L.A.’s Nowruz celebration returns March 9

The annual festival features live music, dancing, food and entertainment for attendees of all ages. (photo by Vafa Khatami)

The most vibrant and lively spring event of the year is just around the corner – the Farhang Foundation’s annual Nowruz celebration at UCLA on Sunday, March 9.

Nowruz, meaning “new day,” is an ancient celebration marking the vernal equinox – a universal moment of rebirth and renewal. The Iranian New Year begins precisely at the moment of spring’s arrival. Nowruz is celebrated by more than 300 million people around the world, including in Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Canada, China, Georgia, India, Iraq, Tajikistan, Turkey and the United States.

Farhang Foundation’s festival welcomes spring with its 15th annual Celebration of Nowruz in Los Angeles and is one of the largest Nowruz celebrations in the world. The daylong program offers something for all ages, and includes traditional music, arts and crafts, dance, food, children’s activities, stilt walkers and the signature Grand Haft Sîn display.

“For 14 years, Farhang Foundation has been proud to bring the spirit of Nowruz to Los Angeles,” said Alireza Ardekani, executive director of Farhang Foundation. “Our annual celebration at UCLA has become one of the largest Nowruz festivals in the world, uniting our diverse community in a joyous tribute to renewal, culture and tradition.”

All Nowruz outdoor activities are free and open to the public from noon-5 p.m. and will take place at UCLA’s Dickson Court, adjacent to Royce Hall.

Additionally, a special ticketed concert takes place at Royce Hall at 6 p.m. The unforgettable evening concert is presented in collaboration with UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music. UCLA and Farhang Foundation have had a long relationship; the Farhang Foundation helped establish an academic degree in Iranian music – the only program of its kind in the world outside of Iran dedicated to Iranian music. The Nowruz Concert will feature world-renowned musicians, many of whom are coming to Los Angeles from around the world for the event.

UCLA’s Royce Hall and Dickson Court are located at 375 Portola Plaza.

For information and tickets, visit farhang.org/nowruz/2025-nowruz-concert-at-ucla.

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