Forget Chinese takeout, at least for tomorrow. Take yourself out to Dragon Fest instead.
Dragon Fest, a first-of-its-kind Chinese food and culture festival, is coming to Manhattan this Saturday, and a few other summer days to follow, offering up a smorgasbord of traditional, popular and rare Chinese foods. The festival is free to attend and open to the public, though reservations are strongly encouraged.
Dragon Fest is scheduled for Saturday, June 24, Saturday, Aug. 26, Sunday, Aug. 27, and Sunday, Sept. 17 in different outdoor locations around the island. Saturday’s kickoff will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Washington Square North from Fifth Avenue to University Place.
The festival is aimed at enticing those who are gastronomic enthusiasts, art lovers, and culturally curious. Participating vendors include Nom Wah, Lady Wong, Mochi Doki, Jixiang BBQ, Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, Kopitiam, Pecking House, Na Tart, and MáLà Project.
Biubiu Xu, founder of Dragon Fest and The Egg House, stressed the importance of meeting a demand for Chinese food and culture in New York City. Xu has brought experiential events to other cities including Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
“It’s intended to be an experiential festival, where people can taste authentic Chinese cuisine and immerse themselves in the rich culture and traditions,” Xu said. “I’m thrilled to invite everyone to what will be the largest celebration of Chinese food and culture in NYC.”
Xu’s goal with Dragon Fest is to connect more Chinese community members working in different industries with each other, as well as help more Chinese brands enter and grow in the American market.
Festie attendees can find the Chinese food they know and love and then some — from soup dumplings and dan dan noodles to sugar painting, candied hawthorn sticks, bowl pudding cake, and more. For the historically-inclined, there will also be Han-style clothing and Miao embroidery and jewelry on display.
Even in its inaugural year, Xu is looking to Dragon Fest’s future. The cultural celebration could expand into more cities next year, and will likely return to New York City. The founder envisions Dragon Fest taking place at least once a month in locations like Washington D.C., Boston, and Los Angeles.
For more information, visit dragonfests.com. Tickets are available now on Eventbrite.
Dragon Fest dates and locations at a glance:
- Saturday, June 24, Washington Square North from 5th Ave. to University Place, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 26, Broadway from 12th to 13th Streets, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 27, 4th Avenue from 12th to 13th Streets, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 17, 6th Avenue from 29th to 30th Streets, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
