Family Event

Celebrate Lunar New Year at CuriOdyssey with an evening of hands-on discovery, cultural traditions, and joyful exploration as we welcome the Year of the Horse. 

Throughout the night, enjoy performances by the Cal VSA Lion Dance Team, explore the museum, meet our animal ambassadors, and learn about the cultural meaning behind Lunar New Year traditions. Families can get creative by making paper lanterns and coloring their own horse-themed artwork.

Fuel your celebration with delicious bites from Satay By The Bay SF and Ace Dumpling, and enjoy beer and wine available for purchase at the bar hosted by SB Catering.

This First Friday Night is one of our most popular, and tickets often sell out. Advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged for all guests. Members must reserve tickets in advance. 

Please note that an admission ticket to CuriOdyssey does not guarantee a wristband to the in-person lion dance performances, due to popularity.

Lion Dance Performances

• Lion dance performances are offered at three scheduled times: 5:45 PM, 6:15 PM, and 7:00 PM.
• Admission tickets are not linked to a specific performance time. 
• Wristbands are required for entry to any live lion dance performance.
• Wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival, while supplies last.
• All members of your party must be present to receive wristbands.
• Each guest may attend one performance only.
• Wristbands are limited and not guaranteed with event admission.
• Queuing for each performance will begin 15 minutes prior to the start time. Each seat offers a good view of the performers.
• All ticket holders are not guaranteed access to an in-person lion dance performance. A standby line will be available on Level 2 of Redwood Hall.

To ensure everyone can participate in a way that works for their family, we will also offer live-streamed lion dance viewing options:

• A sensory-friendly, quieter viewing space in Bay Lab 1
• A louder, high-energy viewing space in the Theater

Performance Experience and Safety

Lion dance performances are loud. We recommend bringing ear plugs, ear muffs, or headphones for young children or anyone sensitive to loud sounds.

For fairness and safety:

• Please enter the performance line together as a full party
• No seat saving prior to the start of the performance
• Strollers are not permitted in the performance space (stroller parking available on Level 2 of Redwood Hall)

To protect performers and guests:

• Stay seated throughout the performance
• No flash photography
• Please do not touch the mirror or horn of the lion; these are sacred elements meant to scare away evil spirits and are considered bad luck to touch
• Audience members may respectfully touch the lion’s fur only — no grabbing, and please remember there are performers inside
• If seated on floor carpet squares or in the front row, please closely supervise children
• Keep aisles clear so the lions and people can safely move through the space

Ticketing Information

• Member tickets are required for all guests, including children
• Capacity is limited, and advance registration is required