Panda Fest Relocates to Concord Venue After 2025 Opening Day Shutdown
This shift comes after last year’s debut at Ballantyne’s Backyard ended abruptly when the Charlotte Fire Marshal ordered the venue closed on opening day.
Panda Fest will return to the Charlotte area on April 17-19 at the Route 29 Pavilion along Sandusky Boulevard in Concord. This shift comes after last year's debut at Ballantyne's Backyard ended abruptly when the Charlotte Fire Marshal ordered the venue closed on opening day.
Fire officials pointed to cooking operations that violated code requirements. Overcrowding became a worry too. The Sept. 12-14 event shut down on its first night as a safety precaution.
Organizers say they've learned from what went wrong. The Route 29 Pavilion offers more room and has hosted large fairs before.
Panda Fest stands as one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the nation, drawing thousands who want to taste authentic dishes, watch performances, and shop at vendor booths. The event showcases food, art, and traditions from across Asia through tastings, activities, and market stalls.
Those holding unused 2025 tickets received refunds through Eventbrite or could apply them to other festival days. Organizers admitted the first year fell short of what they'd hoped for, according to WBTV.
The three-day festival takes place at the Concord location in April. Details are available on the official website.
