Dragon Fest 2025 is returning to New York City, bringing a larger-than-life celebration of Chinese food and culture, now featuring exciting new Panda Days.
As the city’s largest and most anticipated Chinese food festival, this year’s event will span across six vibrant days in Manhattan and Queens, with four special Panda-themed days that promise a family-friendly, immersive experience with panda-inspired food, art, and photo ops.
One of the standout features this year is the debut of Panda Boba Tea by Master Panda, a delightful milk tea creation that adds a unique twist to the festival’s food offerings. This beloved beverage, along with other panda-themed treats, will make Panda Days an unforgettable experience for milk tea enthusiasts and festival-goers alike.
Dragon Fest, a staple of NYC’s cultural calendar, continues to grow, drawing crowds of over half a million attendees in 2024. Its expansion to cities like Philadelphia and Atlanta is a testament to its increasing popularity, yet NYC remains the heart and soul of Dragon Fest.
“We’ve seen a surge of interest in Chinese food and culture, and we’re thrilled to bring Dragon Fest back for 2025,” says Biubiu Xu, Founder of Dragon Fest. “From our roots in NYC, the festival has grown into a citywide celebration of AAPI heritage, and this year, we’re taking it to the next level with Panda Days and even more exciting food, including our signature Panda Boba Tea.”
Panda Day Events:
- April 13 – Astor Place
- April 20 – 6th Ave (30th–31st St)
- May 10 – 6th Ave (30th–31st St)
- May 24 – Astor Place
- July 20 – 7th Ave, 56th–57th St
- August 16 (night market) – Queens Blvd, Forest Hills
- September 20 – Broadway (113th–114th St)
- October 4 – 4th Ave (12th–13th St)
- October 5 – 6th Ave (31st–32nd St)
- October 12 – Broadway (81st–82nd St)
Each Panda Day features unique food offerings such as shaved ice from Dragon Lulu and Candied Hawthorn by 80’s Rabbit. Collectibles, including exclusive Panda Pins, will be available onsite or online. For Instagram-worthy moments, visitors can snap photos with a towering 13-foot inflatable panda and a charming panda archway entrance.
Dragon Fest is free to attend and promises an unforgettable adventure through Chinese culture, whether you’re indulging in Panda Boba Tea or exploring traditional dishes and crafts. Don’t miss this chance to connect with New York City’s rich cultural heritage and enjoy the flavors of Chinese cuisine.
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