Find out why hundreds of local families gathered at Ventura Park for culturally-significant food, music, and tradition …
Hundreds of local families gather at the fifth annual Multicultural Kids Festival to enjoy a day of cultural performances, food, and family fun at Ventura Park in the Hazelwood neighborhood.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On a sunny Sunday, September 27, 2026, the Hazelwood neighborhood came alive as hundreds of people, mostly families, gathered for the Multicultural Kids Festival 2026. Held from noon until 6:00 p.m. at Ventura Park along S. E. Stark Street and 117th Avenue, this free community fair drew residents from across outer East Portland.
Visitors shopped at booths hosted by local small businesses and explored interactive exhibits set up by non-profit organizations, utilities, and governmental agencies. Meanwhile, culturally appropriate food prepared for sale was clearly enjoyed by participants throughout the afternoon.
Fun outdoor games for kids are one of the featured attractions keeping young festivalgoers active and smiling at Ventura Park.
Bringing the natural world to youngsters, the friendly petting zoo is a hands-on favorite at the fifth annual Multicultural Kids Festival.
Fun and activities for local families
Throughout the park, attendees found plenty to see and do. Children bounced in bouncy-houses, petted animals at the petting zoo, and took part in interactive games and activities.
At the northeast end of the park, a large, elevated stage hosted a wide variety of cultural and entertainment groups.
Speaking at Ventura Park, event organizer Timur Holove highlights his favorite aspect of the gathering: “At least one day in a year, we’re able to have this event where we can try and bring as many different cultures that live here in Portland.”
Connecting community with vital resources
Organized by the Slavic Community Center, the event marked a major milestone for Project Director Timur Holove.
He shared that the annual gathering holds personal significance for his own family alongside its broader community impact.
“This is our fifth annual Multicultural Kids Festival, believe it or not,” Holove told East Portland News as it was underway. “And what’s amazing to me is that five years ago, one of my kids was just born and he was here as a baby – and now, he’s here walking and enjoying it with the other kids festival as well.”
An outdoor kitchen crew prepares a variety of savory Slavic food favorites, offering visitors a delicious taste of traditional culture.
Informative organization booths, such as the Ukrainian Federal Credit Union exhibit, give festivalgoers – and their kdis – an easy way to learn about local services.
Beyond providing family fun, the festival serves as a central hub where public agencies and community members connect. State and county groups offered critical support and educational information directly to local residents.
“I think one of the main reasons again it’s because we want to create this platform where we have so many different organizations who come out – we have state agencies, we have local public health authorities who are here sharing very valuable resources,” Holove explained.
“They’re giving away information which is key,” remarked Holove. “We want to be able to educate our community.”
Enthusiasts proudly display a long row of caged pigeons, sharing a traditional cultural hobby that highlights the rich background of the local Slavic community.
Celebrating traditions and young generations
The festival also highlighted East Portland’s rich diversity through live stage performances, including a Chinese lion dance and Ukrainian performances.
“There’s this cultural piece that is very dear to my heart … because we have so many different cultures represented here on stage,” Holove noted. “We have the Asian community, we have Chinese lion dance, we have Ukrainians who are going to be performing here on stage.
Dressed in an authentic costume, an Indonesian Performing Arts of Oregon dancer performs a graceful routine celebrating heritage and community.
“These performances are especially important for children who were born here, and who never had the chance to see and experience those traditions,” Holove continued. “So, on this one day each year, we’re able to have this event where we bring as many different cultures that live here in Portland as possible.”
Designed to celebrate community diversity while creating a welcoming space for children and families, the festival offered sponsors, vendors, and community organizations a meaningful opportunity to connect directly with local residents and promote their services.
© 2026 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
