IOWA
PANDA FEST is one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the US with experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs that showcases the vibrant food, art and cultural traditions from Asia.
2026 TIME
October 2-4, 2026
LOCATION
Outlets of Des Moines
801 Bass Pro Dr NW Suite 125, Altoona, IA 50009
HOURS
Friday: 4 PM to 10 PM
Saturday: 10 AM to 10 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 8 PM
Merchandise
80+ Asian Food Vendors
200+ Asian Street Food
20+ Merchandise Vendors
How much for A ticket?
Early Bird - $10 (Ends on 8/23/2026 at 10 PM CDT, or when the 1000 tickets per time slot are sold out, whichever comes first)
General Admission - $14
VIP - $35
Saturday Tickets Will Be $2 More. Gate Admission is $20+Tax.
Tickets Are Non-refundable.
What can I expect?
2 FREE GIFTS: One Customized Panda Pin with Iowa Feature, One Headband (worth $11)
80+ Asian Food Vendors
200+ Asian Street Food
20+ Merchandise Vendors
Asian Culture Performance
Panda-related Merchandise
Panda Inflatable
Panda Bounce House
What does a GA ticket include?
- 2 Free Gifts: One Customized Panda Pin with Iowa Feature, One Headband (worth $11)
- Single Entry Only For The Selected Time Slot
- Access to Panda Inflatable
- Access to 80+ Asian Food Vendors
- Access to 20+ Merchandise Vendors
- Access to Asian Culture Performances
What does a VIP ticket include?
- 3 Free Gifts: One Customized Panda Pin with Iowa Feature, One Headband, One Amazing Bag (worth $28)
- All GA Benefits
- Fast Pass for Entrance
- Exclusive VIP Areas and Bathrooms
Pets
Dogs Only.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Sorry, No Outside Food or Beverages Are Allowed.
Exceptions:
- Medical Dietary Items Are Permitted
- Baby Formula and Milk for Infants/Toddlers Are Permitted
- Each Guest May Bring One (1) Factory-sealed Water Bottle (Up to 16.9 oz)
Kids
Yes! We Are Family-Friendly!
- Strollers Are Allowed
- Children Ages 6 and Up Require A Ticket
- Children Under 6 Do Not Need A Ticket. They Will Receive A Free Headband (Pins Are Not Included)
pROHIBITED ITEMS
The Following Are Not Allowed On Festival Grounds:
- Weapons of any kind (Off‑duty and sworn law enforcement officers are not exempt from this policy. Carrying weapons of any kind, including firearms, is strictly prohibited while attending the event. No exceptions.)
- Roller Skates or Skateboards
- Self-defense Sprays (Pepper Spray)
- We strictly prohibit the use, possession, or consumption of any combustible, vaporized, or aerosolized products on our premises. This includes, but is not limited to: Tobacco cigarettes, electronic cigarettes/e-cigarettes/vaping devices, cannabis/marijuana smoke or vapor, and any form of smoking, vaping, or inhaling substances.
- Illegal Drugs
pARKING
Yes, the shopping mall has plenty of free parking spaces.
Reminder: Panda Fest is not affiliated with parking facilities, rideshare areas, or private lots. Please watch for signage + fees, avoid no-parking zones, and do not leave valuables in your vehicle. We are not responsible for towing, loss, or damage.
REFUND
All Tickets Are Non-refundable.