Family-friendly celebration on February 28, 2026 brings performances, vendors, and hands-on activities together in collaboration with Asian Pacific American community partners across CT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HARTFORD, Conn. — The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History will host its fourth annual Lunar New Year Celebration in partnership with the Asian Pacific American Coalition of Connecticut on Saturday, February 28, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. The festivities will be held at Connecticut State Community College, Manchester in Manchester, CT. This family-friendly event is designed to encourage visitors of all ages to learn about and engage with cultural traditions that influence community life throughout Connecticut. 

Attendees will experience the popular Lion Dance performance, along with a diverse schedule of live performances and cultural demonstrations. Performers and demonstrators include New Haven Chinese Cultural Cooperative, the Philippine-American Association of Connecticut, Wu Dang Kung Fu Academy, Layavinyasa, Lao American Traditions of Connecticut, Ju Long Wushu, , Mahjong Haven, and more. Visitors can also enjoy arts activities with organizations from across Connecticut and support local food and artisan vendors.

“Our Asian and Pacific Islander communities are among the fastest-growing minoritized communities in Connecticut and across the nation,” said Jenny Heikkila Diaz, Co-chair of the Asian Pacific American Coalition of Connecticut. “While not all Asian and Pacific Islander communities celebrate Lunar New Year, coming together to center those that do, while also highlighting the diversity and beauty across the broader Asian American and Pacific Islander umbrella, is a meaningful way to build community. Doing this alongside all of our Connecticut neighbors makes this celebration especially powerful.”

The Lunar New Year Celebration is part of a year-long series of exhibitions and programs that highlight the Museum’s role as a cultural hub for community storytelling and connection as the Museum reflects on America at 250.

“This joyful annual celebration brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to see familiar sights, learn something new, and share engaging experiences,” said Kate Schramm, Director of Cultural Sustainability at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History. “There is truly something for everyone.”

Tickets are free and required for entry into this event, with options to attend the Morning Block or Afternoon Block. Tickets can be reserved at www.connecticutmuseum.org/lunarnewyear. 

Event Details

• What: Lunar New Year Celebration
• When: Saturday, February 28, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Where: Connecticut State Community College Manchester, Great Path, Manchester, CT 06040
• Info: www.connecticutmuseum.org/lunarnewyear
• Social: @thectmuseum on Instagram and Facebook

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The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History is a private, nonprofit organization established in 1825 as the state’s premier historical society and cultural institution. Located in the historic West End of Hartford, the Museum houses exhibitions, a library, a research center, and a vast collection of over 4 million manuscripts, graphics, objects, and artifacts. The Museum brings the state’s culture and history into focus, sparking curiosity, deepening understanding, and strengthening connections that bring communities together across generations.

The Asian Pacific American Coalition of Connecticut (APAC) is a non-partisan group of concerned citizens who are leaders in their respective Asian American communities volunteering their time and resources to work on behalf of Connecticut Asian Pacific Americans. Our current efforts are aimed at being in an Advisory role to the State of Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity working to advise the Governor, the Legislature, state agencies, departments, and commissions on issues relating to the social, educational, health, economic development, rights, concerns and interests of the APA (Asian Pacific American) community.