The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is commonly called the Chinese New Year. It is celebrated as Tết in Vietnam, Seollal (설날) in Korea, Losar (ལོ་གསར) in Tibet, Tsagaan Sar in Mongolia, and Chaul Chnam Thmey in Cambodia. This holiday is one of the most widely celebrated in Asia and among many Asian-American communities throughout the United States. The holiday is celebrated with lion/dragon dances, family feasts, ancestor reverence, and red envelopes, fostering unity and new beginnings.
The year 2026 will be the Year of the Fire Horse. This year combines the Horse’s natural energy with the element of Fire, resulting in traits such as passion, independence, and determination. Individuals born in this year are often characterized as energetic, optimistic, and freedom-loving, but may also be headstrong and impatient. The overall energy for this period is expected to bring about dynamic change, bold action, and significant momentum.
Below are a few public events happening in and around Northeast Ohio. Please check back for more information as additional events become available.
Friday, January 2nd, 7:00 p.m. Asian American and Pacific Islander Night / K-Pop Night, Long Island Nets at Cleveland Charge Game, Public Hall, 500 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland. Get Tickets HERE.
Saturday, January 3rd, 12-5 p.m., Happy Karen New Year, Jennings Community Learning Center, Findley Elementary School, 225 E Tallmadge Ave, Akron. Dinner prepared by the Community family members, so we all can enjoy and socialize after the ceremony: traditional Karen Dance, Cultural show, and many more activities.
Sunday, January 11, 2-7 p.m., Cleveland Chinese Women’s Association 2026 Karaoke Fun, Golden 8 Tavern at 937 E 222nd St., Euclid. Fees: $25 per person for members; $35/person for non-members. Limited to 50 people. RSVP by 1/8/2026 to Anna Li: 216-832-9066 or Amy Lee: 216-965-0669.
Friday, January 23, 6 p.m. NBA: Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Night, Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Sacramento Kings. The Cavs will honor and celebrate the diverse cultures and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities with AAPI Night. Stop by the OCA Greater Cleveland table in the main concourse before and during the game. Use code AAPI2026 via SeatGeek. Link
Saturday, January 31, 12-4 p.m. 4th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration, Solon Community Center, 35000 Portz Parkway, Solon, Ohio. 12 noon Kwan Lion Dance. This event is FREE to attend! Link
Saturday, January 31, 12:00 p.m., 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration Concert, Cleveland Institute of Music, 11021 East Boulevard, Cleveland. Admission: Free and open to the public (tickets recommended). Link
Saturday, January 31, 6 p.m. FICA 77th Republic Day Celebration, 5106 Great Northern Plz S, North Olmsted. Black Tie Event; Get Tickets at Link
Sunday, February 1, 6-8 p.m. LingYun Rising Star and Stellar Acrobatic Dance Academy 2026 Recital Performance, 6315 Som Center Road, Solon.
Friday, February 13, 7:30 p.m. Lunar New Year at Royal Grill & Sushi Bar with the Coiling Dragon Chinese Kung Fu Studio, 267 Boardman Canfield Rd, Boardman. RSVP at (330) 629-8003.
