Tag Archive for: panda fest

PANDA FEST RETURNS TO ATLANTA APRIL 3-5

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/7/26

The Rapidly Expanding National Three-Day Festival Brings Food, Culture, and Performance Back to Atlantic Station
Tickets Go on Sale Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. EST
 

WHAT:
Panda Fest – Food & Culture Festival

WHEN:
Friday, April 3: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday, April 4: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, April 5: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

WHERE:
Atlantic Station | Pinnacle Lot | 221 20th St., Atlanta, GA 30363

TICKETS:
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. EST at www.pandafests.com.
Early Bird ($10, limited to 1,000 tickets, General Admission ($14), and VIP ($35). Saturday tickets are $2 more. Children ages 6 and up require a ticket. Guests select a day and entry time when purchasing.

 Panda Fest returns to Atlanta for its third year, reinforcing the city’s role as a cornerstone of the festival’s rapid rise into a national destination event. From April 3–5, Atlantic Station’s Pinnacle Lot will once again host the high-energy celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) cuisine, art, performance, and playful panda-themed experiences – expanded with new vendors, programming and immersive experiences for Spring 2026.

“Atlanta has always been a special city for Panda Fest,” said BiuBiu Xu, Founder of Panda Fest. “The curiosity, the energy, and the way people show up ready to try something new helped shape what the festival is today. This spring, we’re bringing back everything people have come to love, along with new vendors, performances and experiences that invites our guests to spend the day exploring, tasting new bites, connecting with each other, and learning about Asian culture.”

At the heart of Panda Fest is food. The festival will feature more than 80 food vendors and trucks serving over 200 dishes inspired by cuisines from across Asia, ranging from street food classics to creative, festival-exclusive bites. Vendors travel from major markets, including New York and Los Angeles, along with a strong lineup of Atlanta-area favorites, creating a mix that is both nationally curated and locally rooted. Most dishes are prepared fresh on-site, adding to the sensory experience, and offerings span a range of price points,  including budget-friendly options under $10 and larger, shareable plates, some of which come with branded keepsakes.

Beyond the food, Panda Fest features a curated marketplace of artisan vendors selling apparel, accessories, artwork, and gifts inspired by Asian culture and craftsmanship. Live performances and interactive demonstrations run throughout the weekend. While final programming will be announced closer to the event, previous editions of Panda Fest have showcased traditional lion dances, cultural arts such as sugar painting, paper cutting, and calligraphy, alongside contemporary performances including K-pop dance and theatrical showcases. Oversized, custom Atlanta-themed panda installations, interactive attractions like the fan-favorite panda bounce ring, and themed treats and merchandise have also become popular elements of the playful festival that will be returning this year.

Panda Fest’s return to Atlanta comes amid significant national growth. Since debuting in the city in early 2025, the festival has expanded to 11 cities and produced 13 events across markets, including Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Dallas, Hartford, Nashville, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Seattle, and the Twin Cities. In 2026, Panda Fest plans to continue expanding nationally, while maintaining Atlanta as one of its most established and celebrated stops.

TICKETS ON SALE | FEBRUARY 4 AT 10 A.M. EST
General Admission tickets include festival entry plus two complimentary gifts: a new collectible Panda Fest Atlanta pin and an inflatable panda headband. VIP tickets include additional amenities such as shaded seating, VIP restrooms, exclusive experiences, access to a private bar, and a Panda Fest tote bag. Limited gate tickets will be available for $20 per person, pending capacity. Advance ticket holders receive priority entry.

For tickets, vendor applications, and event updates, visit www.pandafests.com and follow @pandafestatlanta on Instagram. Panda Fest is a rain-or-shine event unless severe weather conditions require cancellation. Interviews with founder BiuBiu Xu, media credentials, and high-resolution images are available upon request.

PANDA FEST: PANDA-MONIUM IN ATLANTA EARNS THE CITY AN ENCORE – TWO FESTS, ONE UNFORGETTABLE YEAR!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/8/25

Update: FROM STREET EATS TO SWEET TREATS: PANDA FEST ANNOUNCES VENDOR LINEUP
FOR SECOND ATLANTA FESTIVAL I SEPT. 5-7, 2025

 Panda Fest is making its way back to the Peach State, and with its return only a few weeks away, the festival has unveiled its official lineup of vendors! This Sept. 5-7, Atlantic Station’s Pinnacle Lot will transform into a bustling street market, where over 70 food vendors, artisan merchants, and cultural performers will come together for an incredible celebration and display of AAPI culture. Brimming with flavor and panda-themed fun, the selection of vendors participating in the second installation of Panda Fest in Atlanta promises delights to suit every taste.

