Lanterns, ink brushes and lion dancers: the National Museum of Asian Art Lunar New Year Festival in Washington, DC, spreads across the museum and the Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building. The 2027 date hasn’t been announced yet; the most recent festival was Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What to expect
The day started with Family Fun at the museum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: a scavenger hunt, story time, lantern making and ink painting. Curator talks and museum tours ran too.
From noon to 6 p.m., the festival and market pop-up at the Arts + Industries Building brought performances, lion dances, food and makers. The 2025 edition, then called the Lunar New Year Market, was curated with the Redeye Night Market and featured Yee Fung Toy Association lion dances. Lantern making, it turns out, is harder than it looks.
Good to know
- Last held: Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (also Saturday, February 1, 2025)
- Admission: Family Fun is free with no registration; advance registration recommended for the festival
- Capacity: limited, first-come, first-served
- Where: National Museum of Asian Art and the Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building, Washington, DC
- Organizer: Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the National Museum of Asian Art Lunar New Year Festival in 2027?
The 2027 date hasn’t been announced yet. It was held Saturday, February 21, 2026, and the 2025 market took place Saturday, February 1, 2025.
Is the National Museum of Asian Art Lunar New Year Festival free?
Yes. Family Fun is free with no registration, and advance registration is recommended for the festival, which has limited capacity.
What happens at the National Museum of Asian Art Lunar New Year Festival?
Families can try a scavenger hunt, lantern making and ink painting, then visit a festival and market with performances, lion dances, food and makers.
Source: National Museum of Asian Art: Lunar New Year Market (2025), Asia Week New York: Ring in the Lunar New Year at the National Museum of Asian Art (2026)
Is the National Museum of Asian Art Lunar New Year Festival – Washington, DC 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 National Museum of Asian Art and Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building.
Where to Park
Parking near big Lunar New Year events fills early and some streets close. Arrive early, or take transit if you can.
Map
National Museum of Asian Art and Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building, Washington, DC
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