Music at the Park celebrates the rich diversity of cultures through the universal language of music, specifically highlighting the burgeoning talent among the younger generation of our immigrant and heritage communities. Each year, we bring communities together in a vibrant, inclusive space where contemporary local and global sounds inspire connection, joy, and understanding. By showcasing artists from all backgrounds, we honor tradition, embrace innovation, and create shared experiences that resonate across generations.
The Freestyle Band, a well-known quintet also called The Five Stars, will be headlining this event again this year. The group performs throughout the Pacific Northwest (often at Southeast Asian festivals) in three languages, featuring songs from Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. They will be joined on stage by the renowned Cambodian Classical Folk Dance of the Northwest dance troupe.
Preceding the headliners is a multitude of local talent from the Korean and Vietnamese communities, including Dragon and Hat Dance performances, as well as and a medley of K-Pop performances. Erina McLaren joins us for a third year in a row as our Emcee.
2:00-2:15 PM: Karisma Dance Group First Performance
2:30-3:20 PM: K-Pop Singers from the Victorious Dance Company, in collaboration with the America K-Pop Association
3:30-3:45 PM: Karisma Dance Group Second Performance
4:00-6:00 PM: The Freestyle Band (or the Five Stars), accompanied by the Cambodian Classical Folk Dance Northwest
Food vendors, artisan booths, and the beautiful location of the Chinese Reconciliation Park will make this a splendid way to spend a spring afternoon in Tacoma. Join us for good weather and great music!
This year’s event, organized by CRPF, is made possible by the generous support of Tacoma Creates, the Fuchs Foundation, and Annie Wright Schools.
MATP 2026 Recap
Music at the Park 2026 was a joyful celebration of Tacoma’s rich cultural diversity, brought to life through dance and the universal language of music! On June 13th, 2026, the Chinese Reconciliation Park welcomed community members, families, and music lovers for four hours of live performances and local vendors, spotlighting the burgeoning talent of the younger generation while also honoring tradition.
We’re deeply grateful to the performers who brought this celebration to life:
- Karisma Dance Group – for two spirited performances that bookended the afternoon
- Victorious Dance Company & America K-Pop Association – for an unforgettable K-Pop showcase
- The Freestyle Band (Five Stars) – for closing the festival with two hours of joyful music in the Lao, Thai, and Khmer languages.
- Cambodian Classical Folk Dance Northwest – for sharing the beauty of traditional folk dance with the community.
And most of all, thank you to all of the attendees who came out to Chinese Reconciliation Park to sing, dance, and celebrate together. Days like this are not just a festival; they’re a reminder of the richness and resilience of Tacoma’s immigrant and heritage communities.
Check out this slideshow of MATP 2026 event photos!
With Heartfelt Thanks to Our Event Partners
Finally, we extend our thanks to our event sponsors: Annie Wright Schools, The Gottfried and Mary Fuchs Foundation, and Tacoma Creates. Thank you all for your generous and continued support of local, cultural programming that reflects and strengthens our community.
All photos in the recap section were contributed by Lucy Zhou, CRPF Board Member.
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