The Filipino American Festival Inc. (FAFI) will host its 14th Annual Filipino American Festival on Sept. 6, bringing a daylong celebration of culture, food and community to Overpeck County Park.
The free event, scheduled from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., is open to the public and will take place across the Ridgefield Park and Leonia sections of the park. Organizers expect families and visitors from across New Jersey and the tri-state area to attend.
Founded and led by community leader Ludi Hughes, FAFI has built the annual festival into one of the region’s most anticipated Filipino cultural gatherings. The event highlights Filipino heritage through traditional performances, music and a wide array of vendors showcasing “Lasang Pinoy,” or the distinct flavors of Filipino cuisine.
Festivalgoers can expect live entertainment throughout the day, including cultural dances and musical performances that reflect the Philippines’ diverse regional traditions. Food vendors will offer popular dishes such as adobo, lumpia and halo-halo, alongside desserts and street food favorites. Non-food vendors and community organizations will also be present, offering products, services and information.
Hughes, a Bergen County Executive Office staffer and longtime advocate for Filipino American representation, said the festival aims to promote cultural awareness and unity. Through FAFI, she has worked to create spaces that celebrate diversity while strengthening ties within the broader community.
The nonprofit organization, based in Fair Lawn, focuses on cultural integration and community engagement, often partnering with local governments and civic groups. Its annual festival serves as a flagship event that draws participation from performers, entrepreneurs and cultural advocates.
Overpeck County Park, known for hosting large-scale cultural events, provides a central and accessible location for attendees. Organizers encourage early arrival to enjoy the full lineup of performances and activities.
The festival comes as Filipino American communities continue to expand their cultural footprint across New Jersey and the Northeast, with events like FAFI’s celebration playing a key role in preserving traditions while engaging younger generations.
Hughes has also been recognized in regional civic and cultural circles for her leadership; in 2014, she received The Outstanding Filipino Americans (TOFA) Award in public service and politics at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
