George Memorial Library in Richmond to Host Lunar New Year Festival Celebrating the Year of the Horse
Residents across Richmond, Sugar Land, Rosenberg and greater Fort Bend County will have an opportunity to step into one of the world’s most meaningful cultural celebrations when Fort Bend County Libraries hosts its Lunar New Year Festival at George Memorial Library on Saturday, March 7.
The free, family-friendly event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the library, located at 1001 Golfview off FM 762 in Richmond, and will highlight traditions associated with the Year of the Horse. Designed for families with children of all ages, the festival blends education, culture and hands-on experiences — all within one of the county’s most visited public spaces.
For many local families, this event offers more than entertainment. It provides a chance to better understand the history and symbolism behind Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, while celebrating the diverse cultures that help shape Fort Bend County.
Understanding Lunar New Year: History and Significance
Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions of people across Asia and throughout the world, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and other Asian communities. Unlike the Gregorian calendar New Year on January 1, Lunar New Year follows the lunar calendar and typically falls between late January and mid-February.
The celebration marks the beginning of a new year based on the moon cycle and is traditionally a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, sharing meals and welcoming prosperity, health and good fortune.
Each year in the Chinese zodiac is represented by one of 12 animals, and 2026 marks the Year of the Horse. In Chinese culture, the Horse symbolizes energy, independence, strength and perseverance. Those born in a Year of the Horse are often believed to embody determination and vitality.
Traditional Lunar New Year customs often include lion and dragon dances to ward off negative energy, red decorations symbolizing luck and joy, special foods that represent prosperity, and the giving of red envelopes for good fortune.
George Memorial Library’s celebration brings many of these elements directly to the Richmond community.
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A Day of Cultural Performances and Interactive Experiences
The Lunar New Year Festival will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the Meeting Room with a culinary demonstration titled “Lunar New Year Cuisine.” Attendees will learn about traditional celebratory foods and the symbolism of luck and fortune behind them. Samples will be served, though visitors are advised to be aware of potential food allergens including eggs, wheat, soy, yeast and nuts.
At noon, musicians from the North American Youth Chinese Orchestra will perform a variety of traditional Chinese musical pieces. The performance will feature both Western instruments such as violin and flute, as well as traditional Chinese instruments including the pipa, guzheng and zhong ruan — offering a blend of cultural sounds that reflect both heritage and adaptation.
At 1:30 p.m., members of the USA Tai Chi Academy will present a Tai Chi demonstration in the Meeting Room. Tai chi, an ancient Chinese discipline of meditative movements, is practiced worldwide as a form of martial arts, exercise and stress relief. Known for its focus on balance and controlled movement, tai chi is often associated with health benefits and may help address issues such as arthritis.
Lion Dance Performance Returns as Festival Highlight
One of the most anticipated parts of the annual celebration will take place at 3:15 p.m. in the library lobby, when dancing lions from the USA Shaolin Xiu Lion Dance Team perform to rhythmic drumming.
The ceremonial lion dance has long been a central feature of Lunar New Year celebrations. Traditionally believed to bring good luck and drive away misfortune, the dance combines athletic movement, music and elaborate costumes. For many Fort Bend County families, the lion dance has become a beloved annual tradition at George Memorial Library.
Before the performance, the lion dancers will be available in the Meeting Room at 3:00 p.m. for photo opportunities and to explain the symbolism behind the ceremonial dance. Visitors can learn how the performers animate the detailed lion costumes and gain insight into the cultural meaning behind each movement.
Lunar New Year Market, Riddles and Calligraphy
From 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., a Lunar New Year Market will be set up in the Lobby and Meeting Room, offering traditional celebratory activities.
Guests can participate in Cai Deng Mi, or “Guessing the Lantern’s Riddle,” a popular Lunar New Year activity in which participants solve riddles for a chance to win a prize. One featured riddle asks: “What building has the most stories?” — a playful example of the event’s interactive spirit.
Visitors can also stop by the Chinese calligraphy table to watch master calligraphers at work. Attendees may receive New Year fortunes or have their personal names beautifully written in traditional Chinese script, connecting art and language in a tangible way.
A special Lunar New Year raffle prize will be announced at 2:45 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Raffle tickets will be available at the Lantern Riddle table throughout the event, and winners must be present to claim their prize.
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A Community Celebration Made Possible Locally
The event is made possible by the Friends of George Memorial Library, highlighting the role community partnerships play in bringing cultural programming to Fort Bend County residents.
Fort Bend County Libraries regularly hosts multicultural and educational events designed to reflect the county’s diverse population. With one of the most culturally diverse communities in Texas, Fort Bend County continues to see strong attendance at events that highlight global traditions while creating opportunities for neighbors to gather locally.
The Lunar New Year Festival is free and open to the public, making it accessible for families looking for things to do in Richmond, TX or free cultural events in Fort Bend County.
For more information about the Lunar New Year Festival at George Memorial Library, residents can visit fortbendlibraries.gov or call the library at 281-342-4455. Additional information is available through the Fort Bend County Libraries Communications Office at 281-633-4734.
As Richmond continues to grow, events like this reflect the evolving story of the community — one where traditions from around the world are welcomed, shared and celebrated close to home.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more local events and community updates across Fort Bend County.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.