
Event Details
Panda Fest, one of the nation’s fastest-growing outdoor Asian food
and culture festivals, is thrilled to announce its return to Boston for its second year, taking place from May 15 to May 17, 2026, at Ohiri Field at Harvard University.
Following a successful debut that sold out two months before the event, the festival is returning bigger and better with a larger venue, expanded vendor offerings, and immersive cultural experiences celebrating the diversity of Asian cuisine, art, and
culture.
More than just a food festival, Panda Fest is a large-scale cultural celebration that brings together Asian street food, traditional and contemporary performances, hands-on cultural activities, artisan markets, and playful panda-themed attractions, which have become fan favorites.
For its 2026 Boston return, the festival introduces upgraded logistics and expanded offerings shaped directly by guest feedback. Attendees can embark on a culinary journey across Asia with 80+ food vendors serving 200+ dishes representing cuisines from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond. From authentic street food staples to inventive fusion bites, Panda Fest offers something for every palate.
Beyond food, the festival features a curated marketplace of 20+ vendors showcasing crafts, apparel, accessories, and artisanal goods inspired by Asian heritage. Cultural programming spans traditional art demonstrations, contemporary dance, theatrical showcases, and nonstop live entertainment.
While the final lineup will be announced closer to the event, previous editions of Panda Fest have included lion dances, sugar painting, paper cutting, and calligraphy, and K-pop dance performances.
Pandas remain at the heart of the experience, with playful, Instagram-worthy attractions, including a 15- foot inflatable panda, a panda bounce ring, themed treats, exclusive merchandise/souvenirs, interactive games, and photo moments throughout the festival grounds.
“After seeing the incredible response to Panda Fest’s debut in Boston, it was clear there was a real hunger for this kind of celebration,” says BiuBiu Xu, Founder of Panda Fest.
“This year, we’re returning with a larger venue, an even larger lineup, more regions and flavors represented, and deeper cultural experiences. Panda Fest continues to be about bringing people together through authentic food, shared traditions, and the joy of discovering Asian culture in a vibrant, immersive way.”
The festival will run from Friday, May 15, to Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Ohiri Field, located at 65 N Havard Street, Boston, MA 02163. Event hours are as follows:
● Friday, May 15 th : 4 PM to 10 PM
● Saturday, May 16 th : 10 AM to 10 PM
● Sunday, May 17 th : 10 AM to 8 PM
TICKET INFO: Early Bird tickets are priced at $10 and limited to 1,000 tickets. They go on sale at pandafests.com on February 26 th , 2026, at 10:00 AM EST and are available through March 15 th ,2026, at 10:00 PM EST, or while supplies last. General Admission tickets are $14, and VIP tickets are $35.
Saturday tickets are priced $2 higher across all tiers.
● 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 Boston 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 a third complimentary gift — an exclusive Panda bag.
FAMILY, PETS & POLICIES: Panda Fest is a family-friendly event. Strollers are welcome. Children ages six and up require a ticket; while children under six may attend for free and will receive a complimentary
Panda headband. Only service animals will be allowed on festival grounds.
Outside food and beverages are not permitted, except for medical dietary needs and baby formula. Small bags are permitted, and
bag checks may occur at entry. Smoking and vaping of any kind are strictly prohibited on festival grounds.
PARKING: The Ohiri Field offers limited parking for attendees. Parking is available on-site for a daily rate of $20 per vehicle, regardless of the length of stay. If the parking lot is full, you may need to find a spot independently. Panda Fest encourages ridesharing and carpooling when possible.
Please note, parking operations and fee collection are managed independently by the Ohiri Field. Panda Fest is not affiliated with parking management and is not responsible for parking-related matters.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Panda Fest website or follow along on Instagram @pandafestboston.