We are going big because they are going home! To see the giant pandas off in style, the Smithsonian's National Zoo will host Panda Palooza, a nine-day celebration from Sept. 23 to Oct. 1, 2023, intended to engage audiences of all ages in a series of fun, family-friendly and conservation-forward events.
Panda Palooza programming will include hashtag-worthy photo backdrops, hands-on arts and crafts, 'Kids Area’ in the Great Meadow with a soft play section; chalkboard, coloring and stamping activities; morning family stretching and yoga along with panda talks, temporary tattoos, a conservation-themed scavenger hunt, live music concerts on the Mainstage by Lion Tiger Hill and free film screenings of "Kung Fu Panda" and "The Miracle Panda" in the Visitor Center Theater. In addition, zoo food and beverage vendors will offer panda-themed items, and tasty celebratory treats will be provided courtesy of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.
Check out the Zoo’s map to find all locations noted below. All programming is free.
Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji are preparing for their journey to China. Learn how the Zoo is saying farewell to these amazing bears!
Free Pass Information
Zoo entry passes are released on a rolling schedule: If you were unable to secure an entry pass initially, please check again for both regular visitation days and for special free events such as the upcoming Panda Palooza.
Free entry passes and paid parking passes are available at staggered intervals. Additional passes are released one week out, the day before, and the morning of each day. Entry pass release timing is as follows:
4 weeks out | released at 12 a.m.
1 week out | released at 12 a.m.
Day before | released at 12 a.m.
Day of | released at 12 a.m.
- Sept. 23 Rain Schedule
- Sept. 24 Rain Schedule
- Sept. 25-29 Events
- Sept. 30 Events
- Oct. 1 Events
- Food and Drink Specials
Sept. 23 Rain Schedule
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (ongoing throughout the day)
- Kids' Panda Art Station | Conservation Pavilion
Make your own panda-inspired art using stamps and paper.
- Conservation Scavenger Hunt | Conservation Pavilion
There are 10 stops on this all-ages Zoo-wide scavenger hunt.
9 a.m. (until the bears eat all the cake)
- Ice Cake Breakfast for Giant Pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji | Asia Trail (giant panda yards) and live on the Giant Panda Cam
What’s a panda paw-tay without cake? Tune in online via the Giant Panda Cam or start your morning at the Zoo for a sweet time.
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Smithsonian National Zoo Member Lounge Open | Panda Overlook Café (weather permitting; member lounge may be closed at times of high wind)
Zoo members can relax and enjoy special activities in this black-and-white-themed spot. Learn more about becoming a Member.
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- “Kung Fu Panda” as part of Panda Film Fest | Visitor Center Theater
Free; general admission seating.
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- “The Miracle Panda” as part of Panda Film Fest | Visitor Center Theater
Free; general admission seating.
Smithsonian Channel’s documentary “The Miracle Panda,” narrated by award-winning actor Lucy Liu, takes us behind the scenes to experience preparations for giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji’s 1st birthday, as we discover that Xiao Qi Ji’s family are much more than just panda celebrities. They’re the symbol of a successful 50-year collaboration between scientists, keepers and conservationists at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and their counterparts in China.
3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- “The Miracle Panda” as part of Panda Film Fest | Visitor Center Theater
Free; general admission seating.
Smithsonian Channel’s documentary “The Miracle Panda,” narrated by award-winning actor Lucy Liu, takes us behind the scenes to experience preparations for giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji’s 1st birthday, as we discover that Xiao Qi Ji’s family are much more than just panda celebrities. They’re the symbol of a successful 50-year collaboration between scientists, keepers and conservationists at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and their counterparts in China.
Sept. 24 Rain Schedule
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (ongoing throughout the day)
- Kids' Panda Art Station | Conservation Pavilion
Make your own panda-inspired art using stamps and paper.
- Conservation Scavenger Hunt | Conservation Pavilion
There are 10 stops on this all-ages Zoo-wide scavenger hunt.
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Special Enrichment for Giant Pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji | Asia Trail (giant panda yards) and live on the Giant Panda Cam
Keep an eye out onsite at the Zoo and online on the Giant Panda Cam for special enrichment given to each panda bear chosen by the Zoo’s giant panda team. Learn more about animal enrichment and how it keeps the giant pandas, and all the Zoo’s animals, active and engaged.
