Guide to the Hmong International Freedom Festival
The 44th annual celebration will also acknowledge the 50-year anniversary of Hmong freedom here in Minnesota on June 27-28, 2026. Here’s what you need to know about this celebration of Hmong history and culture and the largest Hmong sports event in the nation.
Festival Details
The festival is held at Como Park’s McMurray Field, 1151 Jessamine Ave W.
Saturday, June 27 | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 28 | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Twin Cities are often referred to as the “Hmong Capital of the Nation” because this region has emerged as a top metropolitan area in the United States for the Hmong community.
What is the Hmong International Freedom Festival?
The Hmong International Freedom Festival started as a means to connect. Established in the 1970s, the Saint Paul festival sought to bring together the Hmong peoples displaced by war. As attendance strengthened in numbers, the event grew in size and in cultural celebration.
Now, the festival stands as an integral part of the summer season in Saint Paul, open to all individuals, Hmong and non-Hmong alike. The Hmong International Freedom Festival has been acknowledged as the largest Hmong sports tournament in the nation. Last year, it saw nearly 60,000 attendees, hosted 200 sports teams, and featured 200 vendors.
Festival Events
Sports
One of the major parts of the Hmong International Freedom Festival are the many sporting events held throughout the weekend. The most popular game played is sepak takraw, or Kato, a game that looks a lot like volleyball, but prohibits the use of one’s hands and arms.
Other sports played at the event:
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Flag football
- Corn hole
- Tuj lub (also known as top-spin)
Vendors
Explore local vendors' handcrafted goods, merch, and foods with the festival's marketplace portion of their event all weekend long. The 2026 vendors are still being selected.
If you want to submit your work to the festival, visit here.
Entertainment
Outside of its several sporting events, the festival features many opportunities for entertainment. Breakdancing is a very big component of the festival. This athletic style of street dance has become increasingly popular among Hmong-American youth and has been featured at previous festivals.
There will also be a variety of live music performances. The 2026 lineup will be announced closer to the event. Stay tuned on their Instagram for more updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hmong International Freedom Festival free?
Yes! The festival is free for all attendees!
What is parking like at the event?
- Parking is available at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds for $20/car (CASH ONLY).
- Shuttle buses will provide rides between the parking area and the festival from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
How do I register my team for the sporting events at the festival?
You can register your team here. Be sure to review all requirements for your players, as child waivers are required for minors planning on competing at the festival.
What does Hmong mean?
The word "Hmong" refers to native people of southeastern China and the northern parts of Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, and can be translated to mean "free people."
How many people attend this event?
Considered the Olympics of the Hmong American community, this festival is the largest Hmong sports event in the United States. In previous years, attendance has been nearly 60,000 people in just two days.
Share all the fun you're having at the event with us on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #MYSAINTPAUL.
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