Portland, Ore. (KUNP) — The 2026 Filipino American Festival at Pioneer Courthouse Square kicks off this weekend and Apl.de.ap, one of the founding members of the Black Eyed Peas, is set to headline the festivities.
Saturday marks the third edition of the annual event. It’s set to feature local vendors, and musical performances from more than 20 local Filipino artists, and more.
The theme for this year’s festival is Kasayahan, which translates to joy or celebration in Tagalog, the native Filipino language.
Ahead of the festival, ARC PDX talked with Christian Aniciete, one of the organizers for the event. He says the Filipino-American community in Oregon is one of the fastest-growing Asian Pacific Islander groups.
You can watch the full conversation here:
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Aniciete says that trend is reflected in the growing number of Filipino-American owned businesses in Portland, such as James Beard award-nominated Magna Kusina, and Pamana, a residency located in the Hoxton Hotel.
Aniciete says the goal of the festival is to celebrate Filipino culture, and to offer a sense of belonging to Filipino Americans living in Oregon and the greater Pacific Northwest.
The festival is happening this Saturday, September 12, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
General admission tickets start at $50, and VIP tickets cost $125.
A VIP ticket includes early admission to the festival, a closer look at apl.de.ap, and a commemorative t-shirt.
