By Hola Iowa
More than 70 food vendors will gather at the Outlets of Des Moines Oct. 2-4. General admission starts at $14.
Updated Aug. 31, 2026.
Panda Fest Iowa 2026 will bring more than 70 Asian food vendors to Altoona from Oct. 2 through Oct. 4. The three-day festival will feature more than 200 dishes, cultural shows and a merchandise market.
Outlets of Des Moines will host the event at 801 Bass Pro Drive NW, Suite 125. General admission costs $14, while VIP admission costs $35. All Saturday tickets carry an extra $2 charge.
Each ticket gives visitors access to the food vendors, shops, performances and panda attractions. However, the ticket price does not cover food or drinks.
Panda Fest will run Oct. 2-4 at the Outlets of Des Moines
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Panda Fest will make its Iowa debut in Altoona. Previously, the traveling festival has stopped in cities across the United States. Each event combines Asian food, cultural performances, shopping and family activities.
General admission costs $14 and VIP admission costs $35
Regular general admission costs $14. On Saturday, the base price rises to $16.
A general ticket lets one person enter once. Guests must arrive during the time slot listed on the ticket.
In addition, general admission includes access to more than 70 food vendors, 30 merchandise vendors, cultural performances and the festival’s large panda inflatable.
Each general-admission guest will also receive a Panda Fest headband and an Iowa-themed panda pin.
Meanwhile, VIP admission costs $35, or $37 on Saturday. VIP tickets include a faster entrance line, special seating areas, VIP restrooms and a Panda Fest bag.
All tickets are nonrefundable.
More than 70 vendors will offer over 200 dishes
The food market will bring together more than 70 vendors and 200 Asian street-food dishes. Visitors can choose from grilled foods, dumplings, desserts, drinks and other dishes from several Asian culinary traditions.
However, admission does not include any food purchases. Visitors must pay each vendor separately.
Meanwhile, more than 30 merchandise vendors will sell clothing, crafts, accessories and panda-themed products.
In addition, the weekend program will include music, dance, traditional arts, a large panda inflatable and a panda bounce house.
Related: CelebrAsian: Iowa’s Asian Heritage in Full Bloom
Visitors may bring one sealed water bottle
The festival does not allow outside food or drinks. However, each guest may bring one factory-sealed water bottle of up to 16.9 ounces.
The festival also allows food needed for a medical condition. Parents may bring baby formula or milk for infants and toddlers.
In addition, the festival bans weapons, pepper spray, roller skates and skateboards. Guests may not smoke, vape, use cannabis or bring illegal drugs onto the festival grounds.
Children under 6 can enter without a ticket
Children younger than 6 can enter without a ticket. They will also receive a free Panda Fest headband. However, they will not receive the Iowa-themed panda pin.
Guests ages 6 and older need a ticket. Families may also bring strollers.
The current Iowa policy allows dogs. However, guests may not bring other pets.
The Outlets of Des Moines offers free parking
The shopping center offers free parking. Still, drivers must follow posted signs and avoid spaces reserved for other businesses or uses.
Panda Fest does not cover towing costs, vehicle damage or items stolen from parked vehicles.
Finally, the official Panda Fest Iowa 2026 page lists current ticket options and entry policies.
Panda Fest will open at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. The festival will close at 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4.
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