New York is gearing up for a grand celebration of Chinese food and culture starting this month. The ‘Dragon Fest’ is bringing a treasure trove of regional specialties and creative fusion food items for both New Yorkers and visitors. From April 13, the festival will bring unlimited food and entertainment across Queens and Manhattan.
Four days of panda-related activities will be a major attraction at the 2025 virtual showcase of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage.
Highlights
- Dragon Fest will start impressing the New York crowd this year on April 13.
- Four panda-themed days will be the highlight of this year’s Chinese celebration.
- The first event will be held at Astor Place. The timings for the same are from 10 am to 6 pm.
NYC’s Biggest Chinese Food & Cultural Festival Is Back
The NYC crowd can relish Chinese delicacies at Dragon Fest 2025 (Source: @dragonfestsinstagram)
Dragon Fest is NYC’s food and cultural festival, which celebrates the heritage of China’s traditions and cuisine. This celebration brings vendors, artists, chefs, and cultural organizations of the city to one place and builds a community through food, art, and storytelling.
After last year’s success of drawing a New York crowd of more than half a million, organizers have added four ‘Panda Days’ to the existing six ‘Dragon Fest Days’ in 2025. Starting April 13, attendees can enjoy panda-themed art, food, and photo-ops. Bubble tea and traditional dumplings will be other attractions.
Panda-themed Fun at Dragon Fest 2025
Different Panda themes will be attractions at Dragon Fest 2025 (Source: @dragonfestsinstagram)
Dragon Fest organizers have shared exciting details about the four-day panda-themed celebration, which will appeal to different ages. The food under this category will present innovative culinary creations like ‘Panda Boba Tea’ by Master Panda, ‘Shaved Ice’ by Dragon Lulu, and ‘Candied Hawthorn’ by 80s Rabbit.
The NYC attendees will also be amazed by a gigantic 13-foot-tall inflatable panda. There will also be a panda archway entrance, which will impress photo lovers looking for a perfect backdrop at Dragon Fest.
Panda lovers at the Chinese cultural festival can also get exclusive panda pins both onsite ($8) and online ($6).
Venue and Dates
New York’s citywide celebration of Chinese culture will start on April 13 at Astor Place. Timings will be 10 am – 6 pm. Further details of the 10-event-long Dragon Fest are given below.
- April 13 – Astor Place (Panda Day)
- April 20 – 6th Ave (30th–31st Streets)
- May 10 – 6th Ave (30th–31st Streets)
- May 24 – Astor Place (Panda Day)
- July 20 – 7th Ave, 56th–57th Streets, (Panda Day)
- August 16 (night market) – Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills (Panda Day)
- September 20 – Broadway (113th–114th Streets)
- October 4 – 4th Ave (12th–13th Streets)
- October 5 – 6th Ave (31st–32nd Streets)
- October 12 – Broadway (81st–82nd Streets)
Dragon Fest’s blend of innovation and tradition makes it a vibrant showcase of Chinese culture. Four Panda Days have added to the event’s excitement, which is ready to take off from April 13 in the heart of NYC.
