The Hmong Arts Celebration is back at Mall of America for a second year. It runs Saturday, Oct. 24, from noon to 5 p.m. in the Huntington Bank Rotunda. The mall says last year's event was the first Hmong cultural event it had ever hosted. This year's lineup again centers on live performances, traditional fashion, music and storytelling.
Organizers describe a family-friendly afternoon that brings elders and younger generations together around a shared heritage. Expect stage performances and cultural showcases rather than a passive display. Specific performers haven't been announced yet, and organizers suggest checking the mall's event page before you go.
On cost, the mall's listing doesn't give a ticket price or mention registration. If you need to confirm anything, the mall's main line is 952-883-8800.
The date carries more weight than usual this year. Earlier this month, federal authorities charged an 18-year-old with planning an ISIS-inspired shooting at the mall. According to the federal complaint, he named Oct. 24, when the Hmong Arts Celebration would take place, as a possible time for the attack because there "will be a lot of people."
Event organizer Lue Thao said it was "heartbreaking and emotional to hear the news of the alleged planned attack at Mall of America" and thanked law enforcement. Thao said the celebration is still about "creating a space for Hmong artists to express their creativity, celebrate their culture." The mall thanked the FBI and its partners for "identifying, disrupting and removing this threat." The event remains on the mall's calendar.
Oct. 24 is a busy Saturday at the mall in general. The same day brings Rotary's free World Polio Day walk and Ariat's grand opening party, so plan for crowds and give yourself extra time to park.
