'Biggest festival yet': Dragon Fest makes grand return in 2025

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Dragon Fest, the largest celebration of Chinese food and culture in New York City, is returning this month, promising an unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors alike.

Attendees will be treated to a vibrant showcase of Chinese culinary arts and food, including time-honored regional specialties and innovative contemporary fusion dishes.

Organizers say the festival drew over half a million attendees in 2024.

“What started as a local celebration in New York City has now expanded to other cities like
Philadelphia and Atlanta— but NYC will always be our home, where Dragon Fest was born," says Biubiu Xu, Founder of Dragon Fest. "The energy, diversity, and enthusiasm here are unmatched. We’re beyond excited to return with our biggest festival yet, and to welcome everyone to what has become the city’s largest and most vibrant celebration of authentic Chinese cuisine, arts, and traditions.”

Dragon Fest has announced four spectacular Panda Days, a fun-filled celebration of everyone's beloved black-and-white bear.

It's the perfect immersive experience for all ages, featuring panda-themed food, art, photo opportunities, and exclusive pins available for $8 at the festival or $6 online.

Dragon Fest is free and open to the public and will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The full 2025 schedule is:

• 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)

More information can be found on the Dragon Fest website.