Release Date: January 12,2023
Lunar New Year Celebration Returning to Downtown Akron
January 12, 2023, Akron, OH — Welcome the Year of the Rabbit at the Downtown Akron Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at the Akron Civic Theatre. The event will be held from 4:30 – 8 p.m. and is presented by Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP), in conjunction with the City of Akron, Asian Services in Action, the Ka’Ren Community of Akron, The University of Akron, NIHF STEM School and Civic Youth Innovation Engagement. More information is available at downtownakron.com/
Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. for visitors to mingle in the Civic lobby and enjoy light appetizers from downtown businesses Cilantro Thai & Sushi, Boiling House and Evelyn’s Coffee & Bánh Mì. At 6 p.m., a lineup of cultural performances will begin on the main stage, including the Lion Dance performed by The Kwan Family Lion Dance Team, Dragon Dance performed by NIHF STEM students, music, martial arts demonstrations and more. In addition to the food and performances, visitors can look forward to a giveaway of traditional red envelopes, as well as raffle giveaways with prizes including downtown gift cards. Following the performance, there will be a fireworks display over Lock 3.
The inaugural Lunar New Year celebration took place last February and drew an estimated attendance of 1,100 people. This year’s attendance is expected to be higher. The event is free and open to all. Seating at the Akron Civic Theatre for this event is first come, first-served.
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.
The 2023 Downtown Akron Lunar New Year Celebration is presented with support from the Knight Foundation, the City of Akron, Asian Services in Action, the Ka’Ren Community of Akron, The University of Akron, NIHF STEM School, Civic Youth Innovation Engagement, Akron Community Foundation, GAR Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, Akron Civic Commons, Akron METRO RTA, Akron Children’s Museum, and the Akron Civic Theatre.
Ride Free with METRO
Ride METRO fixed-routes free to downtown Akron on Saturday, January 28, 2023, from 2:30 to 10 pm when you show an event flyer to the bus operator. Call 330.762.0341 for routes and times or visit www.akronmetro.org to plan your trip.