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If you have no plans this weekend and your taste buds are craving some Asian food, well then you’re in luck.
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Dream Asia Festival, the self-described largest Asian food and culture celebration in the U.S., is coming to Columbia and is setting up shop at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds between Aug. 7 and 9.
The food fest first kicked off in Las Vegas in 2025 and brought people from all over to celebrate Asian culture. Now, they go to different cities every few weeks to spread the love. This is the first time the celebration is appearing in South Carolina.
“This festival brings people together through one universal love: food,” Dream Asia Festival said on its website. “From NYC’s hottest Asian street eats to family recipes passed down for generations, it’s a flavor-packed adventure you don’t want to miss.”
Not only does Dream Asia Festival bring in food vendors, but they are also known for its live music performances, cultural performances, karaoke, unique merchandise, and much more. Each festival has unique headliners and events.
Here’s what you can expect from this festival at the SC State Fairgrounds:
Dream Asia Festival SC
In the three days this family-friendly food festival is open in Columbia, there will be plenty to do and plenty to explore.
Every day, there will be around 80 food vendors selling all kinds of Asian delicacies, ranging from Korean fried chicken to Vietnamese Bánh mì.
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Starting at 4 p.m. on Friday, there will be a resident DJ, dog shows, a K-POP dance performance, a Squid Game contest, and a live music performance from Kromi. The night ends at 10 p.m.
On Saturday, the festival goes from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The same festivities will continue, but there will also be a Tinikling dance, sumo wrestling, a lion dance parade, a Tai Chi workshop, food eating competition with a sumo wrestler, and additional live music acts from Gun Boi Kaz and Seduza.
Closing off on Sunday, there will be a cosplay and karaoke contest, as well as a live music performance from Ted Park.
General Admission tickets are $12 when purchased online, not including taxes and fees, which gives you full access to the food vendors, live shows, contests, anime & merch vendors, workshops, and GA areas.
VIP tickets are $39 when purchased online and give you early access, exclusive VIP merch, all-day entry & re-entry, a VIP lounge and a complimentaryVIP Bracelet Experience.
You can purchase both tickets here, and you can find all the information about the festival here.
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