Orlando is set to welcome a new large-scale cultural event in early 2026 as PANDA FEST, one of the country’s fastest-growing Asian food and culture festivals, announced its first-ever Orlando stop. The three-day festival will take place February 27 through March 1, at Festival Park, bringing food vendors, live entertainment and family-friendly experiences to Central Florida.
The Orlando event will serve as PANDA FEST’s first festival of 2026, marking a significant milestone for the rapidly expanding event series. Tickets will go on sale Thursday, January 8, at 10 a.m. through pandafests.com, with a limited number of early bird tickets available through January 18.
A Growing National Festival Arrives in Central Florida
Founded by BiuBiu Xu, PANDA FEST launched in 2024 as a one-day pop-up in New York City before quickly expanding into a multi-day, multi-city festival. Since then, the event has grown to include 11 cities across the East Coast, West Coast and central United States, including Phoenix, Dallas, Austin, Nashville, Atlanta, Boston, Seattle and Minneapolis–St. Paul. Several past events have sold out, helping establish PANDA FEST as a popular destination for food and culture enthusiasts.
Festival organizers said Orlando’s diverse and family-oriented community made it a natural choice for the festival’s first Florida appearance. The 2026 Orlando debut is expected to draw both local residents and visitors looking to experience Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures through food, art and entertainment.
Enhancements Planned for Orlando Event
Building on feedback from previous festivals, organizers announced several operational updates aimed at improving the guest experience. Planned enhancements include expanded staffing for quicker entry, additional timed ticketing options, more budget-friendly food items priced under $15, increased beverage stations, shaded VIP seating areas and clearer signage throughout the festival grounds.
Orlando Event Details
Location: Festival Park, 2911 E. Robinson St., Orlando, FL 32803
Dates and Times:
Friday, February 27: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, February 28: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, March 1: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
What Attendees Can Expect
PANDA FEST Orlando will feature more than 80 food vendors and food trucks serving over 200 dishes inspired by cuisines from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and other parts of Asia. Offerings are expected to range from traditional street food to modern fusion dishes.
In addition to food, the festival will include a marketplace with more than 20 vendors selling crafts, apparel, accessories and artisan goods influenced by Asian heritage. Live entertainment will highlight both traditional and contemporary performances, including calligraphy demonstrations, sugar painting, paper cutting, lion dances, theatrical showcases and K-pop dance routines.
Panda-themed attractions will also be a central feature of the event, with large-scale installations, interactive activities and themed merchandise designed to appeal to all ages.
Ticket Information
Early bird tickets will be available for $10 through January 18 or while supplies last. General admission tickets are priced at $14 and include festival entry along with two complimentary items: a custom Orlando festival pin and an inflatable panda headband. VIP tickets offer additional amenities such as shaded seating, VIP restrooms, exclusive experiences, a private bar and a PANDA FEST tote bag. Saturday ticket prices are $2 higher across all tiers.
PANDA FEST Orlando will be held rain or shine, unless severe weather conditions require cancellation.
For tickets, vendor applications and additional information, visit pandafests.com. Festival updates and previews will also be shared on Instagram at @pandafestorlando.