By Sara Gomez, February 24, 2026
Red and gold lanterns dangled across downtown Pomona’s streetlights as families danced away to karaoke. The night was filled with live music from all different parts of the street.
Families partied and danced till they were tired at the Pomona District Lunar New Year celebration from 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 14th, welcoming the Year of the Horse with special performances that invited the audience to come on stage and dance.
John Bland was visiting family in Pomona and came all the way from New York to celebrate his birth year, the year of the horse.
“My favorite part of the performances tonight is this right here, the dancing.” Bland said.
Beyond the Lunar New Year stage, artists set up tables against the city murals and shared their work, similar to the ArtWalks thathappen every second Saturday. Each table was home to its own aesthetic, from cloudy pink car paintings to 3D printed dinosaurs.
Long lines and security guards wrapped around the street at the end of the market, waiting to enter The Glass House Concert Hall. The venue is known for having artists like The Garden, Nascar Aloe and Tyler the Creator perform.
The night’s main performances were Kitty Craft with supporting artists from Dead Calm. Their music is a mix of underground indie pop and angelic tones.
Pomona is no stranger to the punk scene. People came from The Haven Pomona, a smaller live music venue open to all ages just down the street.
People dressed in all black, silver chains and band T-shirts came out to join the host who called on everyone to circle around the red and gold lanterns to dance.
A mix of Asian, Salvadorian, Mexican and American food filled up the center of downtown. They had all sorts of sweet treats, like Umai Japanese Cafe or agua frescas in Hello Kitty-shaped cups.
“It’s a great way for students to see cultures mixing,” Marqia Rabb, a visitor, said.
CPP also held a Lunar New Year celebration on campus with interactive activities. The Spring Festival Gala Event featured live performances with a band singing in Chinese. They offered free Chinese food with art projects, such as making traditional red envelopes.
It’s a tradition for families to give each other red envelopes to represent new beginnings and wealth for the future.
“The new year is celebrating with my family and loved ones along with bringing in good vibes for the new year,” said early childhood studies student Kyle Kakishita. “I also love the food. My family loves to get together and celebrate with hot pot and a bunch of sweet treats.”
As the red and gold lanterns came down, the city cleared out. The music faded, and the streets filled with dancing, art and music were getting ready to pack up. Families left with smiles and entered the new year.