Panda Fest made its debut in Atlanta back in April of this year, and the city will mark another first for Panda Fest with the September event, as the first city to welcome Panda Fest back for the second time in 2025. With its return, Panda Fest is introducing several enhancements to create an even better experience for festivalgoers who attended the first event, and for those joining Panda Fest for the first time. A few of the most popular vendors from the last festival will now have more than one station, allowing guests to enjoy more of their popular offerings. Food vendors will also offer dishes in two portion sizes at different price points, allowing attendees to enjoy more dishes at a lower cost. In addition, there will be additional seating areas and more drink stations helping to allow guests to enjoy more of their water and other drinks from any location at the festival.

Attendees can expect both new and returning vendors from the first Panda Fest, including beloved local eateries and food offerings from across the country, including states like California, New York, and more.

“The vendors are such an important part of the festival, and we have really focused on finding and selecting restaurants and shops that truly represent the best parts of Asian cuisine and culture,” said BiuBiu Xu, Founder of Panda Fest. “They help to create an experience where people connect with each other while sharing a meal, learning about a tradition, and sometimes even learning a vendor’s personal story. This helps Panda Fest truly feel like a celebration of the richness and diversity of AAPI culture.”

FOOD + BEVERAGE STREET STALLS
This September’s roster offers a bite for every appetite, from bao buns and sizzling skewers fresh off the grill to inventive desserts and refreshing bubble teas, allowing guests to savor flavors from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and more. The full lineup of food vendors + where they are based includes:



ARTISAN MARKET
In addition to the food, Panda Fest’s artisan market will feature makers and merchants offering crafts, clothing, jewelry, home décor, and of course, panda-themed collectibles and gifts inspired by Asian cultures. The artisan vendor lineup includes:



*Indicates a vendor who also participated in the first Atlanta Panda Fest.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Alongside the food and shopping, Panda Fest Atlanta guests can also look forward to:

  • Live entertainment, including modern K-pop dance routines, lion dances, theatrical performances, and more
  • Traditional arts like calligraphy, sugar painting, and paper cutting
  • Family-friendly panda fun, including Instagram-worthy installations like a 15-foot inflatable panda, a panda bounce ring, and themed treats, souvenirs, and games galore

 
TICKET INFO
General Admission and VIP tickets are available on Eventbrite. General Admission includes entry to the festival and two complimentary gifts: a customized Atlanta 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. Panda Fest encourages purchasing tickets only from the Eventbrite link on the Panda Fest website and avoiding third-party sellers.

Visit www.pandafests.com for ticket information and more. Follow along at @pandafestatlanta on Instagram for festival updates, vendor spotlights, and sneak peeks. Panda Fest is a rain-or-shine event unless severe weather conditions require cancellation. 

Sept. 5–7 | Early Bird Tickets Go on Sale Friday, July 11 at 10 a.m. EST

WHAT:
Panda Fest

WHEN:
Friday, Sept. 5: 12:00–5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 6: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 7: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Atlantic Station | Pinnacle Lot | 221 20th St., Atlanta, GA 30363

TICKETS:
Daily Early Bird tickets go on sale on Friday, July 11, at 10 a.m. EST. General Admission and VIP tickets are also available. See below or visit www.pandafests.com for ticket details and pricing.

 Panda Fest, one of the nation’s fastest-growing outdoor Asian food and culture festivals, is thrilled to announce its return to Atlanta later this year. As the first city to host Panda Fest, Atlanta set the stage with a sold-out debut that created incredible momentum and excitement. From Sept. 5–7, Panda Fest will bring the panda-monium back to Atlantic Station’s Pinnacle Lot with a vibrant celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures. Guests can enjoy a weekend filled with delicious food, live performances, arts and crafts, and interactive panda-themed experiences designed for all ages.
 
