LOWELL — Cambodia Town Lowell, Inc. will hold its 2026 Annual Gala on Saturday, September 26, bringing together community members, business leaders, civic leaders, cultural organizations, supporters and friends of Lowell’s Cambodian American community for an evening celebrating culture, community and the continuing development of Cambodia Town Lowell.
The gala will begin at 6:00 p.m. at Olympic Restaurant, 454 Chelmsford Street in Lowell. General Admission tickets are $50 each and tickets for Students and Seniors are $25 each.
This year’s celebration comes at an important time for Cambodia Town Lowell. The organization continues to advance initiatives designed to preserve Khmer heritage, strengthen the local Cambodian American community and promote economic and cultural development in Lowell.
Cambodia Town Lowell has also been selected by MassDevelopment as a Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) District, creating new opportunities to strengthen the neighborhood and build partnerships around its future.
“Cambodia Town Lowell is about more than preserving the past,” said Dr. Sathya P. Pholy, President of Cambodia Town Lowell, Inc. “It is about building a stronger future for our community. Our culture, our businesses, our families and our young people are all part of that future.”
The 2026 gala will recognize the contributions of individuals and organizations that have helped strengthen the Cambodian American community and advance Cambodia Town Lowell. The evening will also provide an opportunity to highlight the organization’s ongoing work in cultural preservation, community development, economic opportunity and education.
Among Cambodia Town Lowell’s continuing initiatives are efforts to establish a Cambodian American Cultural Museum and Genocide Memorial, develop a Center for Khmer Studies in partnership with educational institutions, advance Cambodia Town Lowell zoning and cultural tourism, improve signage and gateways to the district, and continue improvements around Prum Bayon Park.
Prum Bayon Park has become an important cultural landmark within Cambodia Town. Its Bayon-inspired monument and other Khmer cultural elements provide a visible connection between Lowell’s Cambodian American community and the history and artistic traditions of Cambodia.
The organization is also continuing its work to strengthen relationships among residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and government agencies.
“Lowell has an extraordinary Cambodian American community with a remarkable history,” said Pholy. “The Annual Gala is a time to celebrate what generations before us built, recognize those who are carrying that work forward, and look ahead to what we can accomplish together.”
Cambodia Town Lowell was established as a nonprofit organization to promote Khmer culture and traditions, preserve customs and heritage, and strengthen the social and economic prosperity of Cambodian American communities. Its vision emphasizes collaboration, unity, inclusiveness, cultural preservation and opportunity for future generations.
The organization invites the Lowell community and supporters throughout the region to join the celebration.
