Beverly Hills will welcome the Year of the Horse weeks early with a no-cost family festival at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on January 17.
At a Glance
- Family-friendly Lunar New Year celebration runs 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Lion dancing, improv comedy, origami, and live music fill the plaza
- Admission is completely free and open to the public
- Why it matters: Families get an early, zero-cost way to celebrate Lunar New Year in a premier cultural venue
The East West Bank Plaza will transform into a colorful hub of traditional and contemporary performances. Organizers promise three hours of non-stop activity, anchored by the Qui Wei Lion and Dragon Dance Cultural Troupe‘s high-energy lion dance that clacks and swirls to ward off bad luck for the coming year.
What to Expect
- Cold Tofu Improv Troupe – Asian American ensemble known for rapid-fire sketch comedy
- Gamin Music – live sets blending Korean bamboo flute with modern rhythms
- East Wind Foundation – local group presenting cultural storytelling segments
- Origami stations – instructors teach kids (and adults) to fold paper horses, lanterns, and lucky envelopes
- Photo backdrop – red-and-gold Horse-year motif for keepsake pictures
Event Snapshot
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | January 17 |
| Time | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. |
| Venue | Wallis Annenberg Center, East West Bank Plaza, Beverly Hills |
| Cost | Free |
| Parking | City lots nearby; no on-site validation |
| Rain plan | Event moves indoors to the Lovelace Studio Theater |
Marcus L. Bennett reported for News Of Losangeles that the mid-January timing offers “auspicious, spring-like weather” ideal for an outdoor festival, though planners have indoor space reserved if forecasts shift.
Evening Add-On
Families who want to keep the celebration going can purchase tickets to a separate, ticketed concert inside The Wallis later that night. “Monsters, Murders, Spies, and Space” features the Scott Dunn Orchestra performing iconic 1970s film scores. Wait-list signup links are posted on the center’s official site.
Getting There
- Metro: Take the 704 or 720 bus to Crescent Dr./Santa Monica Blvd. and walk three blocks north
- Driving: Enter the civic garage at 450 N. Rexford Dr.; first two hours free with validation from nearby retailers
- Bike racks line the plaza’s east side
COVID Protocols
Masks are optional outdoors. Indoor restrooms require masks for unvaccinated guests. Hand-sanitizer stations will be stationed near craft tables.
Key Takeaways
- The only free public Lunar New Year event in Beverly Hills happens January 17
- Arrive by 10:45 a.m. to grab shaded seating and first dibs at craft tables
- The daytime festival and the evening concert are separate events with separate ticketing
- Follow the center’s social feeds for real-time updates on performer schedules
For the full run of show, map, and wait-list link for the evening concert, visit the Wallis Annenberg Center’s event page.
