Co-hosted by the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center and Pacific Symphony, the Orange County Lantern Festival will take place on March 7, 2026.
This annual celebration brings together Eastern and Western cultural elements and features a rich array of artistic performances and interactive activities, making it one of Orange County’s most anticipated cultural events.
In addition to cultural performances and hands-on activities, the Lantern Festival hosts an annual themed art competition.
This year’s categories include painting, photography, drawing, digital art, and the newly added sculpture, for a total of five divisions.
This call for art is open to people of all ages and backgrounds who reside in Southern California, including students and non-professional artists.
Through this unique cultural feast—combining performances, interactive experiences, and an art call for submissions—the festival aims to build a bridge of cultural and artistic exchange among Orange County’s diverse communities.
It encourages creators to express their perspectives on life, society, and the future through art.
This year’s theme is “Illuminating the Future”, inviting participants to submit artwork that depicts their hopes and visions for the future.
All selected works will be exhibited in the concert hall on the day of the event.
The top three winners will receive $200 cash prize and Pacific Symphony concert tickets, offering both recognition of artistic achievement and an opportunity for the public to experience the power of creativity.
Do not miss this opportunity!
Join the Southern California community in celebrating the beauty and light of the Lantern Festival, the richness of culture, and the power of artistic expression.
This spring, let us use creativity and imagination to Illuminate the Future—together.
What hopes do you have for the future?
- How will you create positive change in the world?
- What cause is important to you?
The deadline for submissions is 5:00 PM on Monday, January 26, 2026.
For more competition details, please click here
2026 O.C. Lantern Festival:
Date: March 7th, 2026
Location: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall