Charlotte’s First Panda Fest To Serve Up 300-Plus Asian Dishes This Weekend

This weekend marks the start of Charlotte's Panda Fest, a three-day celebration bringing hundreds of Asian dishes to the city. The outdoor event promises to be among North America's most extensive food gatherings.

From Sept. 12-14, seventy vendors will cook up specialties from across Asia. Guests can sample steaming bowls of Vietnamese pho, crispy Korean street food, sizzling Japanese grill items, smoky Filipino skewers, spicy Malaysian curries, fresh Thai plates, and hand-rolled sushi.

A towering 15-foot panda balloon stands watch over the grounds. Kids can bounce and play in panda-themed zones while snacking on black-and-white decorated treats.

Twenty craft stalls fill the market section. Artists will create traditional ink works while merchants offer handmade goods, clothing, and keepsakes.

The stage stays busy with back-to-back acts. Dancers spin in lion costumes, actors tell ancient tales, K-pop teams move to the beat, artists spin sugar into shapes, and masters turn paper into delicate designs.

No one goes hungry at this feast. Plant-based eaters find plenty to enjoy. Sweet-toothed visitors can pick between coconut-soaked rice, fresh-made ice cream scrolls, and warm baked goods.

Book now online for $18 tickets. Gate prices jump to $20 daily. Saturday costs $2 more, no matter when you buy.

Standard entry includes a city pin and panda headwear. VIP passes unlock shaded seats, clean restrooms, special events, a drink station, plus a custom bag.

Buy straight from Eventbrite to stay safe from fake sellers. The rules stand firm: no money back, no switching days.