Release Date: January 18,2024
Lunar New Year Celebration Returns to Downtown Akron February 18
January 18, 2024, Akron, Ohio — Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) announces that it will present the 3rd annual Downtown Akron Lunar New Year Celebration, which will usher in the Year of the Dragon in the splendor of the Akron Civic Theatre on Sunday, February 18, 2024, from 3:30 to 8 pm.
Doors will open at 3:30 pm for visitors to mingle in the Civic lobby and Knight Stage, enjoy light appetizers available for purchase from Cilantro Thai & Sushi, Boiling House, and the Eccentric Panda, learn more about Lunar New Year, and create free crafts. At 6 pm, a lineup of cultural performances will begin on the main stage. This year’s slate of performers includes Kwan Family Lion Dance, the Ka’Ren Culture Dance Academy, the Cleveland Glory Waist Drum Team, NIHF STEM Middle School learners, and several others. In addition to the food and performances, visitors can look forward to a giveaway of traditional red envelopes and a dazzling display of fireworks that will take place at approximately 8 pm.
Tickets must be reserved to enjoy this event. Tickets are $5 each plus fees if purchased online at AkronCivic.com. The Akron Civic Theatre is a no fee box office, and tickets can be purchased there Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Lunar New Year is celebrated in many Asian countries beginning on the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ending 15 days later on the first full moon of the calendar. Dates of the celebration vary from year to year, usually falling between January 21 and February 20.
A recap of last year’s celebration can be read here.
The 2024 Downtown Akron Lunar New Year Celebration is presented by Downtown Akron Partnership, with generous support from the City of Akron, Knight Foundation, the Ohio Arts Council, GAR Foundation, Akron Community Foundation, and the Akron Civic Theatre. Other community partners include the Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron Public Schools, National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School, Asian Services in Action, the Ka’Ren Community of Akron, METRO RTA, and the University of Akron.
Ride Free with METRO
Ride METRO fixed-routes free to downtown Akron on Sunday, February 18, 2024, when you show an event flyer to the bus operator. Call 330.762.0341 for routes and times or visit www.yourmetrobus.org to plan your trip.