Out with the dragon and in with the snake. That’s what this year’s Lunar New Year celebration is all about, as we approach the beginning of the Chinese New Year on January 29. The holiday is celebrated across many Asian cultures that follow a lunar calendar based on the moon’s 12 phases.
The Paper + Craft Pantry
1023 Springdale Road Building 6A
The Paper + Craft Pantry, co-hosted with Kathy Phantastic, will host a Lunar New Year celebration on Sunday, Feb. 2, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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.
Peached Tortilla and Bar Peached
5520 Burnet Road #100, 1315 W 6th St.
The popular Austin restaurants, Peached Tortilla and Bar Peached, known for their Southern-Asian fusion cuisine, will celebrate Lunar New Year with specialty menu items available Jan. 31 to Feb. 2. Menu highlights include Hoisin Duck Noodles, Charred Cabbage & Mushroom Dumplings, and Sizzling Fish.
Wu Chow Downtown
500 W 5th St. #168
Wu Chow is gearing up to throw their annual Lunar New Year party on January 26 from 5-9 p.m. Guests will enjoy light appetizers, signature cocktails, balloon twisting, face painting, a photo booth and a lion dance performance. Admission is free, with a suggested $10 donation supporting New Hope Animal Rescue.
UMLAUF After Dark
605 Azie Morton Road
The UMLAUF After Dark series will host a Lunar New Year celebration on Feb. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will feature live gong meditation, a glow-in-the-dark dragon and lion dance, as well as specialty cocktails and food. Admission is free for UMLAUF members and $12 for general admission.
Oseyo
1628 E Cesar Chavez St.
Korean-American restaurant Oseyo will celebrate Lunar New Year with two special events. On Saturday, Jan. 25, a street food pop-up with Lao’d Bar will begin at 5 p.m. and run until sold out. The evening will feature the launch of Hold Out Brewing’s “Forever Jeong” Korean rice lager, makgeolli tiki cocktails, Tokki Soju tasting flights and more. The celebrations continue on Wednesday, Jan. 29, with a special food and drink menu and intention setting on the patio. Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
Asian American Resource Center
8401 Cameron Road
The Love of China School of Dance will host a Lunar New Year Festival on Thursday, Feb. 1, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Asian American Resource Center. The festival will feature a variety of performances, including the Lion Dance, as well as booths offering crafts and food and beverages for purchase. Admission is free.
OMG Squee
4607 Bolm Road, Suite A
OMG Squee will celebrate its fifth anniversary and Lunar New Year on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free event will feature food pop-ups from local vendors, free drinks from Fierce Whiskers and Topo Chico, and a lion dance performance by Summit Lion Dance Team at 1 p.m. Activities include kids’ crafts, coloring sheets and mahjong lessons from 10 a.m. to noon.
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