2026 AAPI Festival in Marin County | Colorful Performances, Cultural Celebration & Community Photos
This year's AAPI Festival was a beautiful celebration of culture, community, and tradition, and I was honored to photograph the event for the third year in a row.
The weather could not have been more perfect. Mild temperatures, sunshine, and blue skies created the ideal backdrop for a day filled with music, dance, food, and performances that brought people of all ages together.
One of the things I love most about this festival is the incredible variety of performances throughout the day. This year's dance groups were exceptionally talented, and the colorful costumes added so much energy and excitement to the event. Several performances featured children, and it was clear how much time, dedication, and practice had gone into perfecting their routines. Watching young performers confidently take the stage was inspiring and heartwarming.
Lion Dance at Tiburon AAPI Festival 2026 - Zelinsky Park
My personal favorite this year was the ribbon dancing. The bright colors, flowing ribbons, and beautifully coordinated formations were a joy to watch and even more fun to photograph. The dancers moved gracefully across the stage, creating patterns and shapes with ribbons and scarves that seemed to float through the air. Every moment offered a new opportunity to capture something beautiful.
Ribbon Dancer at AAPI Festival in Tiburon
This festival was the 3rd annual AAPI event in Tiburon, held at Zelinsky Park, and in front of the Tiburon Town Hall. I have had the pleasure of photographing all 3 years, and am lucky enough to be be asked to photograph many other events for the Town of Tiburon, the Tiburon Chamber of Commerce, and the local news paper, The Ark. Not only am I a full time photographer, with my own business, Amelia Plumb Photography, but I work part time for the Tiburon Chamber on their communications team, where I help with event planning and content creation. It’s a nice balance of working on a team, and for myself which I have been doing (being a solo business owner for 17+ years).
Lion Saying Hello to little boy at AAPI festival in Tiburon, CA
Another crowd favorite was the Taekwondo demonstration. The young athletes showcased impressive skill, discipline, and confidence as they performed kicks, forms, and board-breaking demonstrations. Watching the children leap into the air and break wooden boards with their feet drew cheers from the audience and made for some exciting photographs.
Kids breaking the wood with a kick - AAPI Festival Tiburon California
The lion dancers were equally entertaining. Their performance was energetic and engaging, and one of the highlights was when they moved through the audience, allowing children to interact with and gently pet the lions. The smiles on the kids' faces said it all.
Lion Dancer peeking out from under his costume to say hello!
Colorful drums, costumes and wonderful performances at the AAPI festival in Tiburon 2026
The hula dancers brought a wonderful spirit of fun and participation to the festival. Not only did they perform beautifully, but they also encouraged audience members to join in and learn a few hula moves themselves. It was a wonderful reminder that cultural celebrations are at their best when they bring people together.
Various attractions at the Tiburon AAPI festival 2026
Unfortunately, I had to leave before the drummers took the stage, but if their performance was anything like last year's, I'm sure they delivered an incredible show that left the crowd energized and inspired.
Events like the AAPI Festival remind us of the importance of celebrating and sharing the rich traditions, stories, and talents that make our communities so vibrant. It is always an honor to document these moments and preserve them through photography.
AAPI Festival dancer - 2026
I hope you enjoy this collection of images from the 2026 AAPI Festival. Thank you to all of the performers, volunteers, organizers, and attendees who helped make this year's event such a memorable celebration.
Banner for the Together With Art exhibit at the Tiburon Town Hall, 2026
The AAPI art exhibit is still going on through the end of June 2026. If you would like to see my work, along with other artists who have work on display stop in to Tiburon Town Hall now through June 30th, between 9am and 4pm Monday through Friday. My framed prints are for sale, if you are interested in seeing them, let me know, I am happy to send you a link to my framed prints in the exhibit.