Downtown Indianapolis got a lot more colorful today as Panda Fest officially kicked off at Military Park, bringing one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the country to the heart of Indy for the weekend. The festival runs through Sunday and transforms the park into a massive celebration of Asian food, culture, desserts, shopping, and panda-themed experiences.
We stopped by opening day to experience everything for ourselves and honestly… it felt like stepping into a giant outdoor food market filled with incredible smells, fun decorations, live energy, and some of the most photogenic food we’ve seen in a while.
One of the first things that stood out was just how many vendors were there. Panda Fest features more than 90 food vendors and over 200 Asian street food options ranging from savory bites to desserts and specialty drinks.
During our visit, we tried several different dishes and desserts across the festival. One of our favorites was the soup dumplings, packed with flavor and perfect for a cool evening downtown. We also tried fluffy bao buns loaded with crispy chicken and fresh toppings that quickly became one of the standout bites of the night.
On the sweeter side, the desserts completely stole the show. The bubble waffle ice cream creations were easily some of the most eye-catching items at the festival, especially with the panda-themed presentation. We also tried mini panda-shaped desserts covered with chocolate and sprinkles, plus one of the most viral drinks at the event served inside a glowing panda cup that everyone seemed to be carrying around Military Park.
Beyond the food, Panda Fest also includes merchandise vendors, cultural experiences, panda decorations, interactive activities, and plenty of spots for photos around the festival grounds. One area we loved was discovering products from HEY PANDA, an online marketplace connected to the festival experience that features Asian-inspired products, snacks, collectibles, accessories, and lifestyle items.
Before getting in line, take a full walk around the festival first. There are so many vendors and food options that it’s honestly easy to miss some of the best spots. Having an idea of what you want before ordering will save you a lot of time since some lines can get pretty long throughout the evening.
A few more tips:
The atmosphere throughout opening day felt energetic but still family-friendly. Whether you’re going for the food, the desserts, the photo spots, or simply to try something different in Indy this weekend, Panda Fest is definitely one of the most unique events happening downtown right now.
If you’re still thinking about going, tickets are still available for the rest of the weekend. The festival continues through Sunday at Military Park in downtown Indianapolis with food vendors, live performances, panda merchandise, and cultural activities happening throughout the day.
You can find tickets and full festival information here:
Panda Fest Indianapolis Tickets & Info
Photos by We Like Indy Team.
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