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Smithsonian National Zoo Member Lounge Open | Panda Overlook Café (weather permitting; member lounge may be closed at times of high wind)
Zoo members can relax and enjoy special activities in this black-and-white-themed spot. Learn more about becoming a Member.
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- “Kung Fu Panda” as part of Panda Film Fest | Visitor Center Theater
Free; general admission seating.
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- “The Miracle Panda” as part of Panda Film Fest | Visitor Center Theater
Free; general admission seating.
Smithsonian Channel’s documentary “The Miracle Panda,” narrated by award-winning actor Lucy Liu, takes us behind the scenes to experience preparations for giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji’s 1st birthday, as we discover that Xiao Qi Ji’s family are much more than just panda celebrities. They’re the symbol of a successful 50-year collaboration between scientists, keepers and conservationists at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and their counterparts in China.
3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- “The Miracle Panda” as part of Panda Film Fest | Visitor Center Theater
Free; general admission seating.
Smithsonian Channel’s documentary “The Miracle Panda,” narrated by award-winning actor Lucy Liu, takes us behind the scenes to experience preparations for giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji’s 1st birthday, as we discover that Xiao Qi Ji’s family are much more than just panda celebrities. They’re the symbol of a successful 50-year collaboration between scientists, keepers and conservationists at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and their counterparts in China.
Sept. 25-29 Events
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Giant Panda Art Gallery | Along Olmsted Walk past the Elephant Community Center
This pawp-up gallery features reproductions of recently made masterpieces by giant pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji. Each panda painted three unique paintings which will be on display.
Many animals at the Zoo paint with non-toxic, water-based pigments as an enrichment activity, and the pandas are no exception. Giant pandas have dexterous pseudo thumbs that come in handy for holding bamboo shoots—and paintbrushes! Keepers take a piece of PVC—about the width of a bamboo stalk—and secure a paintbrush to it. The pandas use their natural grasping ability to move the paintbrush and create one-of-a-kind works of art! Not only does this give them a creative way to interact with their keepers, it also stimulates their tactile, olfactory and visual senses.
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Special Enrichment for Giant Pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji | Asia Trail (giant panda yards) and live on the Giant Panda Cam
Keep an eye out onsite at the Zoo and online on the Giant Panda Cam for special enrichment given to each panda bear chosen by the Zoo’s giant panda team. Learn more about animal enrichment and how it keeps the giant pandas, and all the Zoo’s animals, active and engaged.
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Smithsonian National Zoo Member Lounge Open | Panda Overlook Café
Zoo members can relax and enjoy special activities in this black-and-white-themed spot. Learn more about becoming a Member.
12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday)
- All Ages Lunchtime Fitness | Great Meadow Stage (between Gibbon Ridge and O-Line; across from Great Ape House)
Simple bodyweight movements that anyone can do – come take a mid-day break and get moving with Meredith Chambers. Then get ready to climb Olmsted walkway to visit the pandas.
Sept. 30 Events
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (ongoing throughout the day)
- Kids' Panda Art Station, Chalkboard and Soft Play Area | Great Meadow Stage (between Gibbon Ridge and O-Line; across from Great Ape House)
Make your own panda-inspired art using stamps and paper and draw or write a message on our chalkboard. A soft play area gives our littlest panda fans (5 and under) a special spot to hang out.
- Conservation Scavenger Hunt | Pickup at Great Meadow Stage next to the Panda Art Station
There are 10 stops on this all-ages Zoo-wide scavenger hunt.
- Chinese Calligraphy and Mask-Making Activity Station Courtesy of Cultural Partner, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China| Asia Trail (upper giant panda viewing area)
- Giant Panda Art Gallery | Along Olmsted Walk past the Elephant Community Center
This pawp-up gallery features reproductions of recently made masterpieces by giant pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji. Each panda painted three unique paintings which will be on display. Inspired? Head to the Great Meadow stage area to create your own art.
Many animals at the Zoo paint with non-toxic, water-based pigments as an enrichment activity, and the pandas are no exception. Giant pandas have dexterous pseudo thumbs that come in handy for holding bamboo shoots—and paintbrushes! Keepers take a piece of PVC—about the width of a bamboo stalk—and secure a paintbrush to it. The pandas use their natural grasping ability to move the paintbrush and create one-of-a-kind works of art! Not only does this give them a creative way to interact with their keepers, it also stimulates their tactile, olfactory and visual senses.
