Ube Fest 210: A Celebration of Purple Yam, Filipino Culture, and Community in the Alamo City
Written by Sydney Reed | October 11, 2025
Sari-Sari at the Ube Fest 210
On a hot afternoon in October, the aromatic smell of ube — the vibrant purple yam so beloved in Filipino desserts— wafted through the East-side of San Antonio. What began as a niche gathering has blossomed into Ube Fest 210, San Antonio’s own celebration of Filipino culture, heritage, and the sweet flavors of ube.
This marked the first-ever Ube Fest 210, created in partnership with the San Antonio River Foundation to blend the city’s scenic outdoor spaces with a showcase of Filipino artistry and food. The event took place on October 11 at Confluence Park, welcoming the San Antonio community to gather, celebrate, and “enjoy the taste of ube.”
Though the concept may seem niche, ube has increasingly become a bridge between tradition and innovation. Delighting foodies not just in the Filipino community, but more broadly among dessert lovers and those that love to try new trends. The festivals timing aligns with efforts to spotlight Filipino American History Month, strengthening its role in both cultural education and public festivities.
Food and drinks at the Ube Fest 210
While ube is the star, Ube Fest 210 is about much more than this versatile root vegetable. It’s a mix of Filipino culture — music, art, dance, and the warm embrace of a community that wants to be seen, heard, and have you taste their delicious food.
The food vendors served everything from classic halo-halo to ube cheesecake, ice cream, lumpia, adobo, and creative mashups that blend Latinx flavors with Filipino tradition. Some vendors even traveled from other cities to join in on the Ube Fest 210 fun. Others were local bakers or community cooks experimenting with the yam’s vibrant purple color.
Beyond the booths of sweet and savory bites, art took its own form at this year's Ube Fest 210. Local creators transformed the festival grounds into an open gallery with displays of handmade accessories, prints, and beadwork that’s inspired by the Philippines and of course, ube.
One thing that stood out the most came from the tattoo studio, HÅLE’ Tattoos, offering fine line Filipino-style flash tattoos. Using delicate precision, they inked minimalist tattoos of traditional Filipino symbols — suns, flowers, phrases, and geometric tribal patterns. The artist shared each design carrying a story of heritage and meaning.
Ube Fest 210 was about celebrating the purple yam, not only as a dessert but as a symbol of roots, connection, and the power of gathering. In the years to come, I hope Ube Fest 210 grows, bringing in more vendors, more ube inspired treats and crafts, and becoming a beloved tradition in the Alamo City’s cultural tapestry.
The Frog & Bandit at the Ube Fest 210
