Lunar Fest NJ Returns to Maplewood for Its Seventh Year, Celebrating Culture, Community, and the Arrival of Spring

MAPLEWOOD, N.J. – On Sunday, March 1, 2026, Lunar Fest NJ returns to The Woodland (60 Woodland

Road) for its 7th annual celebration of the Lunar New Year, marking the arrival of spring and the beginning

of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. Organized by SOMA Cross Cultural Works, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

organization, the festival will celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse.

In lunisolar tradition, the Horse symbolizes energy, independence, strength, and perseverance. The Fire

Horse, in particular, represents a time of bold change, forward momentum, and new

opportunities—making it a fitting theme for a community celebration rooted in connection, creativity, and

growth.

Running from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., this free, family-friendly festival will feature cultural performances,

interactive children’s activities, local AAPI vendors, and festive foods. Lunar Fest NJ highlights traditions from

across the Asian diaspora and invites the wider community to come together in celebration and learning.

Since its founding in 2019, Lunar Fest NJ has grown into a beloved annual tradition in the SOMA community,

drawing hundreds of attendees each year and fostering cross-cultural understanding through art, performance,

and shared experience.

The 2026 festival is made possible through the generous support of community partners and sponsors,

including SOMA Cross Cultural Works, Maplewood Arts & Recreation, and Seton Hall University.

Get Involved:

Community support is essential to keeping Lunar Fest NJ free and accessible.

● Volunteer: Community members are invited to assist with event planning and day-of activities. Contact

lunarfestnj@somaccw.org.

● Donate: Donations are tax-deductible and directly support festival programming. Donate via Venmo

@soma-ccw.

● Sponsor: Local businesses and organizations can gain meaningful visibility by sponsoring Lunar Fest

NJ. Sponsorship inquiries may be directed to lunarfestnj@somaccw.org.

● Press photos are available here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1y9RMBw3RtPS0_cmxCftEcscQTB9MYN6W

For event updates, follow Lunar Fest NJ on Facebook and Instagram.

Contact:

lunarfestnj@somaccw.org