Will there – Panda Fest comes to Indianapolis’ Military Park May 15-17, with more than 90 Asian vendors, panda-themed food and decor, and family activities. Live panda bears aren’t expected—though the festival leans hard on the panda theme with merchandise, performances, i
Panda Fest is set to land in Indianapolis this weekend, and for anyone hoping to see actual panda bears, the festival’s own promise is blunt: not live ones.
The outdoor Asian food festival runs May 15-17 at Military Park.. The event is produced in more than a dozen cities—including Boston; Bloomington. Minnesota; Washington. D.C.; Chicago; Orlando; Nashville; Atlanta; Phoenix; Charlotte; Philadelphia; San Diego; and Houston—and the 2026 events for Atlanta. Phoenix. Orlando. Nashville. Philadelphia. Charlotte. San Diego and Houston already took place over the past few months.
Instead of live bears. Panda Fest Indy is leaning into the panda look through food. merchandise. and decorations. with the organizer’s website describing the festival as “one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the US with experiential activities. tastings. and market fairs that showcases the vibrant food. art and cultural traditions from Asia.”
More than 90 Asian vendors will be on site offering more than 200 types of Asian street foods and drinks. including panda tanghulu. panda watermelon juice. and panda buns.. Organizers also say attendees can shop at more than 20 panda-related merchandise vendors. meet the panda mascot. and watch live cultural performances.
For visitors who want the festival to feel more like a day out than a food run. the lineup adds plenty of play and spectacle: panda inflatables. a panda bounce house. and DIY panda painting.. The festival is also expected to include “free gifts” for attendees—each person will get two. including a customized commemorative panda pin and a headband.
Tickets are priced for a range of plans.. Advance general admission tickets for ages six and up are $14 each for Friday and Sunday, with Saturday tickets also $14.. Gate admission is $20.. VIP tickets cost $35 each for Friday and Sunday and $37 for Saturday; organizers say VIP includes a gift bag. a fast pass for entrance. and access to VIP areas with shaded seating and bathrooms.. Tickets are non-refundable, and children under age six do not require an admission ticket.. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.
The festival runs at Military Park at 601 W. New York St. Hours are May 15: 4-10 p.m., May 16: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., and May 17: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Organizers also spell out how to bring pets. Dogs are allowed if they are non-aggressive, kept on a short leash, under owner control, and wearing a collar with ID tags at all times. Proof of up-to-date vaccinations might be requested.
The schedule. vendor count. and panda-focused activities all line up around one core promise: May 15-17 at Military Park. more than 90 vendors and 200-plus foods. plus panda-themed merchandise. inflatables. and DIY crafts—while live panda bears are explicitly ruled out in favor of panda decorations and panda-themed items.
With that clear, the question shifts from “will there be pandas?” to how closely visitors want to lean into the theme—whether it’s the panda tanghulu and panda buns, the commemorative pin and headband, or a bounce house built around the same symbol that drives the festival’s food and shopping.
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