The three-day festival will feature more than 200 dishes, cultural performances, a merchandise market and family activities at the Outlets of Des Moines.
More than 70 Asian food vendors will gather in Altoona this fall when Panda Fest makes its first central Iowa stop.
The national food and cultural festival will take place Oct. 2-4 at the Outlets of Des Moines, 801 Bass Pro Drive NW. Visitors will be able to choose from more than 200 dishes representing cuisines from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and other parts of Asia.
The three-day event will also include live cultural performances, K-pop dance, traditional art demonstrations, merchandise vendors, panda-themed attractions and activities for families.
Panda Fest began touring the country in 2024 and has since held events in cities including Boston, San Diego and Nashville. Its Altoona festival will be the tour’s first event in Iowa.
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What food will be available at Panda Fest?
The vendor lineup will include street food, savory dishes, desserts and drinks from businesses based in Iowa and other parts of the country.
Among the national vendors expected in Altoona are Chan Bai Mei of New York City, which specializes in candied hawthorn known as tanghulu; King Squids, which serves its signature squid recipe; and Atlanta-based Le Poke, with California-style grilled eel and tempura.
Dumpling King will offer assorted dumplings, while Softbite will serve soufflé pancakes and Mumu Sweets will bring mochi doughnuts.
Menu prices are expected to range from $7 to $25. Every participating food vendor will offer at least one item for less than $10.
Food purchases are not included in the admission price. Outside food and beverages will not be allowed, although visitors may bring one factory-sealed water bottle of up to 16.9 ounces. Exceptions will also be made for medically necessary dietary items, baby formula and milk for infants or toddlers.
Performances, shopping and panda attractions
Panda Fest will bring together more than 30 merchandise vendors selling crafts, clothing, accessories and other products influenced by Asian cultures.
The entertainment program will span traditional arts and contemporary pop culture, with demonstrations, music, dance and K-pop performances scheduled throughout the weekend.
Visitors will also find a 15-foot inflatable panda, panda-themed merchandise and a bounce house. The event is open to families, and strollers will be permitted.
Panda Fest dates and hours in Altoona
The festival will follow this schedule:
- Friday, Oct. 2: 4 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 3: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 4: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Outlets of Des Moines is located at 801 Bass Pro Drive NW in Altoona. Free parking is available at the shopping center, although attendees should follow posted signs and avoid spaces marked for other businesses or uses.
How much are Panda Fest tickets?
Early-bird tickets will cost $10. The discounted tier is scheduled to remain available through Aug. 23 at 10 p.m. CT or until 1,000 tickets for each entry period have been sold, whichever occurs first.
Regular general admission will cost $14, while VIP admission will cost $35. All Saturday tickets will cost an additional $2. Tickets are nonrefundable.
General admission provides one entry during the time selected by the buyer, access to the food and merchandise vendors, cultural performances and panda attractions. It also includes a Panda Fest headband and an Iowa-themed panda pin.
VIP admission includes the general-admission benefits, expedited entry, access to designated VIP areas and restrooms, and an additional panda bag.
Children younger than 6 may enter without a ticket and will receive a complimentary headband. Guests ages 6 and older must have admission.
Tickets and the latest event policies will be available on the official Panda Fest Iowa page.
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