One of the country’s largest outdoor Asian food festivals lands in Kansas City, Kansas, this weekend. Panda Fest runs October 9–11 at Legends Field in the Village West area, turning the ballpark grounds into a sprawling open-air market of food, performances, and panda-themed fun.
The food is the main event
Organizers say more than 90 vendors will be serving over 200 street food dishes, with offerings that stretch across the continent. Think tanghulu, dumplings, and mochi donuts, plus cuisines from Vietnam, China, Japan, Thailand, and beyond. Alongside the food, 30-plus merchandise vendors will sell apparel, crafts, and artisan goods.
More than a food court
The weekend also includes live Asian cultural performances, panda inflatables and a bounce house for kids, and hands-on activities like panda face painting and DIY painting. Every ticket comes with free gifts, including a Kansas City-themed panda pin and a headband.
Hours and tickets
- Friday, October 9: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, October 10: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday, October 11: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Entry is timed. General admission is $14 and VIP is $35, with Saturday tickets $2 higher across all tiers. Kids under 6 are free, and all tickets are non-refundable.
Planning tips
- Parking is available at the Legends Field lot, about a minute’s walk from the entrance, with a Target/JCPenney lot roughly six minutes away.
- Alcohol is sold on site, so check the age requirements on the ticket page.
- Go on Friday evening if you’d rather skip the biggest Saturday crowds.
Why it matters
Kansas City has a growing, diverse food scene, and a festival at this scale gives smaller vendors a chance to reach thousands of people in one weekend. If you’ve been curious about a dish you’ve never tried, this is a low-pressure way to sample a lot in one visit.