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Special Enrichment for Giant Pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji | Asia Trail (David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat and giant panda yards) and live on the Giant Panda Cam
Keep an eye out onsite at the Zoo and online on the Giant Panda Cam for special enrichment given to each panda bear chosen by the Zoo’s giant panda team. Learn more about animal enrichment and how it keeps the giant pandas, and all the Zoo’s animals, active and engaged.
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Washington Mystics “Pop-A-Shot” with Special Appearance by “Pax, the Panda” | Conservation Pavilion Courtyard
Test your skill at free throws with this special activity brought to you by Washington D.C.’s hometown WNBA team, the Washington Mystics. You might also meet Mystics mascot “Pax, the Panda” who’s joining the cele-bear-ation!
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Smithsonian National Zoo Member Lounge Open | Panda Overlook Café
Zoo members can relax and enjoy special activities in this black-and-white-themed spot. Learn more about becoming a Member.
11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
- Morning Yoga | Great Meadow Stage (between Gibbon Ridge and O-Line; across from Great Ape House)
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- “Kung Fu Panda” as part of Panda Film Fest | Visitor Center Theater
Free; general admission seating.
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- DJ Little Bacon Bear | Lion-Tiger Hill Stage (bandshell stage next to Information Booth across from Kids’ Farm and Conservation Pavilion)
Originally from Topeka, Kansas, Little Bacon Bear began her DJ career after moving to Maryland in 2012. She is a radio host for 93.9 WKYS-FM and DJs at events across the Washington, D.C. region.
11:30 a.m.
- Tasty Treats Served Courtesy of Cultural Partner, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China | David M. Rubenstein Panda House Exit
Chinese savory and sweet snacks will be served with a special appearance by a “Panda Pal” from the Chinese Embassy. Treats will be served until supplies run out.
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Dance Party with DJ Bobby Bristol | Great Meadow Stage (between Gibbon Ridge and O-Line; across from Great Ape House)
Dance and play with tunes from DJ Bobby Bristol and his team at Great Meadow Stage.
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- “The Miracle Panda” as part of Panda Film Fest | Visitor Center Theater
Free; general admission seating.
Smithsonian Channel’s documentary “The Miracle Panda,” narrated by award-winning actor Lucy Liu, takes us behind the scenes to experience preparations for giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji’s 1st birthday, as we discover that Xiao Qi Ji’s family are much more than just panda celebrities. They’re the symbol of a successful 50-year collaboration between scientists, keepers and conservationists at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and their counterparts in China.
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- Live Music by Calvin Little| Lion-Tiger Hill Stage (bandshell stage next to Information Booth across from Kids’ Farm and Conservation Pavilion)
Singer/songwriter from Baltimore County, Maryland.
2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Live Music by Fly Zyah| Lion-Tiger Hill Stage (bandshell stage next to Information Booth across from Kids’ Farm and Conservation Pavilion)
Fly Zyah is a young rapper from Washington, D.C. who wants to show the world young people are ready to stand up for what is right. Covering topics from social justice to the joy of riding bikes with friends, her record, “Dear D.C.,” is a call to action and a love letter to her city. In September 2021, she received the D.C. Mayor’s Arts Award for Excellence in Youth Creativity.
3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- “The Miracle Panda” as part of Panda Film Fest | Visitor Center Theater
Free; general admission seating.
Smithsonian Channel’s documentary “The Miracle Panda,” narrated by award-winning actor Lucy Liu, takes us behind the scenes to experience preparations for giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji’s 1st birthday, as we discover that Xiao Qi Ji’s family are much more than just panda celebrities. They’re the symbol of a successful 50-year collaboration between scientists, keepers and conservationists at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and their counterparts in China.
- DJ Little Bacon Bear| Lion-Tiger Hill Stage (bandshell stage next to Information Booth across from Kids’ Farm and Conservation Pavilion)
Originally from Topeka, Kansas, Little Bacon Bear began her DJ career after moving to Maryland in 2012. She is a radio host for 93.9 WKYS-FM and DJs at events across the Washington, D.C. region.
Oct. 1 Events
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (ongoing throughout the day)
- Kids' Panda Art Station, Chalkboard and Soft Play Area | Great Meadow Stage (between Gibbon Ridge and O-Line; across from Great Ape House)
Make your own panda-inspired art using stamps and paper and draw or write a message on our chalkboard. A soft play area gives our littlest panda fans (5 and under) a special spot to hang out.
