Panda Fest, one of the biggest outdoor Asian food & cultural festivals in the U.S., will be bringing hundreds of Asian food vendors, artisans, theatrical performers and more to the Valley for the first time later this year. Happening Nov. 21-23 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road in Scottsdale, Panda Fest is a vibrant cultural celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures, with food and entertainment offerings inspired by China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and beyond. This Panda Fest will be the biggest event of the season.

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A festival born from Dragon Fest

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 Boston, Charlotte, Twin Cities, Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Seattle, Atlanta and Philadelphia, with plans to return to all in 2026. The Phoenix metro area marks the final stop in the 2025 event season.

“The Panda Fest team is thrilled to offer hard-to-access authentic flavors from across the globe to Valley foodies and families,” says Xu. “If you’re craving sights, smells and spices from home, or looking to appreciate culture through supporting Asian artists and performers, Panda Fest offers something for everyone.”

Food, art, and entertainment for all ages

At the Valley’s first-ever Panda Fest, families and fans of Asian culture will take a culinary journey across the region with more than 120 authentic and fusion food vendors, and a curated marketplace of more than 30 artists offering crafts, clothing, accessories and artisan goods inspired by Asian heritage.

Traditional arts like sugar painting, calligraphy and paper cutting will be featured alongside modern K-pop dance routines, lion dances, theatrical performances and more. Prominent in the event’s namesake, the iconic panda will take center stage; guests can expect Instagram-worthy installations such as a 15-foot inflatable panda, a panda bounce ring, themed treats, souvenirs and games.

Event details and hours

On Friday, Nov. 21, the event will be open from 4-10 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 22, event hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 23, the event will be open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Early bird tickets for Panda Fest are $10 and will be on sale starting Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. until Sunday, Sept. 28 at 10 p.m., after which general admission prices will increase to $14. General admission includes entry to the festival and two complimentary gifts: a customized panda-themed pin with a Phoenix-exclusive design and an inflatable headband ($11 value). VIP tickets are $35 and include access to upgraded perks such as shaded seating, VIP restrooms, exclusive experiences, a private bar, and a Panda Fest tote bag.

For ticket information, vendor applications and more, visit pandafests.com. Follow along at @pandafestphoenix on Instagram for festival updates, vendor spotlights and sneak peeks ahead of the event. Panda Fest is a rain-or-shine event unless severe weather conditions require cancellation.