Khmer New Year Festival Returns to Oakland

The annual Khmer New Year Festival will take place on April 4, 2026, at Peralta Hacienda Historical Park in Oakland, California. This free event promises a vibrant celebration of Cambodian culture, open to all.

A Day of Tradition and Community

Co-produced by the Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants, the festival is designed to be a day filled with fun and cultural immersion. Attendees can expect a diverse range of activities, including traditional monk blessings and New Year’s-themed games.

Experience Cambodian Arts and Cuisine

The festival will showcase classical and folk dances performed by members of the local Cambodian community. Visitors are also encouraged to participate in the graceful romvong circle dance accompanied by live Khmer music.

Local restaurants and vendors will offer authentic Cambodian food and beverages throughout the day. An exhibit titled “Rhythm of the Refugee” will also be featured, highlighting stories of migration and resilience.

Welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse

“This year, we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse – a symbol of courage, forward movement and renewed energy,” stated festival organizers. They emphasized the importance of community and culture, particularly during times of global uncertainty.

“In a time when so much of the world feels unsettled and many communities are witnessing conflict and division, this celebration is an invitation to return to what grounds us: culture, community and one another.”