chinese melody, models in qipao interact with classical dancers, creating a fusion that highlights the elegance, grace, and subtle beauty of Eastern women. | |
| You Raise Me Up | Dance Forever Art Group | Chinese American | An interpretive dance of the anthemic ballad "You Raise Me Up". | |
| George Wong and Kobe Richmond | Chinese Cultural Center | Chinese (Cantonese) | Enjoy George's audience-favorite performances of concert-style pop Cantonese songs! |
