Choi Daeh-ho, the mayor of Anyang, expressed on September 16 that he aims to make the Anyang Dance Festival a community celebration for all citizens.
On this day, Mayor Choi stated, "The '2026 Anyang Dance Festival,' taking place from September 18 to 20 at Pyeongchon Central Park, will be a multifaceted cultural festival that citizens can enjoy together while invigorating the local economy."
This year's festival will feature not only dance performances but also a variety of food, family experiences, local products, and social economy goods, all designed to provide a comprehensive experience.
During the festival, the Pyeongchon Central Park multipurpose sports field will host the '2026 Anyang Food Festival.'
A total of 21 food booths will participate, showcasing a diverse array of culinary offerings. To ensure that citizens can enjoy the festival safely, efforts will be made to lower prices and enhance hygiene and safety management.
Mayor Choi also hinted that the festival will focus on eco-friendly operations, such as reducing single-use items by using reusable containers.
There will be plenty of experiential programs for families.
Activities include pickle-making, low-sodium salt production, a food safety experience booth, and urban healing agriculture experiences, allowing participation from children to seniors.
Seating will also be available for visitors with pets to enjoy the festival together.
A sharing event in collaboration with local businesses is also planned. On September 19 and 20, local food manufacturers such as Ottogi, Dong-A Otsuka, and B.R. Korea will participate in a free sharing event for citizens.
Programs aimed at promoting the social economy and local cooperation will also draw attention.
On September 19 and 20, a social solidarity economy sharing market (experience exhibition) will be held on the car-free street of Pyeongchon Central Park, featuring 18 local social enterprises, cooperatives, and village businesses.
Citizens will have the opportunity to explore baked goods, floral products, eco-friendly food, and artworks by individuals with severe developmental disabilities, as well as participate in various handicraft experiences like leather crafting and bead flowers.
Mayor Choi plans to expand the event's impact beyond simply promoting social economy products, aiming to provide citizens with a direct experience and understanding of the social value created in the community, including job creation for vulnerable groups and the provision of social services.
Citizens are expressing their excitement for the festival.
One citizen remarked, "I thought the dance festival was just about performances, but it seems there are a variety of food and experience programs, making it a great way to spend a day with family."
Another citizen, who plans to visit the festival with their child, said, "I appreciate that there are programs where kids can make and experience things themselves, and I hope the food and safety management are thoroughly prepared."
Meanwhile, Mayor Choi stated, "We have prepared related events so that citizens and visitors to the Anyang Dance Festival can enjoy not only dance performances but also a variety of food, experiences, and local social economy products together."
He added, "I hope this will be a time for families and neighbors to come together and experience the diverse culture and local content of Anyang."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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