Ohio's first-ever Panda Fest– a national, traveling festival touting Asian food and merchandise vendors – is right around the corner.
Calling itself the "biggest Asian food festival in the U.S.," Panda Fest will make its inaugural stop in Cincinnati in October.
Launched in 2024, Panda Fest saw more than 500,000 attendees at 13 events in its first year. It has gone on to host festivals in dozens of cities, including Boston, San Diego and Nashville. With experiential activities, market fairs and live performances, Panda Fest wants to bring communities together to celebrate the richness of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures.
What food vendors will be at Panda Fest in Cincinnati?
The event will feature 90 food vendors, including both local and national restaurants. Panda Fest did not immediately
respond to a request for names of food vendors. However, Cuisine from previous festivals included mochi donuts, soufflé pancakes, king squid, dumplings, grilled eel, shrimp tempura, candied hawthorn tanghulu (skewered berries coated in a hard sugar glazes) and shaobing (layered flatbread filled with various meats).
Food items will generally range from $7 to $25, but each participating vendor must offer at least one item priced under $10, according to a press release.
The festival will also include more than 30 merchandise vendors, traditional and contemporary cultural performances, interactive activities and "signature panda-themed experiences." Instagram videos show a panda-themed bounce house, a panda mascot and 15-foot inflatable panda.
Where will Panda Fest be in Cincinnati?
Panda Fest will take place at Smale Riverfront Park, which is located at 166 W. Mehring Way, Downtown.
When is Panda Fest 2026 in Cincinnati?
- Friday, Oct. 16, 4-10 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
How much are tickets to Panda Fest?
General admission tickets are $14 and VIP tickets are $35, if you purchase them online ahead of time. Saturday tickets cost an additional $2. To purchase tickets online, visit pandafests.com.
Tickets purchased at the gate cost $20 + tax. The availability of these tickets is subject to venue capacity.
Each ticket comes with a Cincinnati-themed panda pin and headband. VIP admission includes general admission benefits, expedited entrance, a Panda Fest bag and access to exclusive VIP areas and restrooms.
Children under the age of 6 don't need a ticket. Tickets are non-refundable.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Panda Fest bringing its massive Asian food tour to Cincy this weekend
