CONTESTS 2026
FTC in 6 Hours:
BIOBUZZ Challenge 2026
Kick off the 2026 FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Johnson League season with an exciting robotics competition designed to inspire innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Teams will have just six hours to design, build, program, present, and compete with a functioning robot. This unique event helps participants strengthen engineering and programming skills while preparing for the upcoming FTC season.
Eligibility:
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Open to registered FTC teams
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Team registration required
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Registration fee: $50 per team
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Registration deadline: August 1, 2026
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Fee due by August 10, 2026
Questions? Contact kidsroboticfoundation@gmail.com
Cờ Tướng / Chinese Chess Tournament
Demonstrate your strategy and skill in one of Vietnam's most beloved traditional board games.
The Viet Cultural Fest Cờ Tướng Tournament welcomes players of all experience levels to compete in a day of thoughtful strategy, friendly competition, and cultural tradition. Whether you're an experienced competitor or a casual player, this tournament offers an exciting opportunity to test your abilities.
Eligibility:
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Open to players of all ages and skill levels
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Registration by email or in-person of festival day (9:00 - 10:00 AM)
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Participants must follow official tournament rules
Email Houstonxiangqi@gmail.com & Houstonxiangqi@gmail.com to register.
Simultaneous Chess Exhibition
Challenge yourself against Woman Candidate Master Tega Mandy Enarevba in a special Simultaneous Chess Exhibition presented by Girl Chess Power.
Players will have the opportunity to test their skills against a titled chess player while enjoying one of the festival's premier strategy events.
Prizes include medals, trophies, wooden chess sets, and a private chess lesson with a Woman International Master.
Eligibility:
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Open to all players of skill level
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Registration required
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First 60 pre-registered player receive priority access
Questions? Contact: contact@girlchesspower.org
Fruit Tree Grafting
Learn the art of fruit tree grafting from experienced members of the Houston Fruit Tree & Gardening Group during this hands-on educational workshop.
Participants will explore grafting techniques, proper plant care, and practical skills that can be applied to home gardens and orchards. Two workshop sessions are available, and participants may register for only one session.
Eligibility:
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All festival attendees are welcome!
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Space is limited, pre-register now.
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Participants may only register for 1 session
Session Times:
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11:30 AM
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2:00 PM
Questions? Contact Jenna Tran | jennaphuongtran@gmail.com
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Cooking Competition
The Viet Cultural Fest Cooking Competition is back, inviting teams to showcase their culinary skills through two beloved Vietnamese classics: cá kho tộ and canh chua. Compete against the clock as your team demonstrates authentic flavors, teamwork, and technique for the chance to earn culinary bragging rights.
Gather your family, friends, or organization members and put your recipe for success to the test—but don't wait! Only 5 teams will be accepted.
Eligibility:
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Must be 18 years or older
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Must be have 3-5 team members
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Must sign registration wavier by deadline
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Must pay $50 registration wavier fee by deadline
Questions? Contact: phivan76@yahoo.com or 281-933-8118
Art Contest
Drawing from the legendary story of Saint Gióng, this theme celebrates the strength found in courage, the impact of selfless action, and the power of individuals who rise to serve something greater than themselves.
Artists are invited to interpret what courage and selflessness mean through their own creative lens—whether through personal experiences, cultural stories, community connections, or reflections on Vietnamese heritage.
Eligibility:
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Must be at least 6 years old
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Must be from Vietnamese heritage
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Can be from anywhere in the world
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No AI-generated works
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Works must be related to the theme: "Phù Đổng Thiên Vương: Courage & Selflessness"
Questions? Contact: art@vietculturalfest.org or (281) 933-8118
Phở Eating Contest
The Viet Cultural Fest Phở Eating Contest is back and hungrier than ever! This fan-favorite competition challenges contestants to race against the clock for the ultimate title of Viet Cultural Fest Phở Eating Champion.
Grab your chopsticks, bring your appetite, and see if you can out-eat the competition. Speed, determination, and a love for phở are all you need to claim victory and earn your bowl of glory!
Eligibility:
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Must be 18 years or older
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Must sign registration waiver
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Must pay registration fee of $20
Questions? Contact: VyNP@BISwithV.com or (832) 778-0800
Blind Coffee Tasting Contest
Sip. Savor. Guess. Win. Each sample starts with a classic Vietnamese iced coffee base, topped with a mystery flavored foam. Your challenge? Identify each flavor using only your taste buds. From familiar favorites to unexpected combinations, every cup is a delicious surprise.
