About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Our Story
The Áo Dài Festival was founded in 2011 by Dan Do and the late Jenny Do, an attorney with a deep passion for the arts and social change. Jenny envisioned the festival as a way to celebrate and preserve Vietnamese culture while using art to inspire positive societal transformation. Originally launched in partnership with the Friends of Hue Foundation, the festival aimed to support vulnerable communities in Central Vietnam while showcasing the elegance and resilience of the iconic Áo Dài, a symbol of Vietnamese identity.
Over the years, the Áo Dài Festival has evolved into a dynamic platform that honors Vietnamese culture and tradition, featuring the work of artists, designers, and performers. Today, under the leadership of a new board of directors, the festival continues to expand its impact by supporting a diverse range of charitable causes, promoting social equity, and using art to inspire and uplift communities both locally and globally.
Watch the ADF and the Legacy of Jenny Do video here!
Our Mission
We are dedicated to celebrating and preserving Vietnamese culture for future generations. Through fashion shows, cultural performances, and educational workshops, the Áo Dài Festival fosters cross-cultural understanding, pride, and unity within our community. By honoring our heritage, we inspire future generations to embrace and continue these rich traditions.
Our Impact
The Áo Dài Festival is committed to leveraging art and culture to drive social and equitable change. Our initiatives support a variety of charitable causes, including advancing education, promoting healthcare access, and fostering community development. By celebrating and preserving Vietnamese heritage, we aim to inspire pride and cultural understanding, particularly among the BIPOC communities in San Jose and beyond. Through our efforts, we seek to empower the next generation to carry forward the traditions and values that define our community.
Áo Dài Day and Áo Dài Week
In 2016, the California Senate recognized the cultural significance of the Ao Dai Festival by proclaiming May 15th as “Áo Dài Day,” dedicated to celebrating the beauty and heritage of the áo dài. This day encourages everyone to wear this traditional attire and participate in activities that honor Vietnamese culture.
To further this celebration, Áo Dài Week was recognized in 2024, providing an extended opportunity for people to engage with and celebrate Vietnamese heritage. During this week, we host events, workshops, and community gatherings that highlight the rich history and significance of the áo dài. We invite everyone to join us by wearing their áo dài, sharing their stories, and supporting the preservation of this cultural symbol.
Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and work together to ensure a future where Vietnamese culture and our shared values of compassion and community continue to thrive.
As a non-profit public benefit corporation under California law, the Áo Dài Festival is recognized as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. For donation reporting, please refer to our Tax ID #88-4376402.