Palo Alto Celebrates Lunar New Year with Vibrant Cultural Festival

Annual event at Mitchell Park Community Center features music, dance, martial arts, and more.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Palo Alto Asian American Connection group hosted its 10th annual Lunar New Year celebration at the Mitchell Park Community Center, featuring a variety of Asian arts, crafts, food, and performances. The event attracted people of all ages and backgrounds, with activities ranging from face painting and clay sculpting to calligraphy and paper cutting. Highlights included musical performances by the Dream Achievers Band and singer Brian 17, as well as demonstrations of traditional Chinese martial arts and a lively lion dance.

Why it matters

The Lunar New Year celebration in Palo Alto is an important event that brings the diverse community together to share and appreciate Asian culture. In a city with a large Asian American population, the festival provides an opportunity for cultural exchange, education, and celebration of the Lunar New Year traditions.

The details

The event featured a wide range of activities and performances, including Asian arts and crafts, traditional Chinese snacks, informational booths, and live music and dance. The Dream Achievers Band, a group of musicians on the autism spectrum, kicked off the festivities with a mix of Chinese and English songs. Singer Brian 17 also performed his new single 'Situationships,' accompanied by live guitar and a pre-recorded backtrack. Other highlights included a Chinese drum performance by a group of seniors, a traditional lion dance, and a martial arts demonstration by students of the Yau Kung Moon Kung Fu Sports Association.

  • The Lunar New Year celebration took place on Sunday, February 26, 2026.
  • The event was the 10th annual Lunar New Year celebration hosted by the Palo Alto Asian American Connection group.

The players

Palo Alto Asian American Connection

A community organization that hosts the annual Lunar New Year celebration in Palo Alto.

Dream Achievers Band

A group of musicians on the autism spectrum who performed at the Lunar New Year celebration, playing a mix of Chinese and English songs.

Brian 17

A singer who performed his new single 'Situationships' at the event, representing his AAPI culture and heritage.

Yau Kung Moon Kung Fu Sports Association

A martial arts group that demonstrated traditional Chinese techniques and weapons, including the kwan dao, at the Lunar New Year celebration.

Shana Segal

A member of the Palo Alto School Board who expressed her appreciation for the diverse performances and community involvement at the event.

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What they’re saying

“I was excited to see our community out, and see all the performances, food, and everything.”

— Natalie Geist (machronicle.com)

“Lunar New Year is something that is very important in the Bay Area, and I'm proud to represent my AAPI culture and heritage, and perform some songs for everyone.”

— Brian 17 (machronicle.com)

“I love all of the performances by the different community organizations and schools. That's my favorite part.”

— Shana Segal, Palo Alto School Board member (machronicle.com)

“I think it's so great to see all of the community members and all of the local businesses that come here share a part of Asian culture, whether that's through music, or drinks and food. And I think it's great that we have this festival to share Asian culture with the world.”

— Brian 17 (machronicle.com)

“One of my favorite parts about this event is bringing the community together to celebrate our diversity and the new year. I feel so grateful to be part of such a diverse and inclusive community. It's always wonderful to have celebrations that bring everyone together, and this is one of my favorites.”

— Shana Segal, Palo Alto School Board member (machronicle.com)

What’s next

The Palo Alto Asian American Connection group is already planning for next year's Lunar New Year celebration, which will mark the 11th annual event.

The takeaway

The Lunar New Year celebration in Palo Alto is a vibrant and inclusive event that brings the diverse community together to share and appreciate Asian culture. The festival's wide range of activities, performances, and community involvement highlights the importance of cultural exchange and celebration in fostering a sense of unity and belonging.