Jester Park Celebrates Chinese New Year with Fire Horse Festivities

Annual event features lion dance, kung fu demos, and exploration of zodiac connections.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Jester Park in Des Moines, Iowa is hosting its annual Chinese New Year celebration on February 22, 2026, marking the Year of the Fire Horse. The free, family-friendly event will run from 10:30 a.m. to noon and include a live lion dance performance by Shadow Fist Kung Fu as well as an educational program on the history and symbolism of the Chinese zodiac.

Why it matters

Celebrating the Lunar New Year is an important cultural tradition that connects the local community to broader Asian heritage and traditions. Jester Park's event provides an accessible way for Des Moines residents to learn about and participate in Chinese New Year festivities.

The details

The Year of the Fire Horse is associated with qualities like freedom, courage, and swift progress. Polk County Conservation will lead a program exploring the parallels between the Chinese zodiac and Western astrology. Shadow Fist Kung Fu will return to perform their signature lion dance and kung fu demonstrations.

  • Chinese New Year falls on February 17, 2026.
  • Lunar New Year celebrations last 16 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival on March 3.
  • Jester Park's event is scheduled for Sunday, February 22 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

The players

Jester Park

A public park operated by Polk County Conservation in Des Moines, Iowa that is hosting the Chinese New Year celebration.

Shadow Fist Kung Fu

A local martial arts group performing the traditional lion dance and kung fu demonstrations at the event.

Polk County Conservation

The organization leading the educational program on the history and symbolism of the Chinese zodiac.

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What’s next

Jester Park requires registration for the event, and the deadline is February 21.

The takeaway

Jester Park's Chinese New Year celebration provides Des Moines residents an engaging way to learn about and experience Lunar New Year traditions, strengthening community connections to Asian culture and heritage.