SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a High Impact Grant funding request from Mia International Inc. to produce the Mega Asian Food and Music Festival on the Water at Coachman Park on August 21-23, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $30,000.
Body
SUMMARY:
Mia International Inc. is requesting High Impact Event Funding assistance for the Mega Asian Food & Music Festival on the Water, a three-day cultural event proposed for August 21-23, 2026, at Coachman Park.
The event is designed to celebrate Asian cultures through food, music, cultural performances, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities while attracting visitors to Downtown Clearwater and supporting local businesses. The festival is anticipated to attract more than 20,000 attendees over the three-day event and will be free and open to the public.
Planned event programming includes:
• Cultural performances representing traditions from across Asia
• Live music and entertainment
• Asian food vendors and food trucks
• Arts and crafts vendors
• Water lantern activities
• Kite flying activities
• Bounce houses and family-friendly attractions
• Interactive cultural experiences and community engagement opportunities
The proposed site plan utilizes multiple areas of Coachman Park and includes vendor booths, food and beverage vendors, seating areas, entertainment space, and family activity zones. The applicant has already begun advertising and promoting the event through various marketing channels in advance of the proposed event dates.
According to the applicant, Mega Night Market has hosted numerous large-scale cultural events throughout the Tampa Bay region, including events attracting between 10,000 and 25,000 attendees. The organization reports that its events draw visitors from throughout Florida and beyond, generating tourism activity and supporting participating small businesses.
Funding Request:
• Total Event Budget: $129,070.00
• Estimated Vendor Fee Revenue: $40,000.00 (40 food/drink + 14 merch)
• Applicant Event Expenses: $49,000.00
• DDB Funding Requested: $80.070.00
DDB High Impact Event Funding Criteria:
The application meets the eligibility requirements for High Impact Event Funding, including:
• Estimated attendance exceeding 2,000 attendees
• Event is free and open to the public
• Applicant demonstrates more than two years of experience producing large-scale events
• Applicant contribution exceeds the required 20% threshold
The DDB High Impact Event Funding Policy provides for grant requests up to $30,000.
The proposed event aligns with the DDB's mission to increase visitation, activate public spaces, and promote Downtown Clearwater as a destination for residents and visitors. The event is anticipated to attract more than 20,000 attendees over three days. While the applicant has requested $80,070.00 in funding assistance, staff recommends an amount not to exceed $30,000, which is consistent with the DDB High Impact Event Funding Policy.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this grant will be allocated from the FY 2025/26 Downtown Development Board Special Events Budget, Account 1829411-558600.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.3 Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
3.1 Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that empower community pride and belonging.
