Panda Fest offers a culinary journey across Asia, with dishes inspired by cuisines from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and beyond. (Photo courtesy of Panda Fest)
Panda Fest, one of the largest outdoor Asian food and culture festivals in the U.S., returns to Phoenix April 10–12 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick with its biggest and most immersive celebration yet.
The three-day festival will feature more than 90 Asian food vendors serving over 200 dishes, alongside live cultural performances, market vendors, and all-new panda-themed attractions. Guests are invited to eat, explore, and experience the diverse flavors, traditions and artistry of Asian cultures throughout the weekend.
A culinary journey across Asia
Drawing vendors from Arizona and across the country, Panda Fest offers a wide-ranging culinary experience with cuisines representing China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and beyond. In addition to food, more than 30 market vendors will showcase crafts, apparel, accessories and artisanal goods inspired by Asian heritage.
Throughout the festival, guests can enjoy live music, dance and cultural performances that bring the energy and traditions of Asian cultures to life.
Live cultural performances, including traditional music and dance, are a highlight of Panda Fest’s immersive celebration of Asian culture. (Photo courtesy of Panda Fest)
What’s new for Panda Fest’s Phoenix return
Following strong community response to its first Arizona appearance, Panda Fest is introducing several guest-informed upgrades for 2026. Enhancements include streamlined check-in, improved parking flow, and an expanded culinary lineup featuring more budget-friendly food options priced under $15, alongside returning fan favorites.
“We are so excited to return to Phoenix after such an incredible response to our first Arizona Panda Fest,” says BiuBiu Xu, founder of Panda Fest. “The energy from the community showed us how powerful it can be when food, culture, and people come together, and we’re proud to provide an even more immersive experience that celebrates the diversity, creativity, and shared joy of Asian food and culture.”
Returning to Phoenix April 10–12, Panda Fest combines food, culture, and playful panda-themed attractions into a family-friendly outdoor festival experience. (Photo courtesy of Panda Fest)
Panda-themed attractions and live performances
The festival grounds will come alive with Panda Fest’s signature panda-themed attractions, including a new inflatable bounce house for children, a 15-foot inflatable panda, themed treats, interactive games, curated photo moments and Phoenix-exclusive merchandise.
Live performances will include Japanese taiko drumming, Sichuan opera face-changing acts and additional cultural and musical showcases throughout the weekend.
A commitment to community and sustainability
To help minimize food waste after the event, Panda Fest will partner with local nonprofit Waste Not, which focuses on rescuing surplus perishable food and delivering it to families experiencing food insecurity.
Known for its playful panda-themed details, Panda Fest turns food into part of the fun during its spring return to Phoenix. (Photo courtesy of Panda Fest)
Tickets and event details
Early bird tickets are priced at $10 and go on sale Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. through Feb. 15 at 10 p.m. General admission tickets are $15 and include festival entry plus two complimentary gifts: a Phoenix-exclusive panda-themed pin and an inflatable headband, an $11 value.
VIP tickets are available for $35 and include access to shaded seating, VIP restrooms, exclusive experiences, a private bar and a Panda Fest tote bag.
Panda Fest is a rain-or-shine event unless severe weather conditions require cancellation. For tickets, vendor applications, and more information, visit pandafests.com. Follow @pandafestphoenix on Instagram for festival updates, vendor spotlights and sneak peeks ahead of the event.