Founded by BiuBiu Xu, the creator of New York City’s acclaimed Dragon Fest, Panda Fest began as a one-day pop-up and quickly grew into a multi-city, multi-day festival. It has sold out in cities including Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, and Seattle, with plans to return to all of them in 2026. Atlanta is the only city selected to host Panda Fest twice in one year.
 
“Atlanta holds a special place in Panda Fest’s story as the first city to welcome us,” said Xu. “We’re honored to bring the festival back for a second time in 2025. It’s a testament to Atlanta’s vibrant AAPI community and their appetite for cultural celebration. This September’s event promises even more food, art, and fun, and we can’t wait to see everyone back for this exciting weekend.”
 
Building on the success of the first Atlanta event, the Panda Fest team has listened carefully to attendee feedback to make this fall’s 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.
 
WHAT TO EXPECT AT PANDA FEST ATLANTA
Guests can explore a culinary journey across Asia with more than 80+ food vendors and food trucks offering 300+ 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 25+ 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. 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 INFO
Tickets go on sale Friday, July 11, with a limited number of Early Bird tickets available through Sunday, July 27 at 10 p.m. EST or until sold out. General Admission includes entry to the festival and two complimentary gifts: a customized Atlanta 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.
 
Visit www.pandafests.com for ticket information, vendor applications, and more. Follow along at @pandafestatlantaon Instagram for festival updates, vendor spotlights, and sneak peeks. Panda Fest is a rain-or-shine event unless severe weather conditions require cancellation.

APRIL BRINGS FESTIVALS, FITNESS & FAMILY FUN TO THE 30363

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/31/25

Atlantic Station to host Panda Fest, Wellness Wednesdays, Atlanta Seafood Festival and more!


 April is blooming with vibrant events at Atlantic Station for all ages to enjoy! Whether you want to enhance your fitness routine with Wellness Wednesday, browse unique handcrafted goods at the Creator’s Market, or treat the little ones with springtime fun at Tot Spot, there’s something for everyone. Food lovers can indulge in global flavors at the sold-out Panda Fest and the highly anticipated Atlanta Seafood Festival, while Walk MS Atlanta offers an opportunity to support a great cause. For a touch of elegance, don’t miss the Millennium Gate High Tea experience. Of course, don’t forget to explore Atlantic Station’s delicious food and beverage offerings! Check out the full lineup of exciting events happening this April at Atlantic Station!

Atlantic Station’s April Calendar of Events includes:

Every Wednesday: WELLNESS WEDNESDAY
Located at Atlantic Green | 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Find your midweek motivation at Wellness Wednesday, a free outdoor workout series on Atlantic Green! Every Wednesday, join expert instructors for an energizing fitness session designed to refresh your mind and body. From revitalizing yoga to high-energy dance fit, each week offers a new way to get moving in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.  Registration for this free event is required. Visit here to register. 

Every Weekend: CREATOR’S MARKET
Located Around Atlantic Green | Every Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Every Sunday, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Creator’s Market brings unstoppable creativity to Atlantic Station, beginning Saturday, April 5, with a later start time of 4:30 p.m. Shop locally and celebrate Atlanta’s artisans every Saturday (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m. to 7 p.m.) in April with festive art, jewelry, couture and more, all while supporting the makers of the South. Explore more details here.

Tuesday, April 1: TOT SPOT
Located at Atlantic Green | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Hop into fun at Atlantic Station’s Easter-themed Tot Spot! Designed for children ages 5 and under, this special edition of our monthly event lets little ones celebrate the season. Kids can enjoy a festive Easter egg “hunt,” a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny, creative fun with decorating their own mini flower pots, and picking out a plant to take home. After playtime, enjoy a tasty lunch with exclusive discounts at select restaurants and retailers using the Tot-Spot A Card. Don’t miss this egg-stra special day of fun! Visit here to learn more.

Friday, April 4; Saturday, April 5; & Sunday, April 6: PANDA FEST | SOLD OUT
Located at Pinnacle Lot | Friday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. & Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Panda Fest, one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the U.S. is coming to Atlantic Station! Enjoy a culinary journey through Asia with a lineup of 100+ food stalls and trucks. Festival goers will also experience a market fair with over 20 vendors selling crafts, clothing, and other merchandise inspired by Asian culture, panda-themed items including a 15-foot inflatable panda and a panda bounce ring, live cultural performances, and more.  The event is sold out with a waiting list for tickets, visit here for more information.

