Panda Fest Returning To The Mall Of America In Minnesota

Launched in 2024, Panda Fest is one of the largest outdoor Asian food festivals in the United States, featuring experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs showcasing the vibrant food, art, and cultural traditions of Asia.

It was first created as a one-day event called Panda Day by founder BiuBiu Xu, but quickly expanded into a multi-day, multi-city experience with events held in cities throughout America.

In its first year alone, the festival produced 13 events across 11 cities, welcoming over 500,000 attendees, with attendance continuing to grow.

Panda Fest made a successful Minnesota debut in 2025 outside of the Mall of America, and now the three-day festival is returning. Organizers promise that it will be bigger and better, with a series of thoughtful improvements designed to elevate the guest experience.

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Panda Fest Is Returning To Minnesota

The Mall of America has announced that it will once again be hosting Panda Fest, with the outdoor event set to take over the mall's North Lot from Friday, July 31, through Sunday, August 2. Discounted Early Bird tickets will be on sale Friday, April 17.

Attendees can enjoy more than 80 food vendors and food trucks serving over 200 dishes representing cuisines from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond. Organizers say that 'from authentic street food staples to inventive fusion bites, Panda Fest offers something for every palate.'

The event will also feature a curated marketplace of more than 20 vendors showcasing crafts, apparel, accessories, and artisanal goods inspired by Asian heritage.

Cultural programming also includes traditional art demonstrations, contemporary dance, theatrical showcases, and nonstop live entertainment such as lion dances, sugar painting, paper cutting, calligraphy, and K-pop dance performances.

Of course, with pandas remaining at the heart of the experience, there will be many Instagram-worthy attractions, including a 15-foot inflatable panda, a panda bounce ring, themed treats, exclusive merchandise and souvenirs, interactive games, and photo moments throughout the festival grounds.

Panda Fest Ticket Information

Early Bird tickets are just $10 and are limited to 1,000 tickets. The tickets are available beginning at 10 am on Friday, April 17, at www.pandafests.com. Early Bird tickets will remain available through Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 10 pm, or while supplies last.

General Admission tickets are $14, and VIP tickets are $35. Saturday tickets are priced $2 higher across all tiers.

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General Admission tickets include single entry during the selected time slot, access to all food vendors and merchandise vendors, cultural performances, and panda attractions, and two complimentary gifts: a customized Panda pin and a Panda headband.

VIP ticket holders receive all General Admission benefits, plus fast-pass entry, access to exclusive VIP areas and bathrooms, and an exclusive Panda bag.