One of the nation’s fastest-growing Asian food and culture festivals is coming to Indianapolis this spring.
Panda Fest is a three-day outdoor festival celebrating Asian cuisine, art and cultural traditions, complete with “crowd-favorite” panda-themed activities, according to a press release. Panda Fest is about more than just food; the large-scale cultural event will present a blend of Asian street food, an artisan market, traditional and contemporary performances, hands-on cultural activities, and interactive attractions May 15-17 at Military Park.
“Panda Fest is about bringing people together through food, culture, and community,” BiuBiu Xu, founder and organizer of Panda Fest, said in a statement. “Alongside incredible vendors and performances, the panda-themed experiences add a playful element that creates a welcoming and memorable experience for all ages. We’re excited to share that energy with Indianapolis!”
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Xu created the festival in 2024, and it quickly became one of the largest outdoor Asian food and cultural festivals in the United States. In its first year, Panda Fest produced 13 events across 11 cities, welcoming more than 500,000 guests, according to a press release.
What started as a one-day event has grown into a multi-day, multi-city experience, featuring events in Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Dallas, Seattle, Austin, the Twin Cities, Connecticut, Charlotte, Nashville and Orlando. Now, in its third year, Panda Fest will make its Indianapolis debut, bringing communities together “to celebrate the richness of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures,” according to a press release
True to its name, pandas serve as a “playful” central theme of the festival, appearing throughout the grounds in several mediums, offering guests photo-worthy moments. Guests can engage with a 15-foot inflatable panda, a panda bounce ring, themed treats, exclusive merchandise, souvenirs, games and installations across Military Park, according to a press release.
From authentic street food staples to inventive fusion bites, the three-day festival promises to be bigger and better for its Indianapolis debut, offering “something for every palate,” according to a press release. Children and families are invited to embark on a culinary journey across Asia, featuring more than 90 food trucks and vendors serving more than 200 dishes native to China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and more.
The festival’s curated marketplace, featuring more than 20 vendors, will showcase Asian-inspired crafts, apparel, accessories and artisanal goods. Guests can also engage with live performances and interactive demonstrations throughout the weekend.
Though final programming is scheduled to be announced closer to the event date, previous editions of Panda Fest have featured traditional lion dances, sugar painting, paper cutting and calligraphy, alongside contemporary performances such as K-pop dance and theatrical showcases.
Panda Fest is scheduled for May 15-17 at Military Park, 601 W. New York St. The festival is rain or shine. Early-bird tickets start at $10 and are on sale now through Feb. 15. General admission is $14, and children under 6 are free.
For more information about Panda Fest, festival policies, parking information or to purchase tickets, visit pandafests.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
