The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History’s Lunar New Year Celebration in Manchester is a daylong mix of lion dancing, kung fu demos and hands-on art. It honors Connecticut’s Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. The 2027 dates haven’t been announced yet; in 2026 it was held Saturday, February 28, at CT State Community College Manchester.
What to expect
The day features a lion dance, live performances and cultural demonstrations, plus food and artisan vendors and arts activities for kids and grown-ups. Performers have included the New Haven Chinese Cultural Cooperative, Wu Dang Kung Fu Academy, Lao American Traditions of Connecticut and Ju Long Wushu (wushu means Chinese martial arts).
One tip: plan ahead. Entry is free, but you need a free timed ticket for a morning or afternoon block, and both 2025 and 2026 sold out.
Good to know
- Last held: Saturday, February 28, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (the fourth annual celebration)
- Admission: free, with free timed tickets required in advance
- Venue: Arts, Sciences, and Technology Center, CT State Community College Manchester, Great Path, Manchester, CT 06040
- Organizers: Connecticut Museum of Culture and History with the Asian Pacific American Coalition of Connecticut (APAC)
- Past dates: February 24, 2024 (Wethersfield) and February 22, 2025 (Manchester)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Connecticut Museum Lunar New Year Celebration in 2027?
No 2027 date has been announced. The fourth annual celebration was February 28, 2026, and recent editions have all fallen in late February.
Is the Connecticut Museum Lunar New Year Celebration free?
Yes, but you need a free timed ticket in advance for a morning or afternoon block. Tickets sold out in both 2025 and 2026.
What happens at the Connecticut Museum Lunar New Year Celebration?
Expect a lion dance, live performances, cultural demonstrations, food and artisan vendors, and hands-on arts activities for families.
Source: Connecticut Museum – 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration event page, Connecticut Museum – Celebrates the Year of the Horse with daylong cultural event
How Do I Get to Arts, Sciences, and Technology Center, CT State Community College Manchester?
Arts, Sciences, and Technology Center, CT State Community College Manchester is at Great Path, Manchester, CT 06040. Use the directions and parking links on this page to plan your trip from where you are.
Is the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History Lunar New Year Celebration 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 Arts, Sciences, and Technology Center, CT State Community College Manchester.
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
Arts, Sciences, and Technology Center, CT State Community College Manchester, Great Path, Manchester, CT 06040
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