The Central Valley is gearing up for a vibrant weekend of heritage and community as the 12th annual Central Valley Assyrian Festival returns this month. Hosted by the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, Diocese of California, the highly anticipated cultural celebration is set to take over the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds on Sept. 12 and 13.
The multi-day festival offers free admission and free parking, inviting local residents and travelers alike to immerse themselves in authentic Assyrian traditions. Organizers expect more than 5,000 attendees to gather at 900 N. Broadway in Turlock for the festivities.
Food enthusiasts can look forward to a rich culinary experience featuring homemade dishes crafted from family recipes passed down through generations. The menu boasts freshly grilled kabobs and a wide selection of traditional Assyrian pastries.
Alongside the food, the fairgrounds will come alive with live Assyrian music and entertainment. Guests will be treated to cultural performances by the Hakkari, Larsa, and Nohadra Dance Groups, showcasing vibrant costuming and synchronized folk dances.
Families visiting the festival will find plenty of entertainment at the dedicated Kids Zone. The youth-focused area features:
- Inflatable jumpers
- A soft play area for younger children
- A hands-on petting zoo
- The Hoop Modesto basketball hoop truck
Shopping enthusiasts can browse a diverse marketplace featuring over 30 local vendors and sponsors.
A major highlight of the weekend is the annual festival raffle. Tickets are available for $10 each, giving participants a chance to win several major prizes:
- Grand Prize: A 2026 Honda Accord LX or a $15,000 cash alternative.
- 2nd Prize: A $2,500 airline voucher.
- 3rd Prize: An Apple product bundle.
The raffle drawing will take place on Sunday, September 13. Winners do not need to be present to win but must be at least 18 years old to claim their prize within 30 days of the drawing.
How to Get Involved
Raffle tickets can be purchased online in advance at cvassyrianfestival.com/raffle.
Local businesses wanting to connect with the thousands of attendees can still apply for vendor spaces or corporate sponsorships. Vendor booths are priced at $150 for a single day or $250 for the full weekend, with equipment rentals available. Sponsorship tiers range from $1,000 to $10,000 and include promotional benefits like social media recognition and complimentary raffle entries. Applications can be submitted online via cvassyrianfestival.com/2026-sponsors-vendors.
