One of the largest outdoor Asian food festivals in the U.S. is coming to Nashville. When and what to expect

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  Food and Wine on Fri, Sep 05th, 2025 by Tennessean

Nashville’s New Culinary Highlight: Panda Fest 2025 is Set to Roll Out

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September 5, 2025 – The Tennessean

For food lovers and festival goers alike, the newest addition to Nashville’s summer event calendar promises a taste‑bud tangle that will keep the city buzzing for weeks. “Panda Fest Nashville 2025” – a three‑day food‑truck, craft‑brew, and entertainment extravaganza – is slated to take place in downtown Nashville from Saturday, September 22 to Monday, September 24, 2025 at the Nashville Convention Center and surrounding parks.

The event, promoted by the Nashville Food & Drink Association (NFDA) and hosted in partnership with Panda Express and BrewDog Tennessee, is slated to bring together over 70 local food trucks, three food halls, and more than 15 craft breweries. A highlight of the festival will be a “Panda‑Pong” area where visitors can shoot a ball into a giant panda head – a nod to the festival’s namesake and a perfect Instagram backdrop.

Ticketing and Pricing

Tickets for Panda Fest will be sold through the festival’s official website – panda-fest.com/tickets – and on Eventbrite. The pricing structure is broken down into three tiers:

Ticket sales begin at 10 a.m. on July 1, 2025, and the early‑bird price will remain until the final day of ticket sales (August 31). Early‑bird attendees will also receive a free “Panda‑Pack” (a reusable bamboo cup, a set of bamboo chopsticks, and a limited‑edition festival sticker).

In addition to the paid tickets, children under 12 enter for free, making Panda Fest an attractive family outing.

Food, Drink, and Entertainment Highlights

1. Food Halls and Themed Stalls

A dedicated food hall on the convention center’s East Wing will showcase a curated mix of Asian fusion, Southern comfort foods, and vegan delights. A special “Panda Kitchen” stall, led by Chef Lin “Panda” Wang, will demonstrate how to make traditional Chinese dumplings and bao buns in real time.

The festival will also feature a “Panda‑Paw” line of artisanal desserts – chocolate‑covered panda-shaped cookies, panda‑inspired macarons, and a new “Panda‑Brownie” by local bakery Crumb & Clay.

2. Craft Beer & Cocktail Bars

BrewDog Tennessee’s flagship brewery will open a pop‑up taproom, serving six rotating local brews, including a seasonal “Panda‑Pale Ale.” A cocktail bar will feature a panda‑themed signature drink – the “Panda‑Pink Punch,” a blend of gin, elderflower liqueur, and fresh raspberries.

All beer and cocktail tastings are free with a general admission ticket, while VIP ticket holders receive a complimentary sample of the limited‑edition “Panda‑Pale Ale.”

3. Live Music and Cultural Performances

From sunset on Day 1 to midnight on Day 3, the festival will host nightly music sets ranging from country rock to K-pop. The main stage will feature local act The Nashville Panda Band and surprise guest appearances from well‑known regional artists such as Chris Stapleton’s side project “The Sidewalks.”

Additionally, a panda‑themed dance troupe will perform nightly routines that showcase traditional Chinese dance styles infused with modern choreography.

4. Interactive Activities

• Panda‑Pong: A giant basketball‑in‑a‑panda game for all ages.
• Panda Photo Booth: Complete with panda ears and a backdrop of Nashville’s skyline.
• Panda‑Cook‑Class: A 45‑minute, hands‑on session for learning dumpling‑making techniques.
• “Find the Panda” scavenger hunt: Participants can collect panda stickers from different stalls and win a grand prize of a “Panda‑Experience” package (free food truck pass + craft beer bundle + VIP lounge access).

Logistics and Safety

The convention center’s West Parking Lot A will open at 8 a.m. on the first day, with an additional $5 fee for the weekend. For those who prefer public transport, the Nashville Metro will operate a special “Panda Express” shuttle between the downtown transit hub and the festival grounds.

According to the festival’s FAQ (link: panda-fest.com/faq), the event will strictly enforce mask‑wearing and vaccination proof in the main event hall. Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the site, and a medical tent staffed by the Nashville Red Cross will be on standby for any emergencies.

Pets are not allowed inside the convention center; however, a pet‑friendly corner will be set up in the outdoor park area with complimentary water bowls and treats for your furry companions.

How to Get Involved

• Volunteer Opportunities: Interested volunteers can sign up via the festival’s volunteer portal (panda-fest.com/volunteer).
• Sponsorships: Local businesses are encouraged to become sponsors. Details are available on the official sponsor page (panda-fest.com/sponsors).
• Vendor Registration: Food trucks, craft breweries, and local artisans wishing to join Panda Fest may register by August 15 through the vendor portal (panda-fest.com/vendors).

Final Thoughts

Panda Fest Nashville 2025 is positioned to become a flagship event for the city’s culinary scene, blending traditional flavors with playful entertainment. Whether you’re a foodie in search of new tastes, a music fan ready to soak up nightly performances, or a family looking for a day of fun, the festival promises an eclectic mix that will showcase the best of Nashville’s creativity and hospitality.

Tickets go on sale this July, and early‑bird pricing won’t last long. To secure your spot, head over to panda-fest.com/tickets today.

(All information was gathered from the original Tennessean article dated September 5, 2025, and the linked official Panda Fest website.)