All for One, Fun for All! 32nd Annual Pistahan Parade and Festival Returns to San Francisco Aug. 9–10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Nation’s Largest Celebration of Filipino Culture Comes Back to Yerba Buena Gardens

SAN FRANCISCO – August 4, 2025 – The Filipino American Arts Exposition today announced the 32nd annual Pistahan Parade and Festival, the largest celebration of Filipino culture in the United States. The free, family-friendly event will take place Saturday, Aug. 9, and Sunday, Aug. 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Yerba Buena Gardens and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.

This year’s theme, “Kapwa: Rooted in Resilience, Rise to the Challenge,” highlights the shared identity and enduring spirit of the Filipino global community especially in times of adversity.

Leading this year’s festivities are Hermana and Hermano Mayor, Maria and Dado Banatao, esteemed technologists, philanthropists, and champions for education and community empowerment. 

Hosted at Yerba Buena Gardens and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, this free, family-friendly event showcases the vibrancy, creativity and resilience of the Filipino American community.

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Pistahan Parade and Festival because it truly embodies the spirit of bayanihan – our Filipino tradition of unity, resilience and mutual support,” said Al Perez, president of the Filipino American Arts Exposition. “For more than three decades, the Bay Area’s Filipino community has come together to power this celebration – entirely through volunteer effort – to share our culture, creativity and heritage with the world. Tara na, sama-sama tayo! We invite everyone to join us for an unforgettable weekend of Filipino pride, community and connection.”

Parade Celebrates Filipino Pride in the Heart of San Francisco

The Pistahan Parade kicks off the weekend on Saturday, Aug. 9, beginning with a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony at San Francisco Civic Center. The parade will march down Market Street to Fourth Street, featuring festive floats, cultural contingents and community icons.

This year’s grand marshals include:

• Community Grand Marshal: Cameron Sasai, the trailblazing first Filipino American and youngest-ever mayor of Pinole

• Celebrity Grand Marshal: Hyder Amil, 11-time mixed martial arts champion

• Legacy Grand Marshal: Filipina Women’s Network, celebrating 25 years of advocacy and service rooted in resilience and driven by purpose

Additional highlights include:

• An authentic Philippine jeepney and classic San Francisco cable car float

• Performances by the Kariktan Dance Company, Parangal Dance Company and Kaisahan of San Jose, St Augustine Children’s Choir, and St. Bede Music Ministry

• Community groups including NBC Bay Area, Kaiser Permanente, Philippine Airlines, LBC, Serramonte Ford, and many more

• Stormtroopers and other Star Wars Characters from the 501st Legion

A performance stage at 5th and Market will feature short routines from parade groups competing for awards such as Best Performance, Best Spirit, and Best Overall Contingent.

Six Pavilions Offer Immersive Filipino Cultural Experiences

After the parade, the celebration continues all weekend at Yerba Buena Gardens, featuring performances, shopping, cuisine and six cultural pavilions packed with hands-on activities that celebrate the depth and diversity of Filipino heritage:

ART PAVILION
Curated by the Philippine American Writers and Artists (PAWA)

• Kapwa Art Exhibit featuring: Gerald Mayupao, Kim Arteche and Amyel Oliveros

• Baybayin Script Writing Workshops with Edwin Lozada

• Children’s Art Activities

• Philippine Book showcase

• Children’s Book Readings by Gigi Carunungan and Gerald Mayupao

• “Makibaka” Art Exhibit at YBCA

CULINARY PAVILION

Presented by Ramar Foods

• Fireside Chat with Rachel Lucero and Keesa Ocampo: “Food Is Our Love Language”

• Food Contests:

• Magnolia Purple Freeze Challenge

• Magnolia Spicy Siopao and Siomai Showdown

• Heavenly Ice Cream Tasting Bee

• Ramar Foods Balut-Eating Contest

• Speakers Panels:

• “Sarap at Hirap: Real Stories of Resilience in the Filipino Food Business”

• “Sari Sari Stories: Keeping Filipino Food Culture Alive Online and IRL”

• Podcast: Sister Citizen, hosted by Stephanie Reese, feat. Beverly Desusido

DANCE PAVILION

Curated by Steps, Styles and Spotlights

• Filipino Folk Dance Workshops

• Community Performances by:

