Dye is difficult to remove from aqueous solution with common adsorbents due to its large molecular size. Mesoporous bamboo activated carbon is utilized in the adsorption of Black 5, Red E and phenol. The adsorption performance of the carbon is experimentally examined along with the characterization of the adsorbent. The comparison of adsorption capacity of the bamboo activated carbon with that of coconut activated carbon and carbon cryogel indicates that the large volume of mesopore in the carbon helps the expansion of adsorption capacity. Microscopic observation, the measurement of pore characteristics and fitting to the adsorption isotherms are conducted in the characterization of the bamboo activated carbon.