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Downtown Development Board approves $30,000 toward Mega Asian Food & Music Festival
Summary
The Downtown Development Board voted unanimously to award up to $30,000 in high-impact funding to MIA International to support a three-day Mega Asian Food & Music Festival Aug. 21–23, 2026 at Coachmen Park after staff recommended capping the award below the applicant’s $80,000 request.
The Downtown Development Board unanimously approved staff’s recommendation to provide up to $30,000 in high-impact funding to MIA International for a three-day Mega Asian Food & Music Festival scheduled for Aug. 21–23, 2026 at Coachmen Park.
Vicky Shire, CRE division manager, summarized the request and staff recommendation: the applicant requested $80,070 toward an estimated event budget of $129,070; staff recommended an award not to exceed $30,000. Shire said the applicant estimated total attendance of about 20,000 visitors across three days and that TRIM and other administrative items associated with the funding were in order.
Applicant representative Chris Lee described prior events in other Florida markets and nationwide, cited experiences drawing 10,000–30,000 attendees at similar festivals, and said the event would showcase Asian food, cultural performances (lion and dragon dances, traditional AAPI performances), and new water-lantern programming. Lee said the applicant planned to recruit local vendors and hoped to attract 40–50 vendors, charging about $600–$800 for vendor booths and projecting $40,000 in vendor fees.
Board members asked about revenue assumptions, performer fees (about $26,000 budgeted for performers, accommodations and travel), and local vendor outreach. The applicant said the organization is pursuing sponsorships and running broad marketing campaigns, including social-media promotion and local press, and had invited downtown restaurants to participate free of charge; a small number (Chiang Mai) had responded so far.
After discussion, a board member moved to approve the staff-recommended amount, a second was made, and the board voted unanimous aye. The board recorded no conditions beyond the standard contract and disbursement procedures. Staff noted the award is a maximum authorized amount; final disbursement will follow normal grant agreement and documentation requirements.
The applicant will continue sponsorship and vendor recruitment and coordinate operational details (vendor spacing, permits and cleanup) with city staff. The board’s approval funds a portion of the event but requires the applicant to secure the remaining budgeted revenues and vendor commitments before the festival.
