ATLANTA — Panda Fest, one of the largest outdoor Asian food festivals in the United States, is set to make its official return to Atlanta this weekend, September 5-7, at Atlantic Station’s Pinnacle Lot. The interactive panda-themed festival will celebrate the art, music, dance, and food of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) cultures with several enhancements from its inaugural event.
Festival Details
The three-day event will run:
- Friday, September 5: 12-5 p.m.
- Saturday, September 6: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Sunday, September 7: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Located at Atlantic Station’s Pinnacle Lot (221 20th St., Atlanta, GA 30363), the festival promises an immersive experience for attendees of all ages.
What to Expect
Panda Fest will feature over 80 food stalls serving more than 300 types of cuisine, ranging from panda-shaped treats to popular street foods and traditional dishes. The festival’s food vendors include eateries from across the country specializing in Vietnamese noodles and egg rolls, Korean corn dogs, Japanese American Teppanyaki, Filipino barbecue, Malaysian cuisine, Thai food, sushi, hibachi, and desserts like mango sticky rice, rolled ice cream, and Chinese pastries.
The festival will also include:
- A market fair with over 20 vendors selling crafts, clothing, accessories, and merchandise inspired by Asian culture, including traditional calligraphy art, artisanal t-shirts, and panda-themed trinkets
- Panda-themed items and entertainment on full display, including a massive 15-foot inflatable panda, panda bounce ring, and vendors offering panda-themed treats and trinkets
- Live cultural performances and craft demonstrations, featuring lion dance shows, theatrical acts, K-pop dance routines, sugar painting, paper cutting, and more
Enhancements for 2025
This year’s festival returns with several improvements designed to enhance the attendee experience, including:
- Additional seating areas and drink stations
- Popular vendors offering multiple booths to reduce line sizes and waiting times
- Vendors providing two portion sizes at different price points, allowing attendees to sample more dishes at a lower cost
Tickets and Logistics
Panda Fest is currently 90% sold out. A limited number of tickets are available online each day, with some same-day tickets available at the gate for $20. VIP tickets will not be available at the gate, and entry is subject to venue capacity. Guests already holding tickets will be granted priority entry.
Tickets cannot be changed to another date, and no refunds will be permitted. The festival encourages purchasing tickets in advance online only from the official Eventbrite link while avoiding third-party sellers.
Family and Pet-Friendly Policies
Panda Fest is family-friendly, welcoming children of all ages. Children ages 6 and up require a ticket for entry. Strollers are permitted throughout the venue.
Dogs are welcome at the festival but must remain on a leash at all times, be well-behaved, have current vaccinations, and wear identification tags. Aggressive behavior will not be tolerated, and pets must be kept away from food vendors and eating areas. Owners are responsible for all cleanup as needed.
Weather and Safety
Panda Fest is a rain-or-shine event unless severe weather conditions legally require delay, postponement, or cancellation. Umbrellas are permitted.
Several items are prohibited, including roller skates, skateboards, weapons, self-defense spray/pepper spray, smoking products (including vaping and cigarettes), illegal drugs, and outside food or beverages.
Getting There
Atlantic Station location with multiple parking and transportation options available
Parking is available at Atlantic Station’s parking deck at 1371 17th St NW, with the first two hours free. Multiple transportation options are available:
- By Car: Access the Pinnacle Lot event entrance by parking on the P2 level and exiting straight ahead near Stairwell 2 onto 20th Street
- Walking: Take Stairwells 1, 2, 3, or 4 down to the P2 level and exit straight ahead onto 20th Street
- Rideshare: Use the drop-off location at 241 20th Street Atlanta, GA 30363
- MARTA: Take the red or gold line to Arts Center Station, about a 20-minute walk from the station, or use the free Atlantic Station shuttle to the Atlantic Drive stop for a 5-minute walk to the event
Vendors accept both cash and credit cards, though Panda Fest will not have ATMs on-site.
About Panda Fest
Launched in 2024, Panda Fest originated as a one-day event called Panda Day, created by BluBlu Xu, founder of New York City’s popular Dragon Fest. The festival has now expanded to a multi-day experience, with plans to grow to cities like Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle, Charlotte, and more in 2025.
For more information, visit www.pandafests.com and follow along on Instagram @pandafestatlanta for the latest festival updates.