FlavorFest & Beats was created by Melissa Goi Long, chef-owner of Goi Express Thai, with a vision rooted in connection, culture, and celebration. From the very beginning, Melissa’s mission has been simple yet powerful: bring people together through food, music, and shared experiences.

Melissa’s journey spans far beyond the kitchen. Early in her career, she worked behind the scenes on concerts and live productions at Madison Square Garden, gaining firsthand experience in large-scale entertainment and event production. She later assisted with ticket sales and fundraising for nonprofit arts organizations, including the Negro Ensemble Company, founded by Douglas Turner Ward. These experiences shaped her deep appreciation for creativity, storytelling, and the role of the arts in building strong, connected communities.

Her path eventually led her into the culinary world, opening Teak Restaurant in Red Bank, New Jersey, before relocating to California. There, she continued to channel her passion for food and hospitality through Goi Express Thai, using cooking as another way to bring people joy. No matter the role or location, Melissa’s focus has always remained the same: create moments that make people feel happy, welcomed, and connected.

FlavorFest & Beats is inspired by the block parties Melissa grew up with in Brooklyn — vibrant gatherings where music filled the streets, food brought neighbors together, people danced freely, drinks flowed, and laughter echoed well into the night. Those events weren’t just parties; they were moments of belonging, celebration, and shared culture. That same spirit lives at the heart of every FlavorFest & Beats event.

This is more than a food festival — it’s a full-scale celebration. Expect incredible food from diverse local vendors, live bands and DJs, multicultural performances, dancers, interactive contests, and a vibrant crowd all moving to the rhythm together. It’s the kind of experience where you dance under the stars, discover new flavors, and leave with a happy belly and a full heart.

FlavorFest & Beats is a celebration of culture, creativity, and community — a place where food, music, and people come together in the most joyful way possible.

Welcome to the celebration.