Saturday, February 14 & Sunday, February 15, 10-4 p.m. 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration: Year of the Horse, Asia Plaza, 2999 Payne Ave. Celebrate the Lunar New Year, Year of the Horse, on Saturday, February 14th, and Sunday, February 15th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Asia Plaza in Cleveland’s Asiatown neighborhood. Enjoy cultural performances, martial arts, lion dances, food trucks, vendors, resource tables, crafts, activities, photo stations, and more. Saturday, February 14, 2026 Sunday, February 15, 2026 * subject to change Presented by Asia Plaza with platinum sponsors, Margaret W. Wong & Associates, OCA Greater Cleveland, and Destination Cleveland; Pearl Sponsors, ASIA Inc., Cleveland Asian Festival, AsiaTown Cleveland, and Medical Mutual. Saturday, February 14, 11:00 a.m. Chinese New Year Lion Dance at Li Wah. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Kwan Lion Dance at Li Wah in Asia Plaza for the Year of the Horse. It’s first-come, first-served. (Sorry, no reservations.) Saturday, February 14, 7:00 p.m. Lunar New Year at JACK Casino, with a traditional Lion Dance. Sunday, February 15, 11:00 a.m. Chinese New Year Lion Dance at Li Wah. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Kwan Lion Dance at Li Wah in Asia Plaza for the Year of the Horse. It’s first-come, first-served. (Sorry, no reservations.) February 14, 15, & 17th, 2-3 p.m. Lunar New Year Tours at The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio. The Cleveland Museum of Art is hosting free, docent-guided Lunar New Year tours on February 14, 15, and 17 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Visitors will explore the Asian art collection through works depicting festive music, light, and horses in honor of the Year of the Fire Horse. While the tour and admission are free, guests must reserve tickets in advance at https://www.clevelandart.org/events/lunar-new-year-tour. Sunday, February 15, 2:00 p.m., Kwan Lion Dance at House of Hunan, 18 Public Square, Medina. Call 330-722-1899 for reservations. Monday, February 16th, 6:30 p.m. Kwan Lion Dance, Imperial Dragon, 8310 Tyler Boulevard, Mentor. Call (440) 534-1063 for reservations. Tuesday, February 17th, 3:00-6:00 p.m. Lunar New Year Celebration at Pinecrest, 200 Park Ave. in Orange Village. 3-5 p.m. free Mahjong play at Lao Sze Chuan, 5-6 p.m. traditional Lion Dance, Chinese dance performances, and, weather permitting, Kung Fu demonstrations. Face painting will be available at Te’Amo Boba Bar, and red envelopes containing gift cards to Pinecrest retailers will be distributed while supplies last. Tuesday, February 17, 4-5:00 p.m. Zodiac Zoo: Meet the Animals of the Chinese New Year at the Cleveland Public Library Glenville Branch, 11900 St Clair Ave. Join us for a fun-filled celebration of the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival! We will learn about the Chinese zodiac, watch recordings of lion and dragon dances, and then enjoy fortune cookies while we create pin-on buttons to commemorate the event! Link Tuesday, February 17, 4-5:00 p.m. Lunar New Year at the Cleveland Public Library Mt. Pleasant Branch (meeting room). It is the Chinese New Year, and this is the Year of the Horse. Let’s make a paper rocking horse in celebration. Link Tuesday, February 17, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Lunar New Year at the Cleveland Public Library Garden Valley Branch (meeting room). In celebration of the new year, create a paper dragon as a symbol of good luck for the coming days. Link Tuesday, February 17, 4:30-9:00 p.m., Cleveland Sews x Thao Nguyen Lunar New Year Screen Printing + Sewing Workshop, Cleveland Sews Studio – AsiaTown Cleveland. Cost: $75 per participant (Limited spots available). Link Tuesday, February 17th, 6:30 p.m. Kwan Lion Dance, Imperial Dragon, 8310 Tyler Boulevard, Mentor. Call (440) 534-1063 for reservations. Friday, February 20, 4:15-5 p.m. FUN FRIDAYS: Lunar New Year at the Cleveland Public Library Hough Branch, 6530 Lexington Ave. 2026 is the year of the Horse! Let’s learn about the importance of the Lunar New Year with crafts, games, and music. Link Friday, February 20, 7:00 p.m. Chinese New Year Lion Dance at Li Wah. