Panda Fest took place in Seattle from June 6-8, 2025, at the Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center. This three-day extravaganza promised an authentic celebration of Asian cultures and more–and it delivered. As previewed in the earlier article, “Panda Fest: What it is, and what to expect,” all the promises listed–from the food to the art–were fulfilled. Here’s a closer look at the full experience.
Right at the entrance, attendees received free headbands and panda pins. VIP guests also received a goodie bag, along with exclusive souvenirs.
The event was notably accommodating, with activities for adults and children. A bouncy house kept kids entertained, and hosts conducted interactive games for all age groups. The entire venue was wheelchair accessible, with lifts and slopes. There were ample restrooms and a visible security presence each day of the event.
It was a happy surprise that it did not rain, but the sun was quite intense. Most stalls and activities were set up outdoors, but a VIP lounge offered air-conditioned relief. There were also a few booths away from the heat, including the art booths, jewelry booths, and a few food stalls.
An inflatable panda in the center of the venue was a popular photo op. Food was presented well, despite vendors working with limited time to plate each dish. Drinks were vibrant and aesthetic, and the overall presentation made the event ideal for photography enthusiasts.
A highlight for many was the Panda Fest mascot. The costumed panda delighted guests by posing for photos, engaging with children, and even making babies laugh. It was quite a wholesome sight.
There was a wide variety of authentic Japanese and Korean food, as well as a Nepali food stall and a few featured dishes from other Asian cultures. Prices were on the more expensive side, but given the scale of the event, most attendees likely expected to spend a bit more. Dishes were delicious and well-prepared, though slightly more expensive than what a comparable Seattle restaurant might charge.
That said, the festival offered inclusive options for vegans, vegetarians, and non-vegetarians. Most vendors featured the same dishes in vegan and non-vegan options, including baos, dumplings, korndogs, sushi burritos, and more.
The fest also had a variety of desserts and drinks available, though again, priced slightly higher than usual.
Food options ranged from free samples to snacks and full meals. It was delightful to see something for everyone. Even though lines at the stalls were long, they moved surprisingly fast–kudos to the vendors!
A slight inconvenience was the lack of signage where vendors were present. A map, perhaps, would have been useful. Walking from stall to stall in the heat was tiring, especially for those who did not have access to an air-conditioned lounge. If someone wanted seconds but forgot where the stall was, it often meant a long walk to find it again. Even with a vendor name in mind, it was easy to get turned around without directional signage.
While exploring the wide range of stalls, guests had constant music to keep them entertained. There were live musicians and bands, and in between sets, the Panda Fest team played popular hits to keep the energy up.
Now to answer the big question: Was it worth it? For those who love authentic Asian food and are willing to splurge, don’t walk, RUN to the next Panda Fest. For those who are less interested in culinary variety at a single venue, Panda Fest might not be the best fit.
Still, it is no surprise that Panda Fest Seattle was completely sold out. The fest was an enjoyable experience for Seattle’s food enthusiasts and those open to spending on great food and drinks. Attendees left with full stomachs–and full hearts.
Author
Vrindha, an international student from India, is fueled by her fervent love for diverse art forms such as dance, drama, music and theatre. Eager to immerse herself in new experiences and broaden her horizons, she sees her involvement with the Collegian as a gateway to both sharing her passions and delving into new realms of knowledge.
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