District of Panda Party
Celebrate the debut of giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao in the nation's capital!
The multi-day District of Panda Party offers a chance to meet and enjoy the bear pair at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
Brought to you with support from our sponsors.
Event Schedule
Public Debut of the Giant Panda Exhibit
Friday, Jan. 24
Be one of the first to see giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao in their newly renovated habitat!
Kung-Fu Panda™ Film Fest
Saturday, Jan. 25 - Sunday, Jan. 26
Drop into the Zoo’s Visitor Center to watch DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda™ films! In this action-packed kid-friendly series, an unlikely panda hero named Po embraces his flaws to become a legendary martial arts warrior.
Showtimes: 10 a.m. (Kung Fu Panda), 12 p.m. (Kung Fu Panda 2), 2 p.m. (Kung Fu Panda 3)
Showtimes: 10 a.m. (Kung Fu Panda 2), 12 p.m. (Kung Fu Panda 3), 2 p.m. (Kung Fu Panda 4)
Lunar New Year
Wednesday, Jan. 29
From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., visit the pandas while ringing in the Lunar New Year! Families of all ages are welcome to celebrate the Year of the Snake with themed activities, arts and crafts and more. Write a special note for the pandas—or your other favorite animal—on the wish wall!
District of Panda Day
Saturday, Feb. 1
Roll out the welcome wagon for Qing Bao and Bao Li for an all-day panda celebration! Groove to live music at the Great Meadow, play panda-themed trivia games and take part in other fun, family-friendly activities.
* These are special limited events that require a ticket purchase.
Daily schedule
10 a.m. - Family fun dance party (Great Meadow)
11 a.m. - Panda-themed Flower Arranging with She Loves Me (Pavilion on Lion-Tiger Hill)* - SOLD OUT
12 p.m. - Crush Funk Brass Band (Great Meadow)
2 p.m. - All-women Afro-Brazilian music band Batalá (Great Meadow)
2 p.m. - Family-friendly trivia about the giant pandas and their impact on Washington, D.C. (Pavilion at Lion-Tiger Hill)
4 p.m. Yoga with the Pandas (Panda House)* - SOLD OUT
Panda Fitness with November Project DC
Friday, Feb. 7
Arrival time: 6:15 a.m.
Start time: 6:30 a.m.
Join November Project DC at the Connecticut Avenue Entrance (3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008) for a free early morning outdoor workout at the Zoo! The workout will be circuit based with a mix of running, cardio, and bodyweight exercises. All levels welcome.
November Project DC is a fitness community which aims to break down barriers to fitness by making it accessible and creating a welcoming environment where positive energy and camaraderie set the tone for their early morning workouts. Individuals of all fitness levels are encouraged to show up as they are, participate in whatever way feels right for them, and be ready to challenge themselves while cheering each other on.
Zoo entry passes are not required for this event. Follow @novemberprojectDC for up to date information.
Panda Celebration with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China
Saturday, Feb. 8
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Please join us in the Pavilion at Lion Tiger Hill for a celebration of the pandas with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China! Free activities include coloring, nail painting, calligraphy instruction, paper-cutting and a special sweet panda-shaped surprise (while supplies last).