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Kwan Lion Dance at Li Wah in Asia Plaza for the Year of the Horse. Reservations Required, call 216-696-6556 to RSVP. Saturday, February 21, 1:40 p.m. Lunar New Year Celebration, Maple Heights Branch, 5225 Library Lane, Maple Heights. Join us to celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse! Learn about ancient Chinese customs while enjoying the sights, sounds, and tastes of Lunar New Year 2026. Stellar Acrobatic Dance Academy/LingYun Rising Star will be performing. Register HERE Saturday, February 21, 2:00 p.m. Lunar New Year Celebration, Plum Asian Fare and Sushi, 32730 Walker Rd. C3, Avon Lake. Join us for a traditional lion dance ceremony with the Kwan Lion Dance team. Saturday, February 21, 4:30 p.m. Kwan Lion Dance, Imperial Wok Chinese Restaurant, 33825 Aurora Rd, Solon. (440) 248-3833. Saturday, February 21, 7:00 p.m. Chinese New Year Lion Dance at Li Wah. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Kwan Lion Dance at Li Wah in Asia Plaza for the Year of the Horse. Reservations Required, call 216-696-6556 to RSVP. Sunday, February 22, 11:00 a.m. Chinese New Year Lion Dance at Li Wah. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Kwan Lion Dance at Li Wah in Asia Plaza for the Year of the Horse. It’s first-come, first-served. (Sorry, no reservations.) Kwan Lion Dance at Asian Town Center, Photo by Lisa Wong
10:00 a.m. Event Kick-off with MC Wayne Wong
10:00 a.m. Happy Every Day 天天乐
10:15 a.m. LingYun Rising Star 凌云舞校
10:40 a.m. Stellar Acrobatic Dance Academy
11:00 a.m. Kwan Lion Dance (Li Wah)
11:15 a.m. Sifu John Cosma
11:45 a.m. Kwan Lion Dance (Asia Plaza)
12:00 p.m. Silk Road Cultural Collective
12:20 p.m. Indonesian Community of Greater Cleveland
12:30 p.m. AsiaTown Square Dance Team
1:00 p.m. Shaolin Kung Fu Institute
1:30 p.m. Janice Liu on Erhu
1:45 p.m. Yoke Thay (Myanmar Marionette) by Hsa Win
2:00 p.m. Great Wall Kungfu Center
2:30 p.m. Dance Party with DJ Rox
10:00 a.m. Event Kick-Off with MC Wayne Wong
10:05 a.m. Happy Every Day 天天乐
10:30 a.m. Silk Road Cultural Collective
10:50 a.m. Indonesian Community of Greater Cleveland
11:00 a.m. Kwan Lion Dance (Li Wah)
11:15 a.m. Sifu John Cosma
11:45 a.m. Kwan Lion Dance (Asia Plaza)
12:00 p.m. Cleveland Phoenix Club
12:45 p.m. Soaring Grace Dance Group
1:15 p.m. Cleveland Glory Waist Drum Team
1:30 p.m. Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancers
2:00 p.m. Janice Liu on Erhu
2:30 p.m. K-Pop Dance Party with “A Sprinkle of Seoul”
* Free and Open to All
* Free Parking
Sunday, February 22, 12:00 p.m, Lion Dance at Asian Town Center, 3820 Superior Ave, Cleveland. Celebrate the Year of the Horse with a traditional lion dance by the Kwan Family Lion Dance team and firecrackers at the main entrance on E. 38th St., Asia Food Co., and throughout the shopping center. Free event, Free Parking in lots A, B, & C.
Sunday, February 22, 1:00 p.m. Kwan Lion Dance, Imperial Dragon, 8310 Tyler Boulevard, Mentor. Call (440) 534-1063 for reservations.
Sunday, February 22, 1:30 p.m. Lunar New Year at Eastern Buffet with the Coiling Dragon Chinese Kung Fu Studio, Eastern Buffet, 5703 Mines Rd, Niles. (330) 505-9088.
Sunday, February 22, 2:00-5:00 p.m. CCCCA Chinese New Year Gala Presented by Cleveland Contemporary Chinese Culture Association at Solon High School Auditorium, Solon, OH.
Sunday, February 22, 7:00 p.m. Chinese New Year Lion Dance at Li Wah. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Kwan Lion Dance at Li Wah in Asia Plaza for the Year of the Horse. Reservations Required, call 216-696-6556 to RSVP.
Photo by Lisa Wong
Friday, February 27, 7:00 p.m. Chinese New Year Lion Dance at Li Wah. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Kwan Lion Dance at Li Wah in Asia Plaza for the Year of the Horse. Reservations Required, call 216-696-6556 to RSVP.
Friday, February 27, 7:00 p.m. Lunar New Year 2026, Thai Thai Lakewood. 7:00 p.m. Blue River Dragon Dance Performance; 7:30 p.m. Dinner. Call 216-226-4890 for Reservations (limited).
Saturday, February 28, 1:00 p.m. Kwan Lion Dance at House of Hunan, 18 Public Square, Medina. Call 330-722-1899 for reservations.
