Pistahan Festival

Get involved.
Be a volunteer.

The festival and performances are held
from Saturday, August 10 to Sunday, August 11
between 11 AM to 5 PM at the Yerba Buena Gardens
in the heart of SOMA Pilipinas

 
 

HOW TO GET THERE

Public transportation is best to get to the Pistahan. Easily take the BART or MUNI to the Powell Street Station and walk only two blocks to the festival.

Paid parking can be found at 5th and Mission Street Parking Garage. Open 24 hours.

FInd your way around

Festival Map

 

It all started when…

The Pistahan was born out of the community's activism to honor and preserve the enduring legacy of the Filipino American community's struggles, triumphs and deep roots in SOMA Pilipinas: Filipino cultural heritage district.

The Pistahan Parade and Festival was founded by FAAE in 1994 after more than 4,000 Filipino families were displaced to accommodate the redevelopment of the Moscone Convention Center and the Yerba Buena Gardens Complex.

The Pistahan was the first outdoor event at the Yerba Buena Gardens and after 28 years, it continues to be a beacon of cultural preservation and celebration.

 
 

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

All events subject to change.

To check out what’s happening at Pistahan’s unique Pavilions, click here.

  • Rebel

    DJ Mikey

    Franco Finn & Ginger Conejero

    SOMA Seniors Cultural Performance

    The Sampaguitas

    PRESENTATIONS & PROCLAMATIONS

    Parangal Dance Company

    Kariktan Dance Company

    Knorr Show hosted by Poca

    TFC HOUR

  • BONGA STARZ

    Host Welcome Remarks

    Rhythm Monsters

    Legacy Martial Arts

    8o8 Soundz

    GMA7 HOUR

    Closing Remarks

Magnolia Longanisa Eating Contest

Saturday, August 11th at 3:30PM
Culinary Pavilion at Yerba Buena Gardens

Sponsored by Ramar Foods

Magnolia Purple Freeze Challenge

Saturday, August 11th at 1PM
Culinary Pavilion at Yerba Buena Gardens

Sponsored by Ramar Foods

Balut Eating Contest

Sunday, August 13th at 4PM
Culinary Pavilion at Yerba Buena Gardens

Sponsored by Ramar Foods

 

Featuring world-class entertainment on the Pistahan main stage at the Yerba Buena Gardens.

 

From dance, hip-hop, jazz, to martial artists, there will be something for everyone!

 

7 PAVILIONS FOR EXPLORATION, DISCOVERY AND LEARNING PLUS 4 FOOD CONTESTS FOR FAMILY FUN, FAME AND PRIZES

 

DANCE PAVILION

Festival attendees can catch the rhythm and participate in folk dance demonstrations. This interactive pavilion will teach traditional folk dances as well as ballroom and Latin dances for a memorable and immersive cultural experience.

 

ART PAVILION

Visual art exhibits showcase an eclectic genre and styles of Filipino art from local artists and abroad, through the cooperation of gallery owners, schools and art groups. Meet the artists and discover the rich artistic heritage of the Philippines.

 

INNOVATION PAVILION

A collaborative environment for creative and tech innovation, showcasing budding entrepreneurs and start-ups, in addition to established companies, institutions and local organizations. The common thread will be innovation and outside the box thinking through education, dialogue and interactive demonstration.

 

CULINARY PAVILION

Celebrating the many flavors of Philippine cuisine, local chefs and restaurants are invited to feature their specialty dishes in live cooking demos. Don’t miss the Balut Eating Contest, Ice Cream Eating Contests and the Adobo Cookoff!

 

HEALTH PAVILION presented by KAISER PERMANENTE  

Community partners and organizations will provide free screenings and helpful information, and will address the various health care issues of our ommunity in a way that is approachable and culturally sensitive.

 

SPORTS PAVILION

Ever wanted to learn more about the Philippines' ancient forms of Martial Arts? Come visit our pavilion located above the waterfalls and learn the history, culture and traditions hidden in the Filipino Martial Arts, such as Kali, Eskrima, and Arnis. Hands-on, audience participation workshops, such as the usage of the short stick in quick defensive and offensive techniques, will also be offered.