The Fifth Annual Qing Ming Festival

Saturday, April 4, 2026

11:00 AM 1:00 PM

The Fifth Annual Qing Ming Festival will be a landmark gathering, coinciding with the construction of the Chinese memorial at Block 14. This year’s event honors ancestors, shares untold stories, and marks a historic moment of reconciliation.

Qing Ming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese celebration that dates back more than 2,500 years to the Zhou Dynasty. Qing Ming translates literally to “clear and bright” in English, and is sometimes referred to as the Pure Brightness Festival. Observed on the fifteenth day after the spring equinox, Qing Ming is a time to remember ancestors and celebrate the renewal of spring. As a holiday devoted to honoring the deceased, families sweep and decorate gravesites, burn incense and paper offerings, and bring food to share with loved ones who have passed.

Since 2022, the Foundation has been holding annual events in observance of Qing Ming at the site of the future Chinese memorial.   

April 9, 2022: A quiet, reflective gathering led by artist Wendi YuLing, with offerings, cleaning, and shared stories at Block 14.  View the event photos >

April 8, 2023: Opening remarks, Chinese immigration history, art-making, poetry, ceremonial offerings, and community “talk story” sharing. View the event photos >

April 13, 2024: Qing Ming event expanded to River View Cemetery, featuring scholar Dr. Jennifer Fang, lectures, Q&A, tea tasting, and family stories. View the event photos >

April 5, 2025: A milestone year blending remembrance with advocacy. Featured artists Qi You and Sophia Xiao-fan Austrins, student speakers, and community calls for recognition and support of the memorial project. View the event photos >