Saturday, February 28, 2-4 p.m., Cleveland Public Library Lunar New Year Celebration, Main Library, Auditorium (lower level), Cleveland, Ohio. Ring in the Year of the Horse at the library! Enjoy a festive day of storytelling, crafts, and interactive activities that explore the traditions, symbols, and culture of the Lunar New Year. Create decorations, learn about the zodiac, and celebrate with music, performances, and fun for all ages. Perfect for families, kids, and anyone eager to welcome the new year with joy and learning! Link
Saturday, February 28, 3:30-8 p.m. 2026 Downtown Akron Lunar New Year Celebration, Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S Main St. Join us & celebrate the Year of the Horse at the 2025 Downtown Akron Lunar New Year Celebration! 3:30 p.m. Culture Fair featuring local vendors, information booths, free crafts, festive photo opportunities, and more. 6:00 p.m. program, featuring a lineup of cultural performances on the Civic’s main stage, including the Kwan Lion Dance. Link
Sunday, March 1, 12:30 p.m. Kwan Family Lion Dance Performance, China Jade Restaurant, 2190 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, Ohio. Call (216) 749-4720 for reservations.
Sunday, March 1, 5:00-8:30 p.m. 2026 Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration, Beachwood High School, hosted by the Chinese Family Affinity Group. Celebrate the Lunar New Year with cultural performances, light meals, and a lively market. Families of all ages are welcome!
Friday, March 6, 7:00 p.m. Chinese Dragon Dance at Royal Grill, Boardman, Ohio. End of Chinese Spring Festival with the Coiling Dragon Chinese Kung Fu Studio Dragon Dance and Kungfu/Taichi demo. (Rt. 224 in the Goodwill Plaza).
Saturday, March 7, 2 p.m., Kwan Lion Dance, Imperial Dragon, 8310 Tyler Boulevard, Mentor. Call (440) 534-1063 for reservations.
Saturday, March 7, 4:30 p.m., Kwan Lion Dance, Imperial Wok Chinese Restaurant, 33825 Aurora Rd, Solon. (440) 248-3833.
Saturday, March 7, 5:30-9:00 p.m., Greater Cleveland Chinese Chamber of Commerce (G4C) 2026 New Year Gala “Music, Food + Dance: Zhōng (中国).” Cleveland Public Library – MLK Branch.
The Greater Cleveland Chinese Chamber of Commerce (G4C) is excited to invite you to the Chinese Chamber’s 2026 New Year Gala —“Music, Food + Dance: Zhōngg (中国)” on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Cleveland Public Library – MLK Branch. This special evening celebrates both the Year of the Horse and the 10-year anniversary of the Greater Cleveland Chinese Chamber of Commerce and will take place in the newly constructed, state-of-the-art, capacious, and ultramodern event space within the MLK Branch. We expect to welcome more than 300 attendees for this milestone celebration!
The evening will begin with a cocktail reception featuring live music, hors d’oeuvres, and opportunities to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Guests will then enjoy opening remarks, inspiring award presentations, and dinner with vibrant cultural performances. We will conclude the evening with raffle drawings, closing remarks, and an energetic dance party led by regional DJs to keep the celebration going.
Discounted Admission: $48/standard; $68/premium; $88/VIP; $28/student.
Event Registration at https://www.musicfooddance.com/.
Sunday, March 8, 12 noon, Lunar New Year Lion Dance, Dragon Gate, 6681 West 130th Street, Parma Heights. Call 440-743-0800 for reservations (required).
Sunday, March 8, 1:45-3:00 p.m. Lunar New Year Celebration at Cinemark Court in Southpark Mall. Celebrate the year of the fire horse at our Lunar New Year Celebration.
-Dance performance by the Cleveland Glory Waist Drum Team
-Traditional Lion Dance performed by the Kwan Lion Dance Team
-Followed by a second dance performance by the Cleveland Glory Waist Drum Team
-Meet & Greet with Silk Road Cultural Collective, who is showcasing real Tang and Ming dynasty armors and hanfu.
-Crafts and giveaways, while supplies last.
Stay tuned for updates and upcoming events. Be sure to check back often for the latest information.
If you don’t see an event, please contact us through Facebook, Instagram, or our website’s contact form.