The San José Museum of Art (SJMA) invites the community to welcome the Year of the Horse at its annual Community Day: Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 11am to 4pm. Admission is free all day. Details and registration available at sjmusart.org/lny.

This vibrant, multigenerational event honors Lunar New Year traditions celebrated around the world and here in San José through hands-on artmaking activities, cultural demonstrations, and live performances. Families and visitors of all ages are encouraged to explore the Museum, create art together, and celebrate the new zodiac cycle in a festive and welcoming environment.

Community Day reflects SJMA’s longstanding dedication to showcasing local cultural stories and creative voices. This year’s celebration continues that tradition, bringing together artists, performers, and community partners for a dynamic and joyful start to the Year of the Horse.

Event Schedule

Activities and performances include:

• Traditional Vietnamese dance by Vovinam America at 1–1:30pm
• Lion dance performance by Sun Hing Dragon and Lion Dance Association at 3:30–4pm
• Crafting Year of the Horse pom pom plushies, lanterns, and animated rattle drums from 11am–4pm

Members’ Hour  

Members are invited to an exclusive Members’ Hour to kick off Community Day: Lunar New Year. Beginning at 10am, Museum members will enjoy premier access before the public celebration, including a private gallery tour followed by a unique hands-on art activity. Led by Studio Art Education Specialist Julian Zamora and drawing inspiration from Pao Houa Her’s large-scale light boxes, visitors will create a landscape that celebrates Lunar New Year. Designed for all ages, members will create a paper circuit in this STEAM-based art activity.

Visitors can learn more about memberships at sjmusart.org/membership.

San José Museum of Art

The San José Museum of Art (SJMA) is a modern and contemporary art museum dedicated to inclusivity, new thinking, and visionary ideas. Founded in 1969 by artists and community leaders, SJMA’s exhibitions, collection, and programs reflect the defining characteristics of San José and Silicon Valley—from its rich cultural diversity to its innovative spirit. The Museum offers lifelong learning opportunities for schoolchildren and educators, multigenerational families, creative adults, university students and faculty, and community groups. SJMA is committed to being a museum without borders, essential to creative life throughout the diverse communities of San José and beyond.

SJMA is located at 110 South Market Street in downtown San José, California. The Museum is open Thursday 4–9pm; Friday 11am–9pm; and Saturday–Sunday 11am–6pm. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and free for members, college students, youth and children ages 17 and under, and school teachers with valid ID. Admission is free from 6–9pm on the first Friday of every month. For up-to-date information, call 408.271.6840 or visit sjmusart.org.