- Conservation Scavenger Hunt | Pickup at Great Meadow Stage next to the Panda Art Station
There are 10 stops on this all-ages Zoo-wide scavenger hunt.
- Giant Panda Art Gallery | Along Olmsted Walk past the Elephant Community Center
This pawp-up gallery features reproductions of recently made masterpieces by giant pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji. Each panda painted three unique paintings which will be on display.
Many animals at the Zoo paint with non-toxic, water-based pigments as an enrichment activity, and the pandas are no exception. Giant pandas have dexterous pseudo thumbs that come in handy for holding bamboo shoots—and paintbrushes! Keepers take a piece of PVC—about the width of a bamboo stalk—and secure a paintbrush to it. The pandas use their natural grasping ability to move the paintbrush and create one-of-a-kind works of art! Not only does this give them a creative way to interact with their keepers, it also stimulates their tactile, olfactory and visual senses.
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Special Enrichment for Giant Pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji | Asia Trail (giant panda yards) and live on the Giant Panda Cam
Keep an eye out onsite at the Zoo and online on the Giant Panda Cam for special enrichment given to each panda bear chosen by the Zoo’s giant panda team. Learn more about animal enrichment and how it keeps the giant pandas, and all the Zoo’s animals, active and engaged.
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Smithsonian National Zoo Member Lounge Open | Panda Overlook Café
Zoo members can relax and enjoy special activities in this black-and-white-themed spot. Learn more about becoming a Member.
11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
- Morning Yoga | Great Meadow Stage (between Gibbon Ridge and O-Line; across from Great Ape House)
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- DJ Little Bacon Bear | Lion-Tiger Hill Stage (bandshell stage next to Information Booth across from Kids’ Farm and Conservation Pavilion)
Originally from Topeka, Kansas, Little Bacon Bear began her DJ career after moving to Maryland in 2012. She is a radio host for 93.9 WKYS-FM and DJs at events across the Washington, D.C. region.
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- “Kung Fu Panda” as part of Panda Film Fest | Visitor Center Theater
Free; general admission seating.
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Dance Party with DJ Bobby Bristol | Great Meadow Stage (between Gibbon Ridge and O-Line; across from Great Ape House)
Dance and play with tunes from DJ Bobby Bristol and his team at Great Meadow Stage.
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- “The Miracle Panda” as part of Panda Film Fest | Visitor Center Theater
Free; general admission seating.
Smithsonian Channel’s documentary “The Miracle Panda,” narrated by award-winning actor Lucy Liu, takes us behind the scenes to experience preparations for giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji’s 1st birthday, as we discover that Xiao Qi Ji’s family are much more than just panda celebrities. They’re the symbol of a successful 50-year collaboration between scientists, keepers and conservationists at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and their counterparts in China.
2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Live Music by Fly Zyah| Lion-Tiger Hill Stage (bandshell stage next to Information Booth across from Kids’ Farm and Conservation Pavilion)
Fly Zyah is a young rapper from Washington, D.C. who wants to show the world young people are ready to stand up for what is right. Covering topics from social justice to the joy of riding bikes with friends, her record, “Dear D.C.,” is a call to action and a love letter to her city. In Sept. 2021, she received the D.C. Mayor’s Arts Award for Excellence in Youth Creativity.
3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- “The Miracle Panda” as part of Panda Film Fest | Visitor Center Theater
Free; general admission seating.
Smithsonian Channel’s documentary “The Miracle Panda,” narrated by award-winning actor Lucy Liu, takes us behind the scenes to experience preparations for giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji’s 1st birthday, as we discover that Xiao Qi Ji’s family are much more than just panda celebrities. They’re the symbol of a successful 50-year collaboration between scientists, keepers and conservationists at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and their counterparts in China.
- Live Music by Calvin Little | Lion-Tiger Hill Stage (bandshell stage next to Information Booth across from Kids’ Farm and Conservation Pavilion)
Singer/songwriter from Baltimore County, Maryland.
Food and Drink Specials
Hungry? For a limited time only, you can purchase panda-themed snacks at food and beverage locations throughout the Zoo!
Vintage Views | The Panda Espress (locations throughout the park)
Dippin Dots | Panda Sundae (located at Panda Plaza)
Dolci Gelati | Panda Cookie (located near Think Tank)
Ben and Jerry's | Panda Sundae (located at Seal Rock Cafe on the American Trail)
