PANDA FEST’s First Event of 2026 and First-Ever Event in Orlando Brings Local and National Food, Fun and Culture to Central Florida
Tickets on Sale January 8 at PandaFests.com | Limited Early Bird Tickets Available Thru January 18
Panda-monium is about to sweep across Central Florida! PANDA FEST, one of the nation’s fastest-growing Asian food and culture festivals, will kick off its biggest year yet with the exciting debut of the first-ever PANDA FEST in Orlando, bringing a vibrant celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures to Festival Park on Friday, February 27 thru Sunday, March 1, 2026. Guests will enjoy a weekend filled with delicious food, live performances and arts and crafts from both local and national vendors, plus interactive panda-themed experiences designed for all ages. Tickets go on sale Thursday, January 8 at 10am at PandaFests.com.
Founded by BiuBiu Xu – PANDA FEST began in 2024 as a one-day pop-up in New York City and quickly grew into a multi-city, multi-day celebration. PANDA FEST has now expanded to 11 cities across the East Coast, West Coast and central U.S. regions, including Phoenix, Dallas, Austin, Nashville, Charlotte, Hartford, Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle and Minneapolis/St. Paul, with many cities holding sold-out events, cementing its reputation as a must-attend cultural event.
“We are thrilled to announce our first city for 2026 and first-ever event in Orlando, jumpstarting our biggest year yet – an extra meaningful milestone to us,” says Xu. “We know the PANDA FEST fans have been waiting for an event in Orlando, which has such a vibrant, diverse and family-friendly community that is perfect for PANDA FEST. After selling out in city after city, we know Orlando is ready for the panda-monium, and we can’t wait to deliver an unforgettable weekend of food, culture and fun all coming together.”
Building on the success of the 2025 events, the PANDA FEST team has listened carefully to attendee feedback to make the Orlando debut festival even better. Enhancements include smoother and faster entry with more staffing, additional timed ticketing options to provide greater flexibility, budget-friendly eats under $15 alongside larger portions, more drink stations to keep guests refreshed, shaded VIP seating and increased signage to help guests navigate the festival grounds with ease.
ORLANDO EVENT DETAILS
Festival Park – 2911 E Robinson St., Orlando, FL 32803
Dates and Times:
• Friday, February 27 | 4pm–10pm
• Saturday, February 28 | 10am–10pm
• Sunday, March 1 | 10am–8pm
WHAT TO EXPECT AT PANDA FEST ORLANDO
Guests can explore a culinary journey across Asia with more than 80+ food vendors and food trucks offering 200+ dishes from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and beyond. From authentic street food to creative fusion bites, there’s something for every palate. In addition to the food, attendees can browse a curated marketplace of 20+ vendors offering crafts, clothing, accessories and artisan goods inspired by Asian heritage. Traditional arts like calligraphy, sugar painting and paper cutting will be featured alongside modern K-pop dance routines, lion dances, theatrical performances, and more. Vendors are both national and local. And of course, pandas take center stage – expect Instagram-worthy installations like a 15-foot inflatable panda, a panda bounce ring and themed treats, souvenirs and games galore.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets go on sale on Thursday, January 8 at 10am with a limited number of Early Bird tickets ($10) available through Sunday, January 18 at 10pm or until sold out. General Admission ($14) includes entry to the festival and two complimentary gifts: a customized Orlando festival pin and an inflatable panda headband. VIP tickets include upgraded perks such as shaded seating, VIP restrooms, exclusive experiences, a private bar and a PANDA FEST tote bag. (Saturday tickets are $2 more.)
PANDA FEST is a rain-or-shine event unless severe weather conditions require cancellation.
Visit PandaFests.com for ticket information, vendor applications, and more. Follow along at @pandafestorlando on Instagram for festival updates, vendor spotlights and sneak peeks.
Launching in 2024 in New York City, PANDA FEST is one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the U.S. With experiential activities, tastings, market fairs and performances, the festival brings people from various backgrounds together to celebrate and experience the vibrant food, art and traditions of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures. Pandas are a central theme displayed throughout the festival, with panda-themed inflatables, games and activities, merchandise and food available for festival attendees to enjoy. The festival originated as a one-day event called Panda Day, created by BiuBiu Xu. PANDA FEST is now a multi-city, multi-day celebration, expanding to 11 cities nationwide, including Phoenix, Dallas, Austin, Nashville, Charlotte, Hartford, Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle and Minneapolis/St. Paul. For more information on PANDA FEST, visit PandaFests.com, and follow along at @pandafests on Instagram.