O.C. Lantern Festival 2026

This day-long festival (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) includes:

• Music and Dance Performances by local community and professional groups and Pacific Symphony musicians
• Lantern Decorating
• Riddles
• Dragon Dance
• Photo Opportunities
• Food and more!

The Lantern Festival, which can be traced back 2,000 years, takes place 15 days after the Lunar New Year—on the first full moon night in the lunar calendar—and marks the return of spring, representing the reunion of family. The act of lighting and appreciating lanterns is a way for people to let go of the burdens of their old selves and express their best wishes for themselves and their families for the future.

Join us as the concert hall lobby becomes transformed for the festivities with lanterns created by community members and the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall is opened up to the public for performances featuring local music and dance groups. You’ll have the opportunity to decorate your very own lantern, take in live music, try your hand at solving a riddle, take in cultural demonstrations and more!

Co-hosted by Pacific Symphony and the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center and presented in cooperation with Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Patron contact information will be shared with the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center which is co-presenting this event.