Forney resident Edwin Godinez, 39, eats grilled squid during Panda Fest on Nov. 9 at Carpenter Park in Dallas. Live demonstrations, such as paper cutting and sugar painting, were held at the event.
Panda hats bobbed through a crowd in downtown Dallas as attendees packed into the three-day Panda Fest, transforming Carpenter Park into a celebration of Asian street culture from Friday to Sunday.
More than 150 food vendors offered everything from dumplings to shrimp tempura, while rows of stands displayed handcrafted jewelry, artwork and panda-themed souvenirs.
Families gathered near a 15-foot inflatable panda towering over the park’s main walkway. Children posed for photos while music and dance performances echoed from the main stage, blending sounds and traditions from across Asia.
Artists demonstrated traditional crafts such as sugar painting and paper cutting, giving festivalgoers a glimpse into centuries of artistry.
As the sun dipped below the skyline, neon lights flickered to life and the air buzzed with laughter, conversation and the scent of spice and smoke.
A Bao Zang Xiao Chi cook prepares chow mein during Panda Fest on Nov. 9 at Carpenter Park in Dallas. Attendees were allowed to bring pets.
Customers wait for food from King Squid during Panda Fest on Nov. 9 at Carpenter Park in Dallas. VIP tickets included access to exclusive areas and a fast pass to enter the event.
Dallas residents Gagan Sahani, 30, left, and Becca Garcia, 30, look at knit keychains during Panda Fest on Nov. 9 at Carpenter Park in Dallas. Panda Fest featured more than 150 Asian street food options.
Sesame cakes with a cartoon panda lay on a table during Panda Fest on Nov. 9 at Carpenter Park in Dallas. Attendees could browse through more than 15 merchandise vendors.
Arlington resident My Nguyen, 53, cooks pineapple fried rice during Panda Fest on Nov. 9 at Carpenter Park in Dallas. The event aimed to showcase asian art, food and cultural traditions.
Dallas resident Suhaib Hasan, 23, grabs a mango smoothie from Icey Ice Houston Thai Street Food during Panda Fest on Nov. 9 at Carpenter Park in Dallas. The festival is held in more than 10 cities around the country.
Fort Worth residents Roger Montes, 34, left, and Justin Montes, 10, look through Panda Fest merchandise Nov. 9 at Carpenter Park in Dallas. Panda-shaped treats and stuffed animals were sold at the event.
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