Norooz 2015: Celebrating in Los Angeles

Celebrating Norooz.
Mersi Pejman Akbarzadeh.
A new dawn, a new day and new life begins and that day is on Norooz. Marked as the first day of Spring, it is the start of a brand new year. Celebrated by Persians all around the world, Norooz begins on Friday, March 20th. Los Angeles is often dubbed "Tehrangeles" for it's extensive Persian population. As Norooz approaches, a lot of amazing events are happening in the city of angels. So, what are they?

On Saturday, March 14th the Farhang Foundation will be celebrating the Iranian New Year at the Norman P. Murray Community Center from 11:30 am until 5 pm. Located in the heart of Mission Viejo, if you are looking for an event to attend, this is definitely where you will want to be. For more information, call: (310) 666-1546.

On Saturday, March 14th the Aliso Viejo Library and Persian Storytime presents the 2nd Annual Persian New Year Celebration. From 1:30 pm until 4:30 pm, you can celebrate Nowruz with children's art gallery, crafts, short video clips, storytime, face painting, and more. For more information, call: (949) 360-1730.

On Sunday, March 15th the ISCC (or International Society for Children with Cancer) will be featuring an array of delicious Persian food including pastries and jams at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach from 11 am until 6 pm. Aside from amazing food, you can expect amazing entertainment too. The time is now to celebrate. For more information, call: (949) 679-9911.

On Sunday, March 15th the Child Foundation will be holding their annual Nowruz Bazaar. Located at the Hilton in Woodland Hills, you can expect great food, great entertainment, and even greater people. Admission is free. For more information, call: (310) 453-0809.

On Tuesday, March 17th the Norooz celebrations continue at the 6th Annual 4Shanbe Soori Party. Starting at 8 pm at the Port Restaurant in the heart of Corona de Mar, you can expect nothing less than a good time here. For more information, call: (949) 439-7097.

On Tuesday, March 17th starting at 6:30 pm you can enjoy a Persian Feast at Ray's and Star Bar. Hosted by the LACMA, you can explore the museum after-hours and enjoy great art, food, and more. Located in the heart of LA, the Cur-ate Series is the opportunity to explore a Persian themed four course meal prepared by executive chef Viet Pham (Food Network Star, Iron Chef America, etc). The cost is $90-$100. For more information, call: (323) 857-6180.

On Tuesday, March 17th join Kayham Kalhor and Shujaat Husain Khan as they entertain you with a Persian/Indian Fusion Concert with the Ghazal Ensemble and Sandeep Das. Located in the heart of Irvine, this event will be held at Barclay theatre and starts at 8 pm. For more information, call (949) 854-4607.

On Tuesday, March 17th you can enjoy yoga and meditation at the Iranian American Center in San Diego from 6 pm until 7:30 pm. Hosted by the PCC (or Persian Cultural Center) releasing tension can be an amazing thing to do for the new year. For more information, call: (858) 552-9355.

On Wednesday, March 18th the Rancho Park Rotary is holding their Nowruz Party. Located in the heart of Los Angeles if you want to eat, drink, and dance, this is the time to do so. For more information call: (310) 722-1817.

On Friday, March 20th join the ISTA (or Iranian Students Association at University of California in San Diego) from 7:30 pm until 11:30 pm at the Price Center in San Diego for the ISTA Norooz Celebration and After Party. Enjoy a banquet dinner followed by live music and entertainment provided by DJ Mohsen and DJ Al. For more information, email: ista@ucsd.edu.


On Saturday, March 21st the Persian Cultural Center and Association of Iranian Professionals is holding their Annual Nowruz Gala at the Marriot Hotel in La Jolla. Starting at 6 pm, this celebration includes a seated dinner, comedy by Tehran, a featured dance performance by the Persian Dance Academy, and music by DJ Julius. For more information, call (858) 522-9355.

On Saturday, March 21st the IPAA (or Iranian Psychological Association of America) and the IADA (or Iranian American Dental Association) are holding their annual Nowruz Gala. This event is located at the Grand Ballroom in the heart of Los Angeles. Starting at 7 pm, you can expect an amazing time. For more information, call: (310) 499-5622.

