Austin, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Panda Fest, a nationally renowned Asian food and culture festival, is making its debut in Texas, specifically in Austin and Dallas. The festival will be held at Republic Square and promises a three-day celebration featuring over 40 food vendors, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities. Guests can look forward to unique attractions like a 15-foot inflatable panda as well as crafts, games, and authentic dishes from across Asia. Tickets are available online, with both general admission and VIP options.
Austin
Panda Fest to debut in Texas with three-day Asian food and culture festival at Republic Square
Panda Fest is a nationally known Asian food and culture festival making its Texas debut. The festival will take place from November 14-16, 2025, at Location: Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St., downtown Austin. The event is family-friendly and will feature various activities including food, crafts, performances, and panda attractions, with a highlight being a 15-foot inflatable panda.
The festival arrives after a string of sold-out events in other U.S. cities. Panda Fest has successfully sold out in cities like Atlanta, Boston, Seattle, and Philadelphia. Along with Austin, Panda Fest is also debuting in Dallas from November 7–9, 2025. Both Austin and Dallas will host the festival as part of a larger tour across several other cities in the future.
What attendees can expect
Features of Panda Fest include:
- Over 40 food vendors serving more than 100 dishes from across Asia.
- Offerings of authentic street food, sweet treats, and creative fusion dishes.
- A marketplace with artisan crafts, clothing, and heritage goods.
- Live performances that will include lion dances, K-pop showcases, and other cultural demonstrations.
- Arts activities such as calligraphy and sugar painting.
- Panda-themed attractions including games and photo opportunities.
The festival aims to showcase the diversity of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures. The event is a spinoff of the Dragon Fest in New York, created by BiuBiu Xu, and is recognized as one of the fastest-growing cultural festivals in the U.S.
Tickets and access
Tickets for the festival are available for purchase at pandafests.com. General admission tickets start at $17.28 and include two free gifts: a custom Austin panda pin and a panda headband. Children under 6 can attend for free. For visitors seeking additional perks, VIP tickets start at $29.87 and include additional perks such as a customized bag, exclusive bathrooms, and a fast pass for entrance.
Organizers emphasize a family-oriented program with activities designed for a range of ages, from hands-on arts to live cultural performances. Vendor booths will offer a mix of established local vendors and visiting chefs presenting both authentic and fusion dishes. The festival footprint at Republic Square will include designated areas for food, performances, arts activities, and a marketplace for artisan goods.
Context and future plans
Panda Fest is part of a broader festival network that has grown rapidly in major U.S. cities. The Texas debut follows successful runs in multiple markets and signals a planned expansion, with Austin and Dallas slated as the initial Texas stops. Event organizers have planned logistics to accommodate large attendance, including ticketed entry tiers and on-site amenities for VIP and general admission visitors.
For practical planning, attendees should note the festival dates and location, purchase tickets in advance to secure preferred entry times, and consult the official ticketing site for updates on vendor lists, performance schedules, and any additional health or safety guidance issued closer to the event.
FAQ
When will Panda Fest take place in Austin?
The festival will take place from November 14-16, 2025.
Where is the festival located?
Location: Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St., downtown Austin.
Is Panda Fest new to Texas?
Panda Fest is a nationally known Asian food and culture festival making its Texas debut.
Will there be a notable attraction at the festival?
A highlight of the festival will be a 15-foot inflatable panda.
Has Panda Fest appeared in other cities?
Panda Fest has successfully sold out in cities like Atlanta, Boston, Seattle, and Philadelphia.
Is Panda Fest happening elsewhere in Texas?
Along with Austin, Panda Fest is also debuting in Dallas from November 7–9, 2025.
Who created the event and what is its origin?
The event is a spinoff of the Dragon Fest in New York, created by BiuBiu Xu, and is recognized as one of the fastest-growing cultural festivals in the U.S.
What are the main features of Panda Fest?
Features of Panda Fest include:
- Over 40 food vendors serving more than 100 dishes from across Asia.
- Offerings of authentic street food, sweet treats, and creative fusion dishes.
- A marketplace with artisan crafts, clothing, and heritage goods.
- Live performances that will include lion dances, K-pop showcases, and other cultural demonstrations.
- Arts activities such as calligraphy and sugar painting.
- Panda-themed attractions including games and photo opportunities.
How do I buy tickets and how much do they cost?
Tickets for the festival are available for purchase at pandafests.com. General admission tickets start at $17.28 and include two free gifts: a custom Austin panda pin and a panda headband. Children under 6 can attend for free. VIP tickets start at $29.87 and include additional perks such as a customized bag, exclusive bathrooms, and a fast pass for entrance.
What is the festival’s cultural focus?
The festival aims to showcase the diversity of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures.
Are Austin and Dallas part of a larger tour?
Both Austin and Dallas will host the festival as part of a larger tour across several other cities in the future.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event name | Panda Fest |
| Dates (Austin) | from November 14-16, 2025 |
| Location | Location: Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St., downtown Austin. |
| Notable attraction | A highlight of the festival will be a 15-foot inflatable panda. |
| Vendors and dishes | Over 40 food vendors serving more than 100 dishes from across Asia. |
| Ticket starting prices | General admission tickets start at $17.28; VIP tickets start at $29.87. |
| Free admission | Children under 6 can attend for free. |
| Additional Texas date | Along with Austin, Panda Fest is also debuting in Dallas from November 7–9, 2025. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Panda Fest Debuts in Dallas with Asian Food and Culture
Panda Fest Set to Debut in Dallas This November
Panda Fest Debuts in Dallas with Asian Food and Culture
Panda Fest Debuts in Texas with Asian Food and Culture
Additional Resources
- AOL News: Asian Food Festival Austin Debut
- Wikipedia: Panda Fest
- Culture Map Austin: Panda Fest
- Google Search: Panda Fest
- Travel and Tour World: Panda Fest Overview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Panda Fest
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas 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 the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
