The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana hosts a free Mehregan Festival on Sunday, October 4, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the museum’s Key Courtyard at 2002 N. Main St.
Mehregan is one of Iran’s oldest festivals. It marks the harvest season and the start of autumn. The celebration is rooted in ancient Zoroastrian tradition and honors Mithra, the deity associated with light, friendship and love.
For families
The afternoon includes free hands-on art activities, face painting, live music and dance performances, and a taste of a traditional Iranian sweet treat.
Mehregan is part of the Bowers’ free family festival series, held on the first Sunday of the month in the Key Courtyard. Each festival brings live performances, art making, face painting and treats. The series is supported by the Nicholas Endowment, and the museum posts its full 2026 festival schedule online.
Plan your visit
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families who want to tour the galleries after the festival can check exhibition tickets on the Bowers website.
Sources
Featured photo: Mobilisdeus via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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