Panda Fest, one of the largest celebrations of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) food and culture in the U.S., is making its debut in Atlanta this spring. After its successful launch in 2024, the festival will take place from April 4-6, 2025, at Atlantic Station’s Pinnacle Lot.
What to Expect at Atlanta Panda Fest
With over 100 street food stalls, live performances, artisan markets, and panda-themed activities, Panda Fest promises an unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors.
Created by the founders of Dragon Fest, one of the nation’s largest Asian food and culture festivals, Panda Fest began as a one-day event called Panda Day, featuring panda-inspired foods, games, and raffles.
Due to its popularity, it quickly grew in demand and has now expanded into a multi-day event. Atlanta will be the first city outside of New York to host Panda Fest in 2025.
“We’re thrilled to bring Panda Fest to the vibrant city of Atlanta,” said BiuBiu Xu, Founder of Panda Fest. “This family-friendly event offers a unique and exciting opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together, celebrate AAPI cultures, and experience delicious food and incredible crafts. With vendors from both New York and Atlanta, we’re excited to create a diverse and unforgettable cultural experience for the community.”
Panda Fest will take attendees on a culinary journey across Asia, with over 100 food stalls and trucks offering more than 300 types of cuisine from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond. Festivalgoers can also explore a market featuring over 20 vendors selling Asian-inspired crafts, clothing, accessories, and unique merchandise such as calligraphy art and artisanal t-shirts. Panda-themed fun will be in full swing, with highlights including a giant 15-foot inflatable panda, a panda bounce ring, and plenty of panda-themed treats and trinkets.
The festival will also showcase live cultural performances and craft demonstrations, including lion dances, theatrical acts, K-pop routines, sugar painting, paper cutting, and more. Interested vendors, sponsors, and participants can apply via the festival’s website.
Tickets for Panda Fest will go on sale starting Wednesday, January 15. Early Bird tickets will be available until Sunday, February 9, at 10 p.m. General Admission tickets include two free gifts (a custom festival pin and an inflatable panda headband), while VIP tickets offer access to exclusive experiences, VIP bathrooms, a VIP bar, and a special gift (a festival bag).
For more details and to purchase tickets, visit Panda Fest’s website. The event will take place rain or shine, and media and influencer credentials will be available at a later date.
At this point, Atlanta cuisine has become indispensable to the South. The largest city in Georgia’s food festivals and culinary events set the tone for the entire Southeast.
Only in Atlanta can the casual observer find specialty food shops, off-the-beaten-path restaurants, farmers’ markets and farm stands all at an affordable price point.
But Atlanta also has trendy restaurants, pop-ups and time-tested landmarks that continue to draw big crowds.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