On Saturday, March 21st celebrate Norooz at Club Pardiss in Laguna Woods at Club House 7 for their annual Persian New Year Festival. From 6:30 pm until 11 pm, you can enjoy amazing entertainment from Nader, Nadia, Eddie, Lucia, and more. Complimentary Persian tea and pastries are available. For more information, call: (949) 268-2417.

On Saturday, March 21st you can celebrate Norooz at the Grand Park with award winning actress and activist, Mary Apick. Located in the heart of "Tehrangeles" from 1 pm until 5 pm, you will have an amazing time. Discover Persian culture at it's finest. With special guests Mayor Erick Garcetti, Edward James Olmos, actor Paul Sorvino, and Parviz Sayyad, you are going to want to attend. Guests can eat, drink, and enjoy the finest Persian dishes. Live entertainment is also provided and to top it off, everyone will have the chance to explore Persian culture through the arts. Admission is free. Proceeds benefit the arthritis foundation. For more information, call (818) 288-4050.

On Saturday, March 21st the Metropolitan Nightclub in West Hollywood is holding their Norouz Mega Bash. Starting at 10 pm, you can expect real excitement celebrating the Persian New Year. Music is provided by Bobby K, DJ Sepi, Aaron Sparxx, and Alex. #NorouzMegaBash For more information, call: (310) 363-0311.

On Saturday, March 21st the PCC (or Persian Cultural Center) and the AIAP (or the Association of Iranian American Professionals) will host their annual Nowruz Celebration at the Marriott in La Jolla. Featuring DJ Julius, Tehran, and a performance from the Persian Cultural Dance Academy, you can expect an amazing time. Tickets are $100-$110 per person. For more information, call: (858) 552-9355.

On Sunday, March 22nd, LACMA (or Los Angeles County Museum of Art) is celebrating their 7th Annual Nowruz Celebration. Located in the heart of LA, this event is also hosted by the Farhang Foundation too. For more information, call: (310) 666-1546.

On Sunday, March 22nd you can join the IAC Group (or Iranian American Community Group) of Orange County at the Colonel Barber Park from 1 pm until 6 pm for their Persian New Year Festival. Located the Rose Garden in Irvine, you can enjoy live entertainment and amazing Persian food. Plus, it is free. For more information, email: contact@iac-group.org.


On Sunday, March 22nd you can celebrate the 9th Annual Norooz Festival in Pasadena. The action starts at 2 pm. Not only will there be complimentary tea and pastries served, entertainment for both adults and kids, and contests. Is there anything better? Sponsored by Trader Joes, US Bank, Adspace, Inc. and more, you will want to be here to celebrate the Persian New Year. Guest of Honor, mayor Bob Bogaard will be attending. For more information, call: (626) 351-9631.

On Thursday, March 26th celebrate the Persian New Year with the IALA (or Iranian American Lawyers Association) from 6:30 pm until 10:30 pm at Flame Restaurant in Los Angeles. Enjoy a Persian style buffet, as well as, appetizers and desserts. Entertainment and music provided by DJ Hessam. For more information, email: IALAlawyers@gmail.com.

On Saturday, March 28th Essence and Avesta Empire proudly present their Kurdistan Nowruz Gala Party with Foad Naraghi and Nidar at the Eretz Cultural Center. Starting at 8 pm, you can enjoy a wonderful time. For more information, call: (424) 261-5873.


On Saturday, March 28th IMAN is hosting their annual Persian New Year celebration. At the Iran Hall, in the IMAN center, you can enjoy a wonderful time. For more information, call: (310) 202-8181.

On Saturday, March 28th celebrate Norooz Eve at Club Mahin in Laguna Woods. From 6 pm until 11 pm, you can enjoy an epic time at Clubhouse 7. For more information, call: (949) 468-6899.


On Saturday, March 28th you can enjoy the musical stylings of Shahkar Bineshpajooh. Starting at 8:30 pm at the Dolly Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, you can enjoy an amazing part of Persian culture. For more information, call: (310) 710-3040.

On Sunday, March 29th the NIPOC (or Network of Iranian Professionals in Orange County) is celebrating the 13 Bedar at Mason Regional Park. Starting at noon, you can enjoy a wonderful time in celebrating Norooz. For more information, call: (949) 851-3993.


If you know of an event that is not listed, please share the event in the comments and I will go ahead and publish it. Thank you.

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