Panda Fest Portland: Asian Food Festival at Waterfront Park

Photo by Orijit Chatterjee.

Portland is getting a three-day celebration of Asian food, culture and art right on the waterfront.

Panda Fest takes over Tom McCall Waterfront Park September 11–13, bringing more than 80 food vendors, hundreds of street food options, cultural performances, shopping and plenty of panda-themed fun to downtown Portland.

Admission starts at $14, and kids younger than 6 get in free, making this a relatively affordable way to check out a large-scale food festival in the heart of the city.

Here’s what to know before you go.

Panda Fest Portland

Panda Fest is an outdoor Asian food and culture festival featuring food, performances, vendors and family-friendly activities.

The Portland festival has more than 80 Asian food vendors serving 200+ street food options, along with more than 20 merchandise vendors.

You can also catch Asian cultural performances and browse panda-themed merchandise throughout the weekend.

And yes, there will be plenty of pandas.

Festival attractions include a giant panda inflatable and panda bounce house. General admission also comes with two festival gifts: a Portland-themed panda pin and a headband.

How Much Are Panda Fest Tickets?

General admission is $14, although Saturday admission costs an additional $2.

That makes regular ticket prices:

• Friday: $14
• Saturday: $16
• Sunday: $14

General admission includes entry during your selected time slot, access to food and merchandise vendors, cultural performances and the panda inflatable.

Keep in mind that food and drinks are not included with admission, so factor those purchases into your budget.

Children younger than 6 receive free admission and a complimentary panda headband. Kids ages 6 and older need a regular ticket.

VIP tickets are also available for $35 and include additional perks, but if you’re visiting primarily to eat and explore, general admission is the cheapest option.

Buy Panda Fest tickets and view current availability.

Panda Fest Portland Schedule

Panda Fest is open for three days:

Friday, September 11: 4–10 p.m.

Saturday, September 12: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

Sunday, September 13: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Tickets are for a selected entry time and allow single entry to the festival.

What to Know Before You Go

Panda Fest is at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 98 SW Naito Pkwy. in Portland.

Outside food and drinks are generally not allowed, although each guest may bring one factory-sealed water bottle up to 16.9 ounces. Exceptions are also made for certain medical dietary needs and food or milk for infants and toddlers.

Only service animals are allowed.

If you’re driving downtown, nearby street parking, lots and garages are available, but public transportation or rideshare may make getting to the waterfront easier during a busy festival weekend.

Tickets are nonrefundable.

For the full festival lineup, ticket availability and policies, visit the Panda Fest Portland website.

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