Saturday, April 5: WALK MS ATLANTA
Located at Atlantic Green + through the district/30363 | 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Join Atlantic Station for Walk MS, an inspiring event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the Georgia Chapter of the National MS Society for multiple sclerosis research and support. The walk offers both one-mile and three-mile routes, a Circles of Support area, activations, complimentary refreshments and lively tunes. Register for the walk here.

Sunday, April 20:MILLENNIUM GATE HIGH TEA
Located at Millennium Gate Museum | 12 p.m. & 4 p.m.EDT
Join the Millenium Gate Museum for an authentic British tea in the Heart of Atlanta. This immersive afternoon tea experience surrounds guests with the richness of Atlanta history and culture while highlighting the traditions of tea from across the pond. Fresh scones and sandwiches provided by The Ginger Room. All experiences include museum admission and a guided tour. Visit here to learn more and secure tickets.  

Saturday, April 26: ATLANTA SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Located at Pinnacle Lot | 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Get ready for a culinary extravaganza as the Atlanta Seafood Festival sets sail for Atlantic Station! Immerse in the aroma of freshly prepared seafood delights complemented perfectly by a selection of beer, wine and refreshing mimosas. With more than ten delectable restaurants, a souvenir cup and entertainment, the festival promises a feast for the senses like no other. Visit here to purchase tickets.

PANDA FEST DEBUTING IN GEORGIA THIS SPRING FOR A CELEBRATIONOF AAPI FOOD, PERFORMANCE, AND CULTURE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/13/24

APRIL 4-6, 2025


Festival Tickets Go on Sale This Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m.

Atlanta’s pandas may have had to return to China last year, but panda lovers have something new to look forward to this spring! Panda Fest is bringing an interactive panda-themed food and cultural experience to Atlanta happening April 4-6, 2025! Taking place at Atlantic Station’s Pinnacle Lot, this event is one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the U.S. featuring experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs that highlight the vibrant foods, arts and cultural traditions across Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) cultures.
 
Panda Fest was created by the founders of Dragon Fest, one of the largest Asian food and culture festivals in the nation. Panda Fest originated as a one-day event called Panda Day, featuring panda-themed foods, activities, games, and raffles. Beloved by many, demand grew, and now, Panda Fest has evolved into a multi-day experience that will be featured in a number of U.S. cities throughout 2025 with Atlanta serving as the first destination outside of New York.
 
“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 and learn about, experience and celebrate AAPI cultures. Along with our amazing vendors traveling from New York to showcase their incredible foods and crafts, we’ll also have local vendors from Atlanta to create a rich and diverse cultural experience. We’re excited to make Panda Fest a memorable event for Atlanta’s dynamic community for years to come.”
 
Panda Fest will take attendees on a culinary journey through Asia, with a lineup of 100+ food stalls and trucks serving over 300 types of delicious cuisine from countries like China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and more. Festivalgoers will also experience a market fair with over 20 vendors selling crafts, clothing, accessories, and other merchandise inspired by Asian culture, including traditional calligraphy art, artisanal t-shirts, and more. Of course, panda-themed items and fun will be on full display throughout the festival, including a massive 15-foot inflatable panda, a panda bounce ring, and vendors offering panda-themed treats and trinkets. Panda Fest will also feature live cultural performances and craft demonstrations, with highlights including lion dance shows, theatrical acts, K-pop dance routines, sugar painting, paper cutting, and more. Those interested in becoming a vendor, sponsor or participant in this year’s Panda Fest can apply here.
 
Tickets for Panda Fest will go on sale on Wednesday, Jan. 15. There will be a limited number of Early Bird tickets available through Sunday, Feb. 9 at 10 p.m. Each ticket will cover admission to the festival, with General Admission tickets including two free gifts (one customized festival pin and an inflatable panda headband) and VIP tickets including access to VIP bathrooms, experiences, a VIP bar, and an additional gift (a festival bag). For more information and to purchase tickets once they go live, visit the Panda Fest website at www.pandafests.com. Stay tuned on the Panda Fest Instagram (@pandafestatlanta) for all the latest information on the festival. Panda Fest is a rain or shine event.

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