Panda Fest

« All Events The Wailers Reggae Concert Smale Riverfront Park Starting at $10 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 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 headba