Thousands savor Asian culture at sold-out Minnesota Panda Fest

A New Wave of Asian Pop Culture in the Twin Cities

Linda Bui’s eyes sparkled as she received one box after another of highly sought-after Labubu collectibles, her arms quickly filled with the adorable, stuffed monsters that often sell out within minutes. At 29, Bui knew she couldn’t miss the opportunity to purchase rare blind boxes at this weekend’s Panda Fest at the Mall of America. This retail phenomenon, originating from Asia, has taken the U.S. by storm.

“It’s kind of like gambling, for adults with money but no children,” Bui joked as she finished shopping and was handed a Coca-Cola-themed Labubu, unsure of what version of the little monster accessory she might get inside the box.

The event marked the first Panda Fest in the Twin Cities, a traveling festival packed with retailers and food vendors celebrating all things Asian culture. The north parking lot was filled with visitors, many wearing panda-shaped headbands, eager to sample dumplings, Korean shaved ice, boba tea, and seasoned squid on a stick.

Organizers reported that tickets sold out about a week before the festival, offering a one-stop opportunity to experience various Asian pop culture trends that have become popular in Minnesota and across the country. In the Twin Cities, there has been a recent surge in Asian restaurants, retailers like the popular Daiso shop, Japanese-style claw machine arcades, bakeries, and bubble tea shops.

At the festival on Sunday, families posed for pictures in front of a 15-foot inflatable panda. Nearby, children took turns descending into a bin of stuffed animals as part of a “human claw machine.” They lay on their stomachs as a harness lifted them up, then forward, trying to grab as many plushies as they could.

Panda Fest started in New York City and made its way to other cities this year. Bloomington is the sixth stop on its itinerary and the only Midwestern location. Founder BiuBiu Xu initially tried other festivals in New York before settling on a celebration of Asia as a whole, launching Panda Fest in 2024.

She noted that Asian culture has become more accessible in the U.S. thanks to platforms like TikTok and YouTube, which showcase everything from popular Korean dance moves to must-try Chinese bao buns.

“We’re impressed,” said Darla Lowell at the festival on Sunday. “Phenomenal turnout, too. A lot of the vendors are starting to run out of food.”

Lowell, who brought her daughter, Landra, to the event, mentioned that she attends all the summer events in the Twin Cities and hopes Panda Fest will become an annual trip. Landra enjoyed the live music, including an oboist who played hits from Cardi B and others.

The festival featured local Minnesota-based vendors as well as street food sellers from New York and across the country. The menu included bánh mì, avocado sushi rolls, and sesame cakes.

“It’s a good way to get the word out and help spread Asian culture,” said Sem Mand, owner of Maconia-based Sizzle Street, an Indian fusion restaurant.

As temperatures reached 84 degrees on the last day of Panda Fest in Minnesota, customers waited in long lines—some holding umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun. Ashley Huynh and Ahnaf Prio learned about the event through a Facebook ad. They said they hope to return multiple days next year after discovering new foods, including their favorite Sizzle Street.

Huynh, however, felt the location could have been better. “All the airplanes are kind of noisy,” she said, as planes flew over the parking lot.

Panda Fest lived up to its name, with food containers shaped like pandas and many dishes modeled after the bear. Booths sold panda plushies, keychains, hats, and magnets.

Xu shared her desire to bring the event to the Twin Cities after hearing about the size of the Minnesota State Fair. “I feel like Minneapolis is an underestimated city,” she said. “I think it has huge potential for really amazing events.”