Whether you're a devoted cà phê sữa đá lover or always on the hunt for the newest specialty coffee, this interactive competition is the perfect way to test your senses.
Eligibility:
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Must be 15 years or older
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Must sign registration waiver
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Must pay registration fee of $20
Questions? Contact: VyNP@BISwithV.com or (832) 778-0800
Blind Boba Tasting Contest
Can you tell your jasmine from your oolong? Brown sugar from taro? Put your taste buds to the test in the Blind Boba Tasting Contest at Viet Cultural Fest 2026!
Sip. Taste. Guess. Win. Compete against fellow boba lovers as you identify mystery drinks without seeing what's inside. Every correct guess brings you one step closer to earning the title of Viet Cultural Fest Boba Connoisseur—and, of course, the ultimate boba bragging rights.
Eligibility:
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Must be 15 years or older
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Must sign registration waiver
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Must pay registration fee of $20
Questions? Contact: VyNP@BISwithV.com or (832) 778-0800
ĐỐ VUI ĐỂ HỌC / Viet Trivia
Gather your classmates, friends, or organization members and compete in a fun, fast-paced challenge covering Vietnamese language, history, culture, traditions, geography, and more. Whether you're representing a Vietnamese language school, a VSA, an Asian student organization, or simply love learning about Vietnamese culture, this is your chance to showcase your knowledge and team spirit!
Hãy rủ các bạn cùng lớp, bạn bè, và các thành viên trong tổ chức của bạn cùng tham gia một cuộc thi đầy sôi động và gay cấn, nơi các bạn có thể thử sức với những câu hỏi về tiếng Việt, lịch sử, văn hóa, truyền thống, địa lý, cùng nhiều chủ đề khác. Dù bạn đại diện cho trường Việt ngữ, Hội Sinh Viên Việt Nam (VSA), tổ chức sinh viên châu Á, hay đơn giản là yêu thích tìm hiểu về văn hóa Việt Nam, đây là cơ hội để bạn thể hiện kiến thức, tinh thần đồng đội, và niềm tự hào về văn hóa Việt!
Questions? Contact: Thanh Bui | vdd209@gmail.com
Children's Traditional Dress Contest
This special program celebrates the beauty of Vietnamese cultural attire—from the iconic áo dài to traditional ethnic garments—while giving children the opportunity to proudly showcase their heritage, confidence, and cultural pride on stage.
The best part? Children of all cultural backgrounds are welcome to participate! As long as they're wearing attire that celebrates Vietnamese culture, we'd love to see them join in the festivities and experience the richness of our traditions together.
Age Divisions:
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5-7 years old
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8-12 years old
Questions? Contact: costumecontest@vietculturalfest.org
Ngôi Sao Tài Năng Việt highlights individuals who demonstrate exceptional talent, passion, stage presence, and a meaningful connection to Vietnamese culture and heritage. Through music, dance, and other creative performances, contestants have the opportunity to honor their roots while sharing their unique artistry with the community.
Ngôi Sao Tài Năng Việt / Talent Contest
Eligibility:
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Open to Vietnamese-American individuals or groups of all ages.
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Performances may include singing, dancing, instrumental performances, or other talents.
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Contestants must be available to audition on one of the scheduled audition dates.
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Finalists must be available to perform live at Viet Cultural Fest on September 12, 2026.
Auditions for 2026 are now closed at this time.
Miss Teen Viet Cultural Fest Pageant
Our mission is to empower and inspire young Vietnamese American girls to embrace their cultural heritage, make a difference in their community, and jumpstart their journey on becoming the leaders of tomorrow.
The title of Miss Teen Việt Cultural Fest belongs to a Vietnamese young girl who embodies the principles of good character, beauty, intelligence, grace, and eloquence. Furthermore, she strives to stay attuned to and connected with her Vietnamese heritage.
Eligibility:
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Must be 15-17 years old by the day of the pageant.
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Must be at least 25% Vietnamese.
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Must live within 100 miles of Houston.
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Must be enrolled in high school as a full-time student.
Applications for the Class of 2026 are closed at this time.