Smithsonian Lunar New Year Festival

WhenSaturday, February 21, 2026, 12 – 6 PM ESTSponsorAsian Art MuseumVenueAsian Art Museum, East Building, Asian Art Museum, West BuildingEvent LocationNational Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Arts + Industries BuildingCostFree. Register in advance (required).  Gallop into 2026, the year of the horse, and celebrate Lunar New Year with us! This year we're hosting a festival and market pop-up at the nearby Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building (AIB). Experience cultural performances, lion dances, food, makers, and more! Plus, enjoy curator talks and tours at the museum throughout the day. <a href="https://asia.si.edu/whats-on/events/search/event:195480446/">Catch family-friendly activities at the museum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.</a> You must <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunar-new-year-festival-tickets-1977922345981?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&amp;utm-campaign=social&amp;utm-content=attendeeshare&amp;utm-medium=discovery&amp;utm-term=listing&amp;utm-source=cp">register in advance</a>. Activities have a limited capacity, with entry on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration link coming soon. Participating Food Vendors @ AIB<ul><li>AmLux Cafe</li><li>bit bakery</li><li>Bun'd Up</li><li>Chinese Street Market</li><li>Cocoi's Sweets and Pastries</li><li>Noonchi by Bun'd Up</li><li>Roll Play</li><li>Teas'n You</li><li>Toimoi Bakery</li><li>Yume Asian Fusion</li></ul>Participating Makers @ AIB<ul><li>Chaotic Neutral x Covers (jewelry and zines)</li><li>Fawne (jewelry and charms)</li><li>Lofi Ceramics (ceramics)</li><li>Made With Love DC (wellness journals)</li><li>MinMin Handmade (jewelry)</li><li>Plants &amp; What Knot (botanicals, kokedama, and floral art)</li></ul>Performances @ AIB<ul><li>Korean Traditional Dance &amp; Drumming presented by Di Dim Sae Korean Traditional Art Institute: 12:15 p.m. </li><li>Tết Ritual and Bountiful Tray Dance presented by the Vietnam Society: 1:30 p.m. </li><li>"Happy Chinese New Year" RDFZ Art Troupe presented by the China International Culture Association and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China: 4:00 p.m. </li></ul>Educational Displays and Organizations @ AIB<ul><li>Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States of America</li><li>Korean Cultural Center, Washington, DC</li><li>Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center</li><li>Smithsonian National Postal Museum</li><li>Smithsonian's Our Shared Future: 250</li><li>Vietnam Society</li></ul>Library on the GoGo with DC Public Library @ AIB 2–4 p.m.Performances @ NMAA 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.<ul><li>Lion Dances by Yee Fung Toy Association on the National Museum of Asian Art's outdoor plaza</li></ul>Talks and Tours @ NMAA<ul><li>Gallery tour with curator Jan Stuart</li><li>1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.</li><li>West Building, gallery 13</li><li><a href="https://asia.si.edu/whats-on/events/search/event:195211166/">Conservation Cart Talk | Jade Explained</a></li><li>2 p.m.</li><li>Docent Spotlight Talks</li><li>3–6 p.m.</li><li>West Building, galleries 14, 15, 17, 18–19</li><li>4–6 p.m.</li><li>West Building, gallery 13</li></ul>How to Attend<ul><li>You must reserve a free pass to enter the Arts + Industries Building.</li><li>You do not need a pass to enter the National Museum of Asian Art.</li><li>When you reserve your pass, you will get to choose an hour-long window when you can enter the building.</li><li>Once you enter, you may stay as long as you like.</li><li>Did you miss the time window on your pass? You might not be able to enter, depending on how full the building is.</li></ul>Image: National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Photo by Albert Ting

National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building

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Smithsonian Lunar New Year Festival

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