Xi Chen, right, a Beaverton School District substitute teacher, and a group from the Voice of Civic Engagement Award performs on stage, while other members of the act perform in the crowd at the Oregon Chinese Coalition’s Chinese Festival in Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland, Ore., on Aug. 1, 2026. The Voice of Civic Engagement Award is an annual honor that encourages young people to speak up at public events and in community platforms.
Saj Sundaram / OPB
Hundreds gathered at Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland Saturday to celebrate the Chinese American community.
The Chinese Festival, hosted by the Oregon Chinese Coalition, featured about 40 acts performing traditional dances, martial arts and live music. Authentic Chinese cuisine was served alongside several interactive cultural booths showcasing traditional crafts, antiques and art.
This year’s event coincides with America’s 250th anniversary, giving organizers a chance to highlight the impact Chinese immigrants have had in the states.
“Chinese Americans have a really rich history in Portland, especially starting from a long time ago with trains and railroads,” 16-year-old Bryan Zhang said, referencing the intense labor done by thousands of Chinese immigrants to complete the western half of the First Transcontinental Railroad.
Zhang, working a booth that promotes emergency preparedness, was one of many looking to connect Chinese Americans with resources in the community.
“They don’t have the most connections, so we want to spread awareness so people have better access to these resources when they need them the most,” he said.
Beyond awareness, the festival gave locals a chance to celebrate friendship, diversity and Chinese American contributions to the nation.
