Lunar New Year, commonly called Chinese New Year, officially begins on Tuesday, February 1. This year is the Year of the Tiger. As a zodiac sign, the tiger is a symbol of strength, exorcising evils, and braveness – all things worth celebrating. Speaking of celebrating, we found a few events happening around Austin this week, most of which are FREE!
Chinese New Year Celebrations in Austin
Wu Chow’s Year of the Tiger
Location: 500 West Fifth Street
Monday, January 31, 5 to 9 p.m.
The Chinese restaurant’s Chinese New Year festivities include appetizers, cocktails, a photo booth, and lion dancers. The restaurant will also offer special dishes on the regular menu from Tuesday, February 1 through Saturday, February 5. The event benefits Austin Pets Alive. $10 suggested donation. While advance tickets are currently sold out, walk-ins are welcomed.
UMLAUF After Dark | Lunar New Year ($12)
Location: 605 Azie Morton Road
Tuesday, February 1, 6 to 8 p.m.
The UMLAUF’s bi-monthly After Dark event happening on the first Tuesday of the month and featuring live music, Lunar New Year themed performances, beer from Austin Beerworks, and cocktails from Tito’s!
Austin Moonflower Performing Arts Group
Location: Streaming Online
Tuesday, February 1 at 8 p.m.
Celebrate 2022 Lunar New Year. This YouTube streaming event features Chinese traditional and modern dance, vocal, and instrument performances by artists from Texas, California … China and other countries.
Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team Performance
Location: Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Drive
Saturday, February 5, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Join in a celebration of the Chinese New Year with a performance by the Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team! This is a free, outdoor program in the library parking lot. The parking lot will be blocked off for the dancers, so please carpool, bike, or walk if you are able. Free to attend.
OMG Squee’s Lunar New Year Day Market Celebration
4607 Bolm Road, Suite A, Govalle
Saturday, February 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tex-Asian bakery OMG Squee, Kaiju Cut and Sew, and shop Solid Soaps are hosting a Lunar New Year market for the holiday and the bakery’s two-year anniversary. On deck are food vendors like OMG and Lady Lumpia, alongside retail offerings and a live DJ. Free to attend.
Lunar New Year Festival
1023 Springdale Road, Building 6A, MLK-183
Sunday, February 6, 12 to 4 p.m.
Illustrator Kathy Phan and stationery store Paper Craft Pantry are hosting a first-ever Lunar New Year event with food from vendors such as Cookie Wookie Kitchen, Gan Bei Gals, and Pink Sloth Bakery Co. alongside a retail market, a lion dance performance and activities for children. The event benefits the Austin Asian Family Support Services. Free to attend.
First annual Lunar New Year Festival in East Austin
Location: The Paper + Craft Pantry, 1023 Springdale Road 6A
Sunday, February 6, 12 to 4 p..m
Join for the first annual Lunar New Year Festival in East Austin! They will be celebrating with this family friendly event featuring over 15+ vendors of Asian descent, