Guide to Lunar New Year Celebrations Around Austin
Austinites can celebrate the Year of the Horse through various holiday festivities taking place around town
Out with the snake and in with the horse. That’s what this year’s Lunar New Year celebration is all about, as we approach the beginning of the Chinese New Year on February 17. The holiday is celebrated across many Asian cultures that follow a lunar calendar based on the moon’s 12 phases.
The Lunar New Year Festival
1023 Springdale Road Building 6A
Sunday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m.–5 p.m
The Paper + Craft Pantry will host an all-day Lunar New Year celebration on Feb. 22. The free, family-friendly event will feature a vendor market showcasing local Asian-owned businesses, lion and dragon dance performances, interactive children’s activities and more. Admission is donation-based, with a suggested donation of $10 to $15 and $45 for VIP access.
Meanwhile Brewing Co. Lunar New Year Celebration
3901 Promontory Point Drive
Sunday, March 1, 12–5 p.m.
The Lunar New Year celebration kicks off at noon Sunday, March 1, with a market of local AAPI vendors running until 5 p.m., featuring handmade goods, art and gifts. Southern Sea Dragon and Lion Dance will perform at 2 p.m., followed by DJ 2e3 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Mahjong Mafia will host a pop-up from noon to 5 p.m. for those curious about learning the game. The event also marks the release of “Lucky Leaves,” a Citrus & Green Tea Lager brewed with Kaiju Cut & Sew, available on draft and in cans exclusively at the Meanwhile taproom.
UMLAUF Family Day: Lunar New Year
605 Azie Morton Road
Sunday, Feb. 8, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Enjoy a free, family-friendly afternoon of art, performances and hands-on activities at UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum on Sunday, Feb. 8. Programming includes storytimes at noon and 1 p.m., a 2 p.m. dance performance by the Love of China School of Dance, and all-day offerings such as calligraphy, origami, cultural crafts, sculpture searches and community engagement booths.
Austin Asian American Film Festival Presents Lunar New Year Celebration
10000 Research Blvd, Unit 141
Sunday, Feb 15, 11 a.m –2 p.m.
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Arboretum food court area with a free, family-friendly event. Festivities begin with a Lion Dance performance by the Summitt Lion Dance Team, followed by bilingual storytime with Spark Collection at noon. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., guests can shop local artisan booths, enter a raffle for prizes including a $100 Loro gift card and a $100 Shelley Moon Designs gift certificate, and enjoy 10% off at Cafe du Bliss.
Austin Lunar New Year Festival
601 E St Johns Ave.
Sunday, Feb 15, 2 –5 p.m.
Austin Great Wall Chinese School is hosting a Lunar New Year celebration at Webb Middle School, featuring an afternoon of cultural performances, a traditional lion dance and a free Lunar New Year carnival. Families can enjoy hands-on activity booths, including ribbon dragon dancing, Chinese calligraphy, paper cutting and diabolo. Every child will receive a red envelope and goodie bag while supplies last.
Lunar New Year Pickleball Celebration at Austin Pickle Ranch
11000 Middle Fiskville Road Building B
Saturday, Feb. 21, 6–9 p.m.
Austin Pickle Ranch will host a Lunar New Year Party on Saturday, Feb. 21, featuring three hours of open pickleball play alongside a traditional Lion and Dragon Dance by the Southern Sea Dragon & Lion Dance Company, a performance believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. The evening also includes bites from Sip Pho, with a banh mi–inspired charcuterie board, plus local vendors Bug & Bear’s Kitchen and Kessho. JOOLA will provide door prizes throughout the night. Tickets are $25 per person, with free admission for kids under 12, and all skill levels are welcome.
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