Ring in the Year of the Horse at the these free Lunar New Year celebrations – Orange County Register

It’s time for the annual Lunar New Year celebrations and this is the Year of the Horse, so gather up your saddles and brushes and let’s get out there. In general, admission is free, but some items such as food and carnival rides will cost extra.

Jan. 17-18 — Rancho Cucamonga: This is Rancho Cucamonga’s 4th annual Lunar Festival, taking place 11 a.m.-8 p.m.on Saturday, and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday. Try to hit up the opening ceremony Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with lion dancers, Shaolin kung fu performances and Taiko drummers. Then, enjoy Chinese dances by YaLi Dance Studio and Tang Arts and Performing Studios, K-Pop shows by M.A.D Dance Studios, and the beats of UCR’s Japanese Taiko Drums. There will be food vendors with new year favorites, an Asian artisan marketplace, a beer garden, games and photo opportunities. Rancho Cucamonga Sports Center, 8303 Rochester Ave., Rancho Cucamonga. eventbrite.com/e/2026-rancho-cucamonga-lunar-festival-tickets-1962765669955

Jan. 18 — Los Angeles: Enjoy the New Year Japanese Style at the downtown Central Library’s Mark Taper Auditorium. Experience the beauty of Japanese New Year through a live Ikebana demonstration, enchanting Koto music, and an elegant Kimono showcase. 2-3:30 p.m. in English and Japanese. Los Angeles Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles. (There’s one hour of parking for $1 with library validation at 524 South Flower St. garage.) lapl.org/whats-on/events/new-year-japanese-style-ikebana-koto-and-kimono

Jan. 24 — North Hollywood: Visit the vibrant street market scheduled to be set up on Lankershim Boulevard from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 4th Annual Lunar Block Party celebrates Korean, Vietnamese and Chinese cultures with live cultural performances, food truck offerings and more. In cooperation with the MAUM market. On Lankershim Boulevard between Otsego Street and Magnolia Boulevard. lunarblockparty.com

Jan. 24-25 — Riverside:  Head downtown to the 14th Annual Riverside Lunar Festival from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday. Enjoy lion dances, traditional music, acrobatics, local talent including K-Pop and folk performances, street food, a car exhibit, workshops including calligraphy, tea ceremony and creating decorations. For additional cost, gourmet street food, artisan market and carnival rides will be available. Location: Mission Inn Avenue in downtown Riverside, between Lime and Orange streets. eventbrite.com/e/2026-14th-annual-riverside-lunar-festival-tickets-1963638265913

Jan. 31-Feb. 1 — Chino: It’s the First Annual Chino Lunar Festival at Chino City Hall. Enjoy this new tradition with lion and dragon dances, K-pop and fusion shows, Chinese folk performances, family fun zone, calligraphy, tea ceremonies, street food and asian marketplace in downtown Chino. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. 13220 Central Ave., Chino. cityofchino.org/1733/Lunar-New-Year

Jan. 31-Feb. 1 — Monterey Park: Yes, there will be lion and dragon dancers at the Saturday morning kick-off and lots of other entertainment to enjoy. Also food booths, specialty items for sale and a carnival fun zone. It all happens 10-9 on Saturday, and 10-7 on Sunday. Downtown Monterey Park on Garvey Avenue between Garfield and Alhambra Ave. montereypark.ca.gov/669/Lunar-New-Year-Festival

Feb. 7 — Irvine: Have fun at the parade and festival at the Irvine Great Park, sponsored by the Asian American Museum of Orange County. It runs from noon to 4 p.m. Live performances, games, activities, food vendors and more. 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine. instagram.com/p/DSRHVtZEby8/

Feb. 13-15 — Garden Grove Tet Festival: Now, an important note. This longstanding traditional Vietnamese festival is not free, unless you wear traditional Vietnamese dress, a military or Boy Scout uniform from noon to 1 p.m. on Feb. 14 only. Otherwise, advance tickets cost $7. Times: 4-10 p.m. on Feb. 13, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Feb. 14 and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Feb. 15. Reportedly the nation’s largest Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival, this event offers plenty to keep you busy. There’s a replica of a traditional village in Việtnam, with cultural exhibits and more. Eating and dance contests and more. Golden West College,15744 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach. tetfestival.org

Feb. 21 — Los Angeles: Head to Chinatown for the 127th Annual Golden Dragon Parade, held 1-4 p.m. The parade promises spectacular displays, including lion and dragon dancers, high school marching bands, cultural performers, floats and more. The parade starts at North Hill Street and Ord Street and ends at Broadway and Temple Street. Warning: Streets will be closed off starting at 10 a.m. It’s free to watch, but you can also buy grandstand tickets for $53.07 if that’s how you roll. eventbrite.com/e/2026-the-127th-golden-dragon-parade-grandstand-tickets-february-21-2026-tickets-1974653557948

Feb. 21 — Long Beach: Check out the Lunar New Year Event at Dreamers Market, from noon until 5 p.m. Lion dancers and other cultural activities, treats and local vendors. At 2ND & PCH, 6480 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach. eventbrite.com/e/lunar-new-year-event-dreamers-market-tickets-1977679045262

Feb. 28 — Alhambra: Enjoy cultural performances, live art, cooking demonstrations and more on Main Street. Shop for handicrafts in Artist Alley and enjoy authentic cuisine. This festival has gone on since 1993. This year’s hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. alhambralunarnewyear.com

March 1 — Irvine. Head over to the Irvine Spectrum Center from noon until 4 p.m. for lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, live music and more, presented by the Irvine Chinese School. 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine irvinespectrumcenter.com/events-promotions/lunar-new-year-celebration-irvine