Pistahan Festival

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.

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

Ready to move at our SoMa Pilipinas Dance Party? Learn about various ethnic, modern, hip hop and ballroom dance styles. Instructors from local folk dance groups and local choreographers will make sure you will have a great time with their dance moves and music! Learn how to Zumba with Cess of Migrante and Princess Ryan! Learn Filipino line dance with Allen, Filipino dance with Johnny, and Tango with Natasha! All ages and dance experience are welcome!

ART PAVILION

The Art Pavilion team is excited to present the following exhibits and activities: (1) The Hinabi Project: Philippine textiles and artifacts exhibit. (2) "Ube Trade" and "Ube Way" interactive and "delicious" art project using the popular Ube dessert as the source of inspiration to create art. (3) SoMapagmahal is a mentorship photography project that engages and mentors youth participants of the Galing Bata Afterschool Program at Bessie Carmichael Filipino Education Center to learn and use photography as a tool for self and community advocacy.

INNOVATION PAVILION

This year's Innovation Pavilion on August 12th and 13th is going to be epic! Come learn all about the latest technology and participate in TED Talk discussions at Jessie Square! Will Robots take over Humans? What is coming next on the technological horizon? Get to know mixed reality, pitch your idea and get feedback from investors, get human resources professionals to review your resume, try an Oculus Virtual Reality demo, win fantastic door prizes and have fun along the way! A special workshop is available for all the Lola's and Lolo's, Tita's and Tito's to learn more about their mobile devices. Come join us!

CULINARY PAVILION

What's a Filipino festival without the food?! For all things masarap, the Culinary Pavilion is where you want to be! Join us for a culinary cooking competition and food demos featuring local chef talent like The Lumpia Company and Sariwa's Chef Aileen Suzara. Of course, let us not forget our annual eating contests! Speed eating is taken to a whole new level at everyone's favorite Balut Eating Contest. Like ice cream? Join the Magnolia Ice Cream "Purple Freeze" Challenge sponsored by Ramar Foods and Heavenly Ice Cream's Tasting Bee! Come see what it's all about!

HEALTH PAVILION
presented by KAISER PERMANENTE  

Proudly presented by our partner Kaiser Permanente, various medical services will be offered, including glucose screenings, blood pressure screenings, "Talk with a Doc" Consultations, healthy living tips and disease-prevention info. Get a reward upon visitation of all service tents by filling out the health passport! Get healthy and thrive!

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.

HERITAGE PAVILION

A unique Filipino exhibit space displaying Philippine antiques, artifacts and material art from institutions and local collectors, often never before displayed in public. Connect with Filipino history, learn something new and gain a new perspective on the Filipino American experience.

PISTAHAN TAVERN

We are proud to partner with the iconic San Miguel Beer for the Pistahan Tavern, the only place in the Festival where you can drink refreshing beer from the Philippines, intrigue your taste buds with coconut liquor from Infanta Lambanog and sip on wines made by local Filipino wineries.