Austin, October 15, 2025
News Summary
Panda Fest, an Asian food and culture festival, will debut in Austin at Republic Square from November 14-16. The event features over 40 food vendors offering more than 100 traditional dishes. Attendees can enjoy live performances, crafts, and a family-friendly atmosphere. General admission tickets are available for $14 in advance. Despite past management challenges in other cities, Panda Fest continues to expand nationally, uniting communities through the celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander traditions.
Austin will host its inaugural Panda Fest, an Asian food and culture festival, from November 14-16, 2025 at Republic Square. This vibrant, family-friendly event is dedicated to celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander traditions. With over 40 food vendors participating, the festival will showcase more than 100 traditional Asian dishes.
Founded in 2024, Panda Fest began as a one-day street festival in New York City before seeing expansion across the nation. The festival has been held in various cities including Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, and Seattle, receiving critical acclaim in online reviews for its unique offerings, although some complaints have arisen regarding management and vendor experiences.
The founder, Biubiu Xu, aimed to create an inclusive space for the community to come together and celebrate the diverse aspects of Asian food culture. In Austin, attendees can look forward to live performances, including traditional music, lion dances, K-pop showcases, calligraphy demonstrations, and sugar painting. Additionally, the event will feature an artisan market where crafts, clothing, and heritage goods will be available for purchase.
A standout attraction will be a 15-foot inflatable panda, along with game activities and panda-themed merchandise aimed at engaging families and children. Tickets for Panda Fest are currently on sale via pandafests.com, with general admission priced at $14 in advance and $20 at the gate. VIP tickets are available for $25 and $27 on Saturdays, while children under six can attend for free. Pets are welcome with specific guidelines in place.
Despite its popularity, previous Panda Fest events had some challenges. Complaints from local vendors about ticket sales figures and vendor management have surfaced, noting that in some cases, the events were poorly managed. Additionally, a Panda Fest event in Charlotte was shut down by local fire marshals due to safety code violations in cooking operations. Nevertheless, the festival continues to plan national expansion, with 13 cities set to host the event in 2025.
Approximately 40% of the vendors at Panda Fest in Austin are local, while the remaining 60% travel with the festival from other cities, contributing to the livelihoods of over 100 small businesses. Vendors pay a submission fee of $2,000 to participate in the festival.
Early bird ticket holders will receive priority entry, and various discounts are available for children and those purchasing tickets early.
FAQ
What is Panda Fest?
Panda Fest is an Asian food and culture festival debuting in Austin from November 14-16, 2025, at Republic Square.
What can attendees expect at the festival?
The festival features a vibrant, family-friendly space dedicated to celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander traditions, with over 40 food vendors offering more than 100 traditional Asian dishes.
Who founded Panda Fest?
Panda Fest was founded in 2024 and began as a one-day street festival in New York City before expanding nationally.
What types of performances will be held at the festival?
Live performances will include traditional music, lion dances, K-pop showcases, calligraphy demonstrations, and sugar painting.
What are the ticket prices for Panda Fest?
General admission tickets are priced at $14 in advance and $20 at the gate. VIP tickets are priced at $25 and $27 on Saturdays. Children under six can attend for free.
Will there be local vendors participating in the festival?
Approximately 40% of the vendors at the festival are local, while 60% travel with the festival from other cities.
Key Features of Panda Fest
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | November 14-16, 2025 |
| Location | Republic Square, Austin |
| Food Vendors | Over 40 Vendors, 100+ Traditional Dishes |
| Performance Types | Traditional Music, Lion Dances, K-Pop, Calligraphy, Sugar Painting |
| Ticket Prices | General: $14 (advance), $20 (gate); VIP: $25, $27 (Saturday) |
| Child Admission | Free for children under 6 |
| Local Vendor Participation | 40% Local, 60% Travel |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mild Weather Settles in North Georgia Following Cold Front
Things to do in Atlanta with Kids Who Get Bored Fast: Short Stops, Snack Breaks & Nap-Friendly Schedules
Additional Resources
- Statesman: Panda Festival 2025 in Austin
- Wikipedia: Austin
- CultureMap: Panda Fest Asian Food Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food
- Travel and Tour World: Panda Fest Culinary Diversity
- Google Search: Asian culture festivals
- Statesman: ACL Festival Music News
- Google News: Panda Fest
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
