Hosted by the Asian American Museum at the Great Park, with the support from City of Irvine, South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, many Asian American nonprofits and cultural groups, the 2026 Lunar New Year Parade & Carnival kicks off Feb. 7 at 11 a.m.
Irvine’s first-ever Lunar New Year Parade and Festival will debut at the Great Park, highlighted by a dazzling Year of the Horse float led by a mounted police honor guard, alongside vibrant performances and Asian cuisine in a celebration of diversity.
Mounted Lead · New Year Parade
The parade will depart from Parking Lot 4 and proceed along the Great Park’s Timeline Walk, featuring school bands, community groups, and diverse cultural performers.
Festivities will then continue at Great Park Live with dance and music, family activities, mahjong bingo, calligraphy and crafts, and popular Asian food, through 4:30 p.m.
Lunar New Year Parade Route at Irvine Great Park
Horse Float · Good Fortune
In Chinese culture, the Twelve Zodiac signs follow a 12-year cycle. 2026, the Year of the Horse, symbolizes drive, courage, loyalty, speed, strength, and the spirit of striving for success.
A special Year of the Horse float, designed by renowned stage and film art designer YuMin Sun, will be led by a mounted police honor guard in the parade and later displayed at the festival for photo opportunities, wishing all “first to lead” and “instant success.”
Participating groups include the Beckman High School Patriot Marching Band, Vietnamese Thủy Vân Dance Company, Hālau Hula Na Meakanu o Laka o Hawaii, Korean Doo Dream Head Ribbon Team, Japanese Taiko drummers, and Indonesian Burat Wangi Gamelan.
Also taking part are the South Coast Chinese Orchestra, Chinese Dance Company of Southern California, Indian Arpana Dance Company, Regulus Irvine Taekwondo Academy Demo Team, South Coast Wushu Team, and the Irvine Fusion Lion Dance Team, highlighting the diversity of Asia-Pacific cultures.
Lunar New Year Carnival Site Map at Great Park
Free Viewing · Ticket Info
Viewing stands for the 2026 Lunar New Year Parade are free to the public.
Festival admission at Great Park Live is $2; children three and under are free.
Tickets: www.tixr.com/groups/greatparklive or on site. Free parking available.
Location: Great Park, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, CA 92618
Asian American Museum Website: https://aamuseumgp.org/
Info: LNY@aamuseumoc.org
