Ao Dai Festival 8
About Ao Dai Festival 8
The Áo Dài Festival returns in 2026 to celebrate Vietnamese culture through fashion, music, and community.
🌸 Áo Dài Festival 8: Garden of Dreams
Sunday, May 24, 2026 | School of Arts & Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza | San José, CA
Step into a Garden of Dreams — where Vietnamese culture, fashion, and artistry blossom in a breathtaking celebration.
Áo Dài Festival (ADF) is a unique cultural experience honoring the elegance of the Áo Dài, Vietnam’s national dress. Since 2011, the festival has grown from a local celebration into a signature cultural event that brings together designers, performers, artists, and the community to celebrate heritage, inspire creativity, and build meaningful connections.
Last year, ADF welcomed hundreds of guests for an unforgettable day of vibrant fashion shows, cultural performances, music, and community spirit.
Event Schedule
2:00 PM – Doors Open | Festival Experience Begins
3:00 PM – Multicultural Cultural Parade
4:00 PM – Main Program & Designer Runway Shows
Evening – ADF by Night: Nightlife Entertainment & Cultural Celebration. Arrive early to explore the venue, enjoy photo moments, visit exhibitors, and experience the full festival atmosphere.
✨ This year will be even more spectacular — with:
A larger lineup of talented designers and performers
More unique exhibitors and cultural experiences
Expanded activities and programs for all ages
A vibrant community marketplace and photo opportunities
A deeper celebration of Vietnamese heritage and artistic expression
🌙 ADF by Night
The celebration continues into the evening with a lively night life and cultural celebration — a festive after-dark experience filled with music, lights, and unforgettable moments under the stars.
🎤 Designer & Performer Lineup
We’re curating an incredible roster of artists and talent for ADF8. The lineup below reflects confirmed performers, with more to be announced. Check back often for updates.
Join us for an inspiring day — and night — of culture, fashion, and community as we bring the Garden of Dreams to life.
Events Schedule
Event Categories
Video Introduction
Community Connections
Ao Dai Festival
The Áo Dài Festival was founded in 2011 by Dan Do and the late Jenny Do, an attorney with a deep passion for the arts and social change. Jenny envisioned the festival as a way to celebrate and preserve Vietnamese culture while using art to inspire positive societal transformation. Originally launched in partnership with the Friends of Hue Foundation, the festival aimed to support vulnerable communities in Central Vietnam while showcasing the elegance and resilience of the iconic Áo Dài, a symbol of Vietnamese identity. Over the years, the Áo Dài Festival has evolved into a dynamic platform that honors Vietnamese culture and tradition, featuring the work of artists, designers, and performers. Today, under the leadership of a new board of directors, the festival continues to expand its impact by supporting a diverse range of charitable causes, promoting social equity, and using art to inspire and uplift communities both locally and globally. We are dedicated to celebrating and preserving Vietnamese culture for future generations. Through fashion shows, cultural performances, and educational workshops, the Áo Dài Festival fosters cross-cultural understanding, pride, and unity within our community. By honoring our heritage, we inspire future generations to embrace and continue these rich traditions.