Panda Fest, a traveling Asian food and culture festival, will set up at Military Park in downtown Indianapolis from Friday, May 15 through Sunday, May 17, 2026. The event features Asian food vendors, street food, cultural performances, merchandise booths and panda-themed activities for kids.
When and Where
The festival takes place at Military Park, 601 W. New York St. Hours are:
- Friday, May 15: 4 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, May 16: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday, May 17: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday is typically the busiest day at festivals of this size. Families with younger kids may find Sunday afternoon or Friday evening easier to navigate.
What’s at the Festival
Organizers list more than 90 Asian food vendors and over 200 street food items, with cuisine spanning Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Filipino and other regional dishes. The festival also includes:
- 20-plus merchandise vendors
- Asian cultural performances throughout the day
- A panda inflatable
- A panda bounce house
Going With Kids
Panda Fest is a family-friendly event. Strollers are allowed, and the bounce house and inflatable are open to attendees. A few details worth knowing:
- Kids ages 6 and up need a ticket
- Kids under 6 enter free and receive a headband
- Every paid attendee receives an Indianapolis-themed panda pin and a headband
The festival is outdoors, so plan for sunscreen and water, especially during midday hours on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets
Tickets are sold by date and time slot through Eventbrite and are non-refundable.
- Early Bird: $10 (available through Feb. 22, 2026)
- General Admission: $14
- VIP: $35
- Saturday tickets cost $2 more across all tiers
VIP tickets include a fast-pass entrance, access to VIP-only areas and bathrooms and a third free gift (a tote bag).
Parking
Military Park is in downtown Indianapolis. Organizers recommend rideshare or public transit. For drivers, nearby garage options include:
- IUI Riverwalk Parking Garage, 245 University Blvd. ($7 for 2 to 4 hours)
- OneAmerica Tower Garage, 1 American Square (starts at $4 per hour)
- LAZ Parking at Victory Field, 501 W. Maryland St. (starts at $5 per hour)
- Huntington Plaza Garage, 35 N. Pennsylvania St. (starts at $10 per hour)
The Republic Parking garages on Senate Avenue and Washington Street are also nearby and charge weekend rates.
Before You Go
- Bring cash. Smaller food vendors at festivals are sometimes cash-only.
- Dress in layers. Indiana weather in May can shift quickly.
- Check ticket times before purchasing, since entry is tied to a specific time slot.
For tickets and full event information, visit pandafests.com.
