In January 2026 Fairplex Pomona will once again become the cultural heartbeat of Southern California as the Asian American Expo opens its doors for a weekend that celebrates heritage community and the shared joy of Lunar New Year.
Now recognized as the largest Lunar New Year festival of its kind in the region, the Expo draws tens of thousands of visitors each year bringing together families, longtime attendees and first time guests in a vibrant showcase of Asian American culture. Scheduled for January 17 and 18 from morning through evening the event spans seven expo halls, multiple outdoor food streets and nine live performance stages.
Food remains one of the strongest draws with more than two hundred vendors offering a global spread of flavors. Visitors can expect festival favorites, traditional comfort foods, modern fusion dishes and specialty drinks alongside popular attractions like the spice eating competition which has become a crowd favorite. The outdoor food streets create a lively atmosphere where guests stroll, eat and celebrate together.
Inside the expo halls more than fourteen hundred vendors present a wide range of goods including art crafts, fashion collectibles and specialty products. Many vendors represent small businesses and artisans giving attendees a rare opportunity to support independent creators while discovering unique cultural items.
Live entertainment runs continuously throughout the weekend with performances that highlight both tradition and modern expression. Lion dances cultural showcases music and martial arts performances share space with contemporary acts reflecting the evolving identity of Asian American culture today. The kids traditional outfit parade adds a family centered highlight while interactive experiences like the Fortune Wall encourage reflection and participation.
The Expo places strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusion. Admission is free for guests aged seventy and older with valid identification reinforcing the events commitment to honoring elders and welcoming all generations. Families are encouraged to attend together making the Expo not only a festival but a community gathering.
Located at Fairplex Pomona the venue offers the space and infrastructure needed to host an event of this scale while remaining easily accessible to visitors from across Southern California. Over the years the Asian American Expo has grown into a cultural institution one that reflects the diversity, energy and creativity of the communities it represents.
As Lunar New Year celebrations begin across the region the Asian American Expo stands out as a destination where tradition meets celebration and where Southern California comes together to welcome a new year filled with hope, prosperity and connection.
