Your Complete Guide to Nowruz Events and Celebrations in California 2026

As the winter chill of 2026 fades, a vibrant and ancient energy awakens in California. It's the arrival of Nowruz (also spelled Nowruz), the Persian New Year. This 3,000-year-old Zoroastrian festival marks the precise moment of the spring equinox, celebrating the rebirth of nature and a time of profound joy, renewal, and optimism.

In California, home to one of the largest and most dynamic Iranian-American communities in the world, Nowruz is not just a single day, it's an entire season of celebration. From the massive public festivals in Los Angeles to the glamorous concerts and intimate community gatherings in Orange County (OC), the Golden State becomes the epicenter of Nowruz festivities outside of Iran.

This guide is your complete resource for navigating the Nowruz events California 2026 has to offer. We'll cover the sacred traditions, the major festivals, the spectacular concerts, the cultural exhibitions, and, most importantly, how to secure your tickets for these unforgettable experiences.

The Heart of Nowruz (The Traditions)

To fully appreciate the events, it's essential to understand the beautiful traditions that define Nowruz.

Chaharshanbe Suri (The Festival of Fire)

The celebrations officially ignite on the last Tuesday night before Nowruz with

Chaharshanbe Suri fire jumping.

This is a festival of purification. You will find community gatherings in parks (where permitted) and private homes where people light small bonfires and leap over them, chanting "Zardi-ye man az to, sorkhi-ye to az man," which means "My yellow sickness is yours, your red health is mine." It's a symbolic way to leave behind the past year's negativity and welcome the new one with health and vitality.

The Haft-Sin: A Guide to the "Seven S's"

The visual centerpiece of every Nowruz home is the Haft-Sin table. This is far more than just decoration; it's a sacred altar to spring. The name means "Seven S's," and it must include seven items whose Farsi names start with the letter 'S':

• Sabzeh (sprouts): Rebirth and growth

• Samanu (sweet pudding): Affluence and power

• Senjed (dried oleaster fruit): Love

• Sir (garlic): Medicine and health

• Sib (apple): Beauty

• Somagh (sumac): The color of sunrise and patience

• Serkeh (vinegar): Age and patience

The table is also adorned with a mirror (reflection), candles (enlightenment), painted eggs (fertility), a goldfish (life), and a book of wisdom (like the poetry of Hafez or the Avesta).

Sal Tahvil and Sizdah Bedar

Sal Tahvil is the exact moment of the equinox when the new year begins. Families gather around the Haft-Sin to hug, kiss, and exchange Eidi (new money, typically given by elders). The following 12 days are spent visiting family and friends (Did-o-Bazdid).

The celebration concludes on the 13th day with Sizdah Bedar ("Getting Rid of the 13th"). It's tradition to spend the entire day outdoors to ward off any bad luck. Parks in Irvine, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area will be filled with thousands of families picnicking, dancing, and playing music.

The California 2026 Event Guide

Here is a breakdown of the types of events you can expect.

The Grand Celebrations: Major Nowruz Festivals

These are typically large-scale, public, and family-friendly events, many of which are free to attend.

• Farhang Foundation's Annual Nowruz Celebration (Los Angeles): This is arguably the largest and most prominent Nowruz celebration in the United States. Often held at a major LA landmark like UCLA's Royce Hall or a large public park, this event by the Farhang Foundation features a full day of musical performances, dancers, a grand Haft-Sin display, children's activities, and a vibrant Iranian bazaar.

• Orange County (OC) Sizdah Bedar: On the 13th day of the new year, parks like Mason Regional Park in Irvine become the site of a massive community picnic. Expect thousands of people, food trucks, and live DJs.

• San Diego & Bay Area Festivals: Look for similar large-scale community celebrations in San Diego's Balboa Park and in the Bay Area, particularly in San Jose and Berkeley, hosted by local cultural organizations.

The Sound of the New Year: The Persian Concert Calendar

Nowruz is the peak season for Iranian music. The Persian concert calendar will be packed with performances from legendary singers to contemporary pop stars.

• Major Concerts: Expect A-list artists to announce major concerts at iconic venues like the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles or the Bren Events Center at UCI.

• The Norooz Gala: For those seeking a formal, black-tie experience, look for announcements for the annual Norooz Gala. This is a high-end event featuring a lavish dinner, dancing, and performances by top-tier entertainers.

• Persian New Year Parties LA: Beyond the big concerts, dozens of Persian New Year parties LA clubs, hotels, and banquet halls will host. These events range from DJ-driven dance nights to full-service dinners with live bands.

