Councilwoman O’Brien Celebrates 5th Year of Taiwanese Cultural Festival as Attendance Nears 7,000

PHOENIX – In 2022, Councilwoman Ann O'Brien launched a small cultural celebration in a ballroom at Arizona State University's West Valley campus. About 200 people showed up, along with eight local vendors. This year, the free event is expected to draw nearly 7,000 people and close to 90 vendors.

The fifth annual festival, hosted by ASU West Valley, returns Saturday, October 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. Double Ten is Taiwan's National Day, often likened to the Fourth of July in the U.S. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Phoenix’s event is the largest celebration of Double Ten in North America.

"I started Double Ten because Phoenix's nearly 50-year friendship with Taipei deserved a real community celebration," said Councilwoman O'Brien, who serves as Phoenix's liaison to Sister City Taipei. "This community has brought us new businesses, new jobs and new friends. Equally important, they've brought their culture and spirit into our neighborhoods. Our relationship with Taiwan demonstrates how a Sister City relationship can grow into a stronger, more globally connected Phoenix."

Phoenix Sister Cities: A Half-Century of Global Friendship

Double Ten is organized in partnership with Phoenix Sister Cities, the City’s diplomacy program, and its Taipei Committee. Sister Cities has connected Phoenix and Taipei since 1979, a partnership that helped pave the way for TSMC's $265 billion investment in Phoenix, the largest foreign direct investment in Arizona history, as well as new direct flights between Phoenix and Taipei, and deeper academic ties through ASU.

“The Double Ten Festival serves as an important opportunity to foster cultural understanding, strengthen community connections, and celebrate the enduring friendships between Taipei and Phoenix,” said Wen Chyi Chiu, Chair of the Phoenix Sister Cities Taipei Sister Cities Committee. “Through food, music, and cultural traditions, the festival provides an opportunity for our community to learn about and experience Taiwan’s rich heritage while recognizing the longstanding ties that unite our two cities.”

“Phoenix Sister Cities is proud to create an event that welcomes everyone, from longtime Phoenicians to first-time visitors, to experience Taiwan’s spirit of community,” said Bruce Meyerson, Phoenix Sister Cities Board Chair. “This festival embodies the mission of Phoenix Sister Cities: connecting people, fostering understanding, and building friendships that last across generations.”

What to Expect at Double Ten

• Authentic Taiwanese and Asian cuisine
• Craft vendors
• Live cultural performances
• Activities for children
• Door prizes
• A drone show finale

Admission and parking are free thanks to sponsors: TSMC, APS, China Airlines, STARLUX Airlines, HonorHealth, Southwest Gas, and Allied Universal.

• What: Double Ten
• When: Saturday, October 3 from 6 to 9 pm.
• Where: ASU West Valley Campus, SDFC Quad, 4701 W. Thunderbird Rd.
• Cost: Free admission and free parking

The event is outdoors. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.