Attend Panda Fest at Smale Park from October 16 through 18
Panda Fest, one of the largest outdoor Asian food and culture festivals in the United States, will make its Cincinnati debut October 16–18, 2026, at Smale Riverfront Park. The inaugural Cincinnati festival is expected to feature more than 90 food vendors serving 200+ Asian street food offerings, 30+ merchandise vendors, traditional and contemporary cultural performances, interactive activities and Panda Fest’s signature panda-themed experiences.
Past and returning Panda Fest vendors have served favorites including candied hawthorn tanghulu, secret-recipe king squid, mochi donuts, soufflé pancakes, dumplings, grilled eel, shrimp tempura, and shaobing filled with chicken, lamb, beef, or pork. Food items generally range from $7 to $25, and each participating vendor must offer at least one item priced under $10.
Admission to Panda Fest
Early-bird tickets go on sale Thursday, August 27 at 10 a.m. EDT for $10. Tickets are limited to 1,000 per time slot and will be available through Sunday, September 13 at 10 p.m. EDT, or until the allotted early-bird tickets sell out, whichever occurs first.
General admission tickets are $14, VIP tickets are $35, and Saturday admission is an additional $2. Gate admission will be available for $20, subject to venue capacity, with advance ticket holders receiving priority entry.
VIP admission includes general admission benefits, expedited entrance, a Panda Fest bag, and access to exclusive VIP areas and restrooms.
Every ticket also comes with two free gifts: a special Panda pin featuring a Cincinnati-exclusive design and a Cincinnati-themed Panda headband.
Tickets are for 3 hour timeslots. Panda Fest is family-friendly and pet-friendly. Children under age six do not require a ticket. The festival will take place rain or shine unless severe weather requires a delay, postponement, or cancellation.
About Panda Fest
Launched in 2024, Panda Fest is one of the largest outdoor Asian food and culture festivals in the United States. Featuring experiential activities, tastings, market fairs, and live performances, Panda Fest brings communities together to celebrate the richness of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures. Created as a one-day event called Panda Day by founder Xuan “BiuBiu” Xu, Panda Fest has grown into a multi-day, multi-city experience featuring food, arts, entertainment, and interactive programming.
Smale Riverfront Park Venue details
Parking
Nearby parking garages include Central Riverfront Garage. Find and reserve parking near Smale Riverfront Park using Spot Hero.
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