Cultural Experiences: Art Exhibitions & Community Shows

For a deeper dive into the culture, look for "نمایش" (shows or exhibitions) hosted by cultural centers and universities.

• Iranian Cultural Center: Organizations like the Iranian Cultural Center in Orange County will host their own Nowruz bazaars, musical performances, and gatherings.

• University Events: Keep an eye on the schedules for UCLA's Fowler Museum, UCI's Samuel Jordan Center for Persian Studies, and Stanford. They often host Nowruz-themed lectures, art exhibitions, and classical music recitals.

• Art Galleries: Galleries in heavily Iranian-American neighborhoods (like Westwood in LA) will often feature special Nowruz-themed exhibitions showcasing Iranian artists.

How to Get Tickets for 2026 Events

Securing tickets, especially for top concerts, requires planning. Here’s your strategy.

For Major Concerts & Galas

• When: Tickets for the biggest concerts often go on sale as early as December 2025 or January 2026. They sell out fast.

• Where to Look:

  o   Mainstream Platforms: Check Ticketmaster, LiveNation, and AXS.

  o   Venue Websites: Look directly at the websites for venues like the Dolby Theatre, Microsoft Theater, and major arenas.

  o   Persian Ticketing Sites: Websites like Kodoom and Radio Javan are essential resources for announcements and ticket links.

  o   Artist Social Media: Follow your favorite artists on Instagram. This is often the first place they will announce a show and drop a ticket link.

For Community Festivals & Public Events

• Tickets: Many of the large public festivals, like the Farhang Foundation's main event and the Sizdah Bedar park gatherings, are free to attend and do not require tickets.

• How to Plan: Check the foundation's official website or Facebook page a few weeks in advance for the schedule, location, and parking details.

For Private Parties, Club Events & Cultural Shows

• Where to Look:

  o   Eventbrite: This is a very common platform for club parties, private galas, and smaller community events.

  o   Kodoom: This is a primary hub for almost all Iranian events, from concerts to parties.

  o   Directly from Organizers: Many community centers or cultural shows will sell tickets directly through their own websites to avoid service fees.

Pro Tip: For high-demand concerts, be ready to buy the moment they go on sale. For

Persian New Year parties LA hosts, buying early often gets you a "pre-sale" price before it increases.

Preparing for Nowruz: Supporting Local Iranian Businesses

Nowruz is also the most important time of the year for countless local Iranian businesses. You can celebrate and support the community by shopping locally.

• For your Haft-Sin: Visit Persian markets in Westwood (Tehrangeles), Irvine, or San Jose to buy your Sabzeh, Samanu, Senjed, and other items.

• For Sweets & Pastries: Stop by a Persian bakery for special Nowruz sweets like shirini-e nokhodchi (chickpea cookies) and baklava.

• For the New Year's Meal: Many Persian restaurants will offer the traditional Nowruz dish of Sabzi Polo ba Mahi (herbed rice with fish).

Conclusion

Celebrating Nowruz in California is an experience of overwhelming warmth, joy, and community. It's a time when you can feel the powerful connection to an ancient history while celebrating in a vibrant, modern way.

Whether you are attending a glamorous Norooz Gala, jumping over a bonfire at Chaharshanbe Suri, or simply enjoying a picnic at Sizdah Bedar, you are participating in a beautiful tradition of renewal. As you plan for the Nowruz events California 2026 has to offer, get ready to embrace the spirit of spring.

Nowruz Pirooz! (Happy Nowruz!)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When is the biggest Nowruz celebration in the US?

A: While many cities have large celebrations, the events in California, particularly in Los Angeles, are widely considered the largest and most elaborate in the United States. The annual festival hosted by the Farhang Foundation in LA often attracts tens of thousands of visitors and receives international attention.

Q: How do I set up a traditional Haft-Sin?

A: As our Haft-Sin setup guide in Part 1 details, you start with a beautiful tablecloth (sofreh) and place your seven symbolic "S" items (Sabzeh, Samanu, Senjed, Sir, Sib, Somagh, Serkeh) in decorative bowls. You then add complements like a mirror, candles, painted eggs, a goldfish, and a book of wisdom.

Q: Are there Persian concerts during Nowruz?

A: Absolutely. The Nowruz period is the most popular and busiest time of the year for the Persian concert calendar. Nearly every major Iranian artist will be on tour, with major stops in Los Angeles and Orange County. Check ticketing platforms (like Kodoom and Ticketmaster) early, as these shows sell out quickly.