• Mabuhay Folkloric Society

• Canon Kip Ambassadors

• Flores de Mayo Dance Group

• HIYAS Folk Dance

• Hip-Hop Workshop by Rhythm Monsters

• Barrio Fiesta Workshop by Kaisahan of San Jose

• Open Ballroom Line Dancing

• Karaoke Sessions

HEALTH & WELLNESS PAVILION
Presented by Kaiser Permanente

• Free Health Screenings: Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose

• Info Booths on Stroke Prevention, Diabetes, Children’s Wellness

• “Talk with a Doc” Sessions

• Dental and Health Resources from:

• UCSF Filipino Dental Coalition

• University of the Pacific Dental Students

• Mabuhay Health Center

INNOVATION PAVILION

Presented by Arevon / Cormorant

• Career and Resource Fair featuring Salesforce, BART, YFPA, New York Life, La Cocina and more

• Panels and fireside chats on:

• “Kapwa: Rooted in Resilience” featuring Marily Mondejar

• “Embracing a Kleaner World” with Sam Walch

• Resilience in the Workplace: a Conversation with ERG and DEI Leaders

• “So Much Money, So Little Time; Let’s Optimize Your Portfolio”

• “Upgrade YOU, a Session on Unbelievable Life Skill Change”

• “Telling Out Stories: The Power of Filipino Voices in Mainstream and Independent Creative Arts”

• Halo-Halo Mixer + Parade Afterparty featuring live performances, networking bingo, photo booth, and halo-halo tastings – a celebration of culture, connection and community

SPORTS PAVILION

Curated by SF Parks and Recreation and Philippines Baseball Group

• Empower the Next Generation: Kali, Eskrima, Arnis Demos by Legacy Filipino Martial Arts

• Bayanihan Boxing and special appearance by Hyder Amil

• Physique Magnifique: Bodybuilding and Body Transformation

• Dance Fitness Workshops: Empowerment through Movement

• Mixxed fit Zumba with Jenna

• Sweaxology with Deb

• BayRiddim with Charry

• V3 Pilates Workshop 

• Zumba with Paula 

•  Open Baseball Batting Cage (Sat) hosted by Philippines Baseball Group

•  Open Basketball Court (Sunday) hosted by SF Recreation and Parks

MAIN STAGE ENTERTAINMENT: Catch live variety entertainment all weekend long—from modern musical acts to cultural performances, and dynamic surprise guests. It’s a back-to-back lineup of talent you won't want to miss, including the smooth vocals of Josh Marquina, OPM singer Kurt Tijamo, Broadway star Stephanie Reese and the legendary Vina Morales coming all the way from Manila.

FLAVORS OF THE PHILIPPINES: Come hungry! With over 20 food vendors, Pistahan is a true culinary fiesta. From sizzling sisig to sweet halo-halo, indulge in a mouthwatering journey through the Philippines—right here in San Francisco.

CULTURE MEETS CREATIVITY:  Shop local! Discover unique artisan and cultural merchandise from Filipino makers and creators. From handmade crafts to unique fashion and souvenirs, it’s the perfect place to find something meaningful and memorable.

A CELEBRATION FOR EVERYONE:  Whether you're Filipino or Filipino-at-heart, Pistahan welcomes all. Bring your family, your friends, your appetite, and your dancing shoes—it’s San Francisco’s biggest Filipino party, and YOU’RE invited!

About the Filipino American Arts Exposition

The Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE) is a vital part of the rich tapestry of cultures and ethnic communities of the San Francisco Bay Area through its promotion of Filipino American art, music, film, dance, cuisine, history, and more. FAAE celebrates its ancestral heritage and contemporary traditions, broadening awareness and deepening the understanding of Filipino history, achievements, and culture. 

Since 1994, FAAE has produced the Pistahan as a tribute to more than 4,000 Filipino families displaced during the redevelopment of the Moscone Convention Center, the Metreon and the Yerba Buena Gardens Complex. 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 was the very first outdoor event at the Yerba Buena Gardens and after 32 years, it continues to be a beacon of cultural preservation and celebration.