Columbus Museum of Art to host free Lunar New Year event featuring lion dance and artmaking
A public celebration centered on performance, family activities and an upcoming exhibition
The Columbus Museum of Art will hold a free Lunar New Year Celebration on Sunday, February 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., positioning the program as a community event that combines live performance, hands-on art activities and exhibition-related interpretation.
The museum’s schedule lists a lion dance performance by Kong Han Lion Dance at 11:30 a.m. The event format also includes Lunar New Year–inspired artmaking activities available throughout the two-hour window.
Program details: performance, artmaking and a red-envelope tradition
The museum’s plan foregrounds a traditional lion dance presentation, supported by drumming and choreographed movement. The event description frames the performance as part of Lunar New Year custom and symbolism, with the lion dance presented as a ritual welcome for the new year.
In addition to the performance, visitors will be offered a “lucky red envelope” at the admission desk while supplies last. The museum describes the envelope as a symbol of good wishes tied to the Year of the Fire Horse.
Date and time: Sunday, February 15, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Location: Columbus Museum of Art
Admission: Free; registration requested
Featured performance: Kong Han Lion Dance at 11:30 a.m.
Activities: Lunar New Year–inspired artmaking available throughout the event
Connecting the celebration to exhibition planning
The Lunar New Year event is also being used as a platform for public engagement ahead of a forthcoming exhibition, “East of the Pacific: Making Histories of Asian American Art,” which the museum lists as opening April 15. During the celebration, visitors will be able to learn more about the exhibition.
This approach reflects a common museum strategy: pairing free, culturally specific community programs with interpretive touchpoints that invite audiences to return for future shows.
What attendees should expect on-site
With a two-hour schedule and activities available throughout, the event is structured for drop-in attendance. The museum indicates that red envelopes will be distributed at the admission desk while supplies last, and that registration is requested to support planning and entry flow.
The program combines a scheduled performance with ongoing, hands-on activities, keeping the event accessible for families and visitors arriving at different times.