Paper, glue and a riddle tucked inside a lantern: the O.C. Lantern Festival in Costa Mesa is the kind of hands-on celebration where you go home with something you made. The free, day-long festival returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts on Saturday, March 6, 2027. It marks the tradition of the first full moon 15 days after Lunar New Year.
What to expect
Pacific Symphony and the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center host the festival across Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and Argyros Plaza. Activities include lantern making, riddles and photo opportunities. Inside the concert hall you’ll find live local music and dance, a dragon dance and a Chinese folk dance lesson.
In 2026, held Saturday, March 7, the outdoor activities in Argyros Plaza needed no ticket. Food is available, so nobody has to solve riddles on an empty stomach.
Good to know
- 2027 date: Saturday, March 6, 2027
- Admission: free, but tickets are required for the concert hall; tickets become available in February
- Location: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
- Organizers: Pacific Symphony and South Coast Chinese Cultural Center
- Parking: Plaza Tower structure (Anton Blvd and Park Center Dr), plus the Park Center and Center Tower structures (Sunflower Ave and Park Center Dr)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the O.C. Lantern Festival in 2027?
The O.C. Lantern Festival is on Saturday, March 6, 2027, at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.
Is the O.C. Lantern Festival free?
Yes, it’s free. Tickets are required for the concert hall portion and become available in February.
What happens at the O.C. Lantern Festival?
You can make a lantern, solve riddles, pose for photos, watch a dragon dance and local performers, and join a Chinese folk dance lesson.
Source: Pacific Symphony: O.C. Lantern Festival (2027 date), Enjoy OC: OC Lantern Festival 2026
How Do I Get to Segerstrom Center for the Arts (Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and Argyros Plaza)?
Segerstrom Center for the Arts (Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and Argyros Plaza) is at 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Parking: Parking structures: Plaza Tower (Anton Blvd and Park Center Dr), Park Center and Center Tower (Sunflower Ave and Park Center Dr). Use the directions and parking links on this page to plan your trip from where you are.
Is the O.C. Lantern Festival Good for Kids?
Yes. We list it as a family-friendly Lunar New Year event. Check the official event page for kids' activities, strollers and seating before you go.
How to Get Here
The organizer hasn't published transit details yet. Tap Transit directions for live routes and times to Segerstrom Center for the Arts (Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and Argyros Plaza).
Where to Park
Parking structures: Plaza Tower (Anton Blvd and Park Center Dr), Park Center and Center Tower (Sunflower Ave and Park Center Dr)
Map
Segerstrom Center for the Arts (Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and Argyros Plaza), 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Where to stay near Segerstrom Center for the Arts (Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and Argyros Plaza)
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