Panda Fest 2025-Get Ready to Experience Panda-Monium in Nashville & Dallas with Food, Culture & Fun
Join Panda Fest 2025 in Nashville (Oct 24–26) and Dallas (Nov 7–9) for an epic celebration of Asian food, culture, and panda-themed fun. Over 80+ food vendors, live performances, merch, free gifts & VIP perks. Tickets from $10. Don’t miss out on this panda-monium! Get ready to experience panda-monium like never before! Panda Fest, one of the nation’s fastest-growing outdoor Asian food and culture festivals, is set to sweep through Nashville this fall and make its debut in Dallas in November. This isn’t just another food fair—it’s a multi-sensory cultural explosion combining authentic Asian street food, vibrant performances, artisan markets, and plenty of panda-themed flair. If you love food, culture, or just good times with friends and family, Panda Fest 2025 is made for you.
Table of Contents
- What is Panda Fest?
- Panda Fest Nashville 2025: Dates, Venue & Highlights
- Panda Fest Dallas 2025: Debut Details & What to Expect
- Food & Vendors: A Culinary Tour across Asia
- Culture, Performances & Panda-Theme Fun
- Tickets & Pricing: General Admission, VIP, Early Bird
- Family & Pet Policies, Logistics & Tips
- Why Panda Fest is More Than Just a Festival
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts: How to Plan Your Visit
1. What is Panda Fest?
Panda Fest is a rapidly growing, multi-city outdoor Asian food & culture festival that blends food, art, performance, and immersive experiences—all with a touch of panda magic. Founded by BiuBiu Xu (creator of NYC’s Dragon Fest), it has already sold out events in cities like Boston, Seattle, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. (Panda festival)
The festival brings together:
- Hundreds of authentic street food offerings from across Asia
- Live cultural performances: traditional dances, K-Pop, lion dance, etc.
- Merch markets & artisans making crafts, clothing, art, specialty items
- Panda-themed fun: inflatable pandas, bounce houses, panda shaped treats, photo ops
- Inclusive perks like free gifts, VIP extras, pet/pet owner provisions, family friendliness.
Panda Fest is designed for all ages, cultures, and interests—whether you’re a food explorer, culture enthusiast, or just want a fun weekend out.
2. Panda Fest Nashville 2025: Dates, Venue & Highlights
Dates & Venue
- When: October 24-26, 2025 (Panda festival)
- Where: Fair Park, 2300 Bransford Ave, Nashville, TN (Panda festival)
Hours
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Friday | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
What You’ll Experience
- 80+ Asian food vendors serving 250+ authentic street food dishes from all over Asia—from dumplings, ramen, sushi, skewers to sweets like bubble tea and shaved ice. (Panda festival)
- 20+ merchandise vendors with artisan goods, clothing, crafts inspired by Asian traditions. (Panda festival)
- Live performances including traditional Asian dance, modern routines like K-Pop, plus likely lion dances and more. (Panda festival)
- Panda-theme installations & fun: A 15-foot inflatable panda (or giant inflatable panda), panda bounce house, thematic photo opportunities, panda-inspired treats & merchandise. (Panda festival)
3. Panda Fest Dallas 2025: Debut Details & What to Expect
Dates & Venue
- When: November 7-9, 2025 (Secret Dallas)
- Where: Carpenter Park, Downtown Dallas, 2201 Pacific Ave, Dallas, TX 75201 (Secret Dallas)
What’s New & Special in Dallas
- Dallas will be one of the first times Panda Fest hits Texas, so there’s some novelty and excitement built in. (Secret Dallas)
- Expect over 65 food vendors and 150+ Asian dishes spanning many Asian cuisines: Chinese, Korean, Thai, Japanese, etc. (Secret Dallas)
- Similar cultural & arts market — heritage goods, artisanal teas, crafts, calligraphy, jewelry. (Secret Dallas)
- Live performance lineup will include lion dance, K-Pop showcases, and more. (Secret Dallas)
- Panda-themes: large inflatable panda, panda-shaped desserts, panda-themed packaging; all designed for fun & photo moments. (Secret Dallas)
One of the major draws of Panda Fest is absolutely the food. Whether in Nashville or Dallas, here’s what attendees can expect in terms of culinary offerings:
- Street-food staples: dumplings (steamed and fried), bao buns, skewers, ramen, pho, sushi, noodle dishes, curries, grilled meats & veggies.
- Sweet treats & drinks: bubble tea, shaved ice, mochi, Asian desserts, sweet buns, etc.
- Regional diversity: Dishes from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, etc., often with vendors specializing in one cuisine or combining fusion styles.
Vendors often feature vegetarian or vegan options and accommodate dietary restrictions. (Panda festival)
Market vendors bring more than just food: they carry authentic ingredients, artisanal teas, pottery, calligraphy art, clothing, unique crafts & more. This adds depth: you’re not just tasting culture—you’re taking part in it. (Panda festival)
5. Culture, Performances & Panda-Theme Fun
Panda Fest isn’t just food—it’s rich with culture and interactive experiences.
Live Performances
- Traditional dances (e.g. lion dance, folk dances) to modern pop (K-Pop, DJ sets) to dramatic performances. (Panda festival)
- Local and visiting talents bring both authenticity and high-energy entertainment.
