Panda-Monium in the ATL!

Remember that sinking feeling when you missed the last Panda Fest in Atlanta? I sure do. The FOMO was real, but when I heard it was headed back to the city, I knew I couldn't let it slip away again. My crew and I had one mission: get to Atlantic Station and dive headfirst into the panda-monium!

We got there bright and early, just as my mom, Donna Theresa, always advised. Even then, the parking was already a beast! But after a bit of a hunt, we finally secured a spot and made our way to the entrance. Security was on point, and after a quick check-in, we hit the Inflation Station. You know, the place where you earn your stripes—or rather, your inflatable panda ears. It took a few tries (and maybe a few deflated ears), but with some patience from the staff, I finally got the hang of it and felt a rush of victory. Ears on, it was time to explore.

The moment we stepped in, the air was thick with the scent of savory barbecue smoke and sizzling street food. It was a full-on assault on the senses, and I was here for it. My first stop was a booth selling glazed fruit skewers, the kind you see all over social media. The vibrant colors and glossy coating were a work of art, and they tasted even better.

With more than 80 food vendors from Atlanta, NYC, LA, and beyond, there was no way we could try everything. But a few stood out as absolute must-tries.

Can Cakes won my heart with their cookies and cream dessert—it was just the right amount of sweet, perfect for my palate. Then came the moment of truth at Soft Bite Soufflé Pancakes. I'm a huge fan of ube, and their pancakes topped with the beautiful purple yam were like eating fluffy, purple clouds. It was, without a doubt, the best decision of the day. And let's not forget Lil Coco's fresh coconut pudding. It was so light and refreshing, with the ube on top being the cherry on top.

Panda Fest isn't just about the food, though. It's a full-blown celebration of Asian culture. The market fair was buzzing with over 25 vendors selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to unique clothing. I even spotted some adorable chicken wing-shaped candles—who knew that was a thing? The real showstoppers were the live performances. We watched in awe as lion dancers moved with incredible grace and power, and the K-pop routines had us ready to bust a move.

From the 15-foot inflatable panda towering over the crowd to the panda bounce ring, there was an air of playful excitement everywhere you looked. It felt like a community, a giant family celebrating and sharing a love for AAPI cultures.

It was a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Huge thanks to 360 Media for hosting my team and me. We had an unforgettable time, and we’re already counting down the days until Panda Fest 2026.