Lunar New Year Festival

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.

How to Attend

• You must reserve a free pass to enter the Arts + Industries Building.
• You do not need a pass to enter the National Museum of Asian Art.
• When you reserve your pass, you will get to choose an hour-long window when you can enter the building.
• Once you enter, you may stay as long as you like.
• Did you miss the time window on your pass? You might not be able to enter, depending on how full the building is and re-entry is not guaranteed.

Catch family-friendly activities at the museum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participating Food Vendors @ AIB

• AmLux Cafe
• bit bakery
• Bun'd Up
• Chinese Street Market
• Cocoi's Sweets and Pastries
• Noonchi by Bun'd Up
• Roll Play
• Teas'n You
• Toimoi Bakery
• Yume Asian Fusion

Participating Makers @ AIB

• Chaotic Neutral x Covers (jewelry and zines)
• Fawne (jewelry and charms)
• Lofi Ceramics (ceramics)
• Made With Love DC (wellness journals)
• MinMin Handmade (jewelry)
• Plants & What Knot (botanicals, kokedama, and floral art)

Performances @ AIB

• Korean Traditional Dance & Drumming presented by Di Dim Sae Korean Traditional Art Institute
• RDFZ Chamber Orchestra and Choir presented by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China
• Tét Ritual and Bountiful Tray Dance presented by the Vietnam Society

Educational Displays and Organizations @ AIB

• Embassy of the People's Republic of China
• Korean Cultural Center, Washington, DC
• Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
• Smithsonian National Postal Museum
• Vietnam Society

Performances @ NMAA

1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.

Lion Dances by Yee Fung Toy Association on the National Museum of Asian Art's outdoor plaza

Talks and Tours @ NMAA

Gallery tour with curator Jan Stuart

1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

West Building, gallery 13

Conservation Cart Talk

2 p.m.
West Building, gallery 19

Docent Spotlight Talks

3–6 p.m.

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