Your D.C. Weekend: Panda Fest makes its debut
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Panda Fest makes its D.C. debut this weekend with Asian street foods, drinks and sweets from nearly 100 vendors. Photo: Courtesy of Panda Fest
Panda Fest is bringing nearly 100 Asian food vendors and panda-themed fun to Pennsylvania Avenue Saturday and Sunday for its D.C. debut.
Why it matters: In panda-crazy D.C., another bear bash is always welcome — and this nationally touring festival brings together food, culture and family-friendly activities.
What's happening: Expect everything from regional Asian street food to specialty desserts and drinks.
- The festival also features over 40 shoppable stalls, performances and panda-themed games and activities.
Zoom in: If the food lineup lives up to its advertising, come hungry — you'll find everything from taco sushi to soft-shell crab sandos and giant squid, plus bao, noodles, skewers and a bounty of dumplings.
- Sweets look equally impressive — think mochi donuts, fried Japanese cream sandwiches, lava custard cakes and beyond.
If you go: Tickets are $12+, starting at 10am. Admission is free for kids under 6.
More weekend fun!
⚾ The Nats take on the Chicago Cubs on Thursday at 4:05pm, before heading to NYC to face the Mets. Tickets
🛍️ The Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale runs Friday through Sunday, with more than 30 Old Town boutiques offering discounts, sales and specials. Details
🎥 The African Diaspora International Film Festival, now in its 19th year, plays at George Washington University Friday through Sunday. Ticket prices vary, including a Friday night VIP reception and screening of "A Better Way: James Lawson, Architect of Nonviolence." Details
🎵 Head to the free Friday night summer concert series on The Wharf's pier to hear live go-go from The Experience Band & Show at 7pm. Details
🎧 U.K. drum-and-bass star DJ Culture Shock performs at Berhta on Friday at 10pm. Tickets $33+
🎨 A free Smithsonian family workshop is happening at the National Museum of Asian Art on Saturday, where children and adults can explore mold-making with clay. Details
🎒 D.C.'s big back-to-school carnival goes down Saturday at noon in Southwest with rides, games, music, food and other activities. Details
🍚 Jollof Festival, a touring West African food and culture series, heats up Union Market on Saturday, 2pm. Tickets $44+
🎸 A one-night Doors tribute concert from The Doors on Fire is rocking D.C.'s Simple Bar Underground, Saturday at 9pm. Tickets $33+
🍹 Colada Shop is celebrating National Rum Day on Sunday with $5 mojitos — available all day, at all locations (except DCA). Details
🦖 A dinosaur-themed festival, targeted for kids 5–12, starts Sunday at noon at Because Science in Adams Morgan with hands-on fun for families. Details
📚 Join an Agatha Christie book club and sherry talk at Thai restaurant Baan Siam, which pairs a discussion of "The Mousetrap" with sherry-fueled hospitality from Chantal Tseng on Sunday at 3pm. Tickets $30+
🎻 A live string tribute reimagining Destiny's Child hits is happening at the Howard Theatre, Sunday at 4:30pm. Tickets $50+