Panda-Theme Attractions
- Giant inflatables (a major one is the 15-foot inflatable panda) making for Instagrammable moments. (Panda festival)
- Bounce houses or a panda bounce zone.
- Panda-shaped desserts and packaging.
- Exclusive panda merchandise.
Artisan & Cultural Engagements
- Arts & crafts demonstrations: paper cutting, calligraphy, sugar painting, etc. (Panda festival)
- Markets with heritage goods, handmade crafts.
- Interactive setups for families.
6. Tickets & Pricing: General Admission, VIP & Early Bird
Here’s a breakdown of the ticket structure and perks for Nashville and Dallas.
Nashville Ticket Pricing & Perks
| Ticket Type | Price Details | Free Gifts / Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Early Bird | $10 (limited, selected time slots) through Sept 14, 2025 | Included: 2 free gifts (custom Panda Fest pin featuring Nashville + panda headband). (Panda festival) |
| General Admission | $14, Saturdays $16 (slightly higher) | Includes GA benefits + above gifts. Single entry for selected time slot. (Panda festival) |
| VIP | $35 | All GA benefits + one more gift bag (worth more), fast-pass entrance, access to VIP bars/lounges/bathrooms. (Panda festival) |
| Gate Admission | $20 (on-site, subject to availability) | Guaranteed entry (if capacity allows) but no early-bird savings. (Panda festival) |
Dallas Ticketing
- Early Bird tickets go on sale September 17, 2025 starting at $10. (Secret Dallas)
- General Admission starts at $14, Saturday’s ticket price maybe a bit higher. Gate tickets will be around $20. (Secret Dallas)
- Kids under 6 are typically free. Free gifts included with many tickets. (Secret Dallas)
7. Family & Pet Policies, Logistics & Tips
To make your Panda Fest experience smooth, here are the important policies & helpful suggestions.
Family & Children
- Kids under age 6 often get free admission, though in Nashville under-6 children may get a headband only (no pin) depending on ticket policy. (Panda festival)
- Strollers are allowed. (Panda festival)
- The festival is very family-friendly: kid-appropriate performances, activities.
Pets
- Leashed dogs allowed under certain conditions (vaccinations, behavior, etc.). Owner responsible for behavior & clean-up. (Panda festival)
- Some restrictions around food vendor areas & patrolling.
Prohibited Items & Policies
| Not Allowed | Notes |
|---|---|
| Weapons, pepper spray, illegal drugs | Strictly prohibited. (Panda festival) |
| Roller skates, skateboards | Not allowed. (Panda festival) |
| Smoking including vaping | Prohibited. (Panda festival) |
| Outside food/beverages | Not allowed. (Panda festival) |
| Large bags may be subject to check | Small bags only preferred. (Panda festival) |
Parking, Arrival & Timing
- Nashville: On-site parking will cost about $10 per vehicle. (https://www.wsmv.com)
- Arrive early, especially if you want certain food stalls or performances—you can avoid long lines.
- Wear comfortable shoes; prepare for outdoor weather (shade, rain possibilities). Check the weather and dress accordingly.
What to Bring
- ID if you expect to use VIP areas or for age verification.
- Small cash just in case, although most vendors accept cards.
- Camera/phone for photos—lots of photogenic moments.
- Refillable water bottle? Check if allowed (likely outside beverages not allowed, but water may be sold inside).
8. Why Panda Fest is More Than Just a Festival
Panda Fest has become a cultural staple for several reasons:
- Amplifying Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) cultures: It showcases food, art, tradition, and modern culture.
- Community building: Gathering people from diverse backgrounds, families, food lovers.
- Economic support: Local vendors, artisans, performers get exposure.
- Experience over passive attendance: It’s immersive. It encourages interactive learning (crafts, performances), not just eating.
- Photo-friendly & social media appeal: Panda-themes, colorful setups make for shareable moments.
9. FAQs
Q: Is the event rain or shine?
A: Yes — Panda Fest is a rain-or-shine event unless severe weather forces postponement or cancellation. (Panda festival)
Q: Can I buy tickets at the gate?
A: Yes — Gate admission for Nashville is $20. But early purchase is recommended, since entry is subject to capacity limits. (Panda festival)
Q: Are tickets refundable or transferable?
A: Tickets are non-refundable. Also not transferable to other dates or time slots. (Panda festival)
Q: Are there vegetarian / vegan or dietary-restricted options?
A: Yes — many vendors offer vegetarian or vegan options. (Panda festival)
Q: Can I bring outside food / beverage?
A: No — outside food or beverages are generally prohibited. (Panda festival)
Q: Pets allowed?
A: Dogs on a leash are allowed, with requirements like vaccinations, tags, good behavior. Owner must clean up and keep pets away from food vendors. (Panda festival)
10. How to Plan Your Visit
Here are tips so you get the best out of Panda Fest:
- Buy tickets early — especially early bird if available; VIP if you want perks.
- Plan your day — map out which food vendors you really want, when the performances are, especially for kids.
- Go in groups — share variety; try multiple dishes without overdoing it.
- Weather prep — bring sunscreen, rain gear just in case, dress in layers.
- Bring camera/phone fully charged — photo spots will be everywhere.
- Cash + cards — while cards accepted, some vendors may prefer cash; ATMs may be limited.
- Arrive early on popular days (Saturday especially) to avoid crowds.