Newsletter Subscribe
Enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter
Panda Fest Indianapolis. What to expect at the Asian food festival
Share your love
This is the right way to eat ramen
IndyStar food writer Liz Biro and ramen fans demonstrate you how to properly eat ramen at Ramen Ray on Indianapolis’ northeast side.
Robert Scheer/IndyStar
Panda Fest comes to Indy this weekend.
The outdoor Asian food festival runs May 15-17 at Military Park.
The organizer’s website describes the event as “one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the US with experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs that showcases the vibrant food, art and cultural traditions from Asia.”
The festival is produced in more than a dozen cities, including Boston; Bloomington, Minnesota; Washington, D.C.; Chicago; Orlando; Nashville; Atlanta; Phoenix; Charlotte; Philadelphia; San Diego; and Houston.
The 2026 events for Atlanta, Phoenix, Orlando, Nashville, Philadelphia, Charlotte, San Diego and Houston took place over the past few months.
Will there be panda bears at Panda Fest Indy?
Not likely live ones. But there will be plenty of panda-themed food, merchandise and decorations, according to the site.
What kind of food will be at Panda Fest Indy?
More than 90 Asian vendors will offer more than 200 types of Asian street foods and drinks, from panda tanghulu to panda watermelon juice to panda buns, according to the organizer’s social media.
Activities at Panda Fest Indianapolis
Organizers said attendees should expect:
- Shopping at more than 20 panda-related merchandise vendors
- Panda mascot meet and greets
- Live cultural performances
- Panda inflatables
- A panda bounce house
- DIY panda painting
Free gifts for festival attendees
Each attendee will get two free gifts, according to the organizer’s online description. One is a customized commemorative panda pin; and the other is a headband.
How much are tickets to Pandy Fest Indy?
Advance general admission tickets for ages six and up is $14 each for Friday and Sunday. Saturday tickets are $14 each. Gate admission is $20.
VIP tickets are $35 each for Friday and Sunday, and $37 for Saturday. VIP tickets include a gift bag, a fast pass for entrance and access to VIP areas with shaded seating and bathrooms.
Tickets are non-refundable.
Children under age six do not require an admission ticket.
Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.
What time is Panda Fest Indy?
The event takes place at Military Park, 601 W. New York St.
- May 15: 4-10 p.m.
- May 16: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- May 17: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Are dogs allowed at Panda Fest?
Yes, but they must be non-aggressive, on a short leash, under owner control and wearing a collar with ID tags at all times. Proof of up-to-date vaccinations might be requested.
