KORUS festival coming to Tysons in September

The 2019 KORUS Festival in Annandale.

After skipping a year due to the COVID pandemic, the KORUS festival will be back Sept. 18 and 19 at the Tysons Corner shopping mall. 

About 5,000 people are expected each day. The event is free. It’s open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday in the Bloomingdale’s parking lot. 

Unlike past years, the 2021 KORUS festival won’t have a headliner musical act from Korea. There will be a talent show and other entertainment featuring local performers, lots of food and other vendors, and children’s activities. 

The festival will also feature other cultural experiences that showcase the region’s diversity. “We don’t want it to be Korean only,” says Steve Lee, president of the Korean American Association of Greater Washington (KAGW), which is organizing the KORUS. 

The 2019 KORUS was in the former Kmart parking lot in Annandale.

The first KORUS event was held in Annandale 17 years ago. The name reflects the strong bonds between the Republic of Korea and the United States. It’s been held in Annandale and other locations over the years and returned to Annandale in 2019.

This year, KAGW is partnering with Celebrate Fairfax, the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, and other groups. 

Related story: KORUS brings Korean entertainment, food to Annandale

The 2021 KORUS will highlight the first responders who helped the region get through the pandemic and shine a spotlight on the effort to counter the rising instances of anti-Asian hate. 

Several levels of sponsorships are available, ranging from $5,000 to $30,000. Booths are $2,000 for food vendors and $1,500 for non-food vendors. The application deadline for sponsorships and booths is July 30.