The Hmong International Freedom Festival is set to take over St. Paul next weekend, bringing two packed days of competitive sports, sizzling food stalls and nonstop cultural performances that organizers say will draw a huge crowd. McMurray Field at Como Park will again turn into a temporary village for teams, vendors and a buzzing main stage across the holiday weekend, serving as both a serious sports tournament and a de facto family reunion for Hmong communities from around the country.
According to KARE11, organizers expect more than 55,000 people to pass through the gates this year. Visit Saint Paul lists the official dates as next Saturday and Sunday, June 27–28, and confirms the festival grounds at McMurray Field inside Como Park.
The weekend is produced by The United Hmong Family, Inc., the nonprofit that puts on the annual "J4" celebration and other community events. A University of Minnesota Extension attendee survey of the 2023 festival counted 35,507 people and estimated roughly $4.5 million in economic activity, a reminder that this is not just a hometown tradition, it is also a serious boost for the city.
What to Expect
Visitors will find multiple fields going at once with soccer, flag football, volleyball and sepak takraw, alongside dance and music on the main stage, rows of vendors and a beer garden, Sahan Journal reports. The blend of breakdancing, traditional performances and high-stakes matches has turned the festival into a one-of-a-kind cultural and athletic gathering for Hmong families, fans and athletes.
Tickets, Parking and Logistics
Admission this year is $10 per person, with limited presale and discounted tickets available through The United Hmong Family office, according to Visit Saint Paul. Parking will be offered at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, where shuttle buses will run between the lot and the festival. The fairgrounds lot will charge a fee and operate on a cash-only basis during the event, and visitors can expect bag checks at the festival gates for safety.
Why It Matters
For many Hmong Americans, the weekend is about continuity, from remembering migration and preserving language to handing down traditions to younger generations. As Sahan Journal put it, the festival is "a cherished tradition that celebrates our community's journey and accomplishments," and the Star Tribune has described the gathering as one of Saint Paul's signature cultural events.
Organizers are urging visitors to plan ahead for big crowds and to keep an eye on The United Hmong Family's website for the latest schedule, vendor lists and volunteer opportunities. For tickets and event updates, visit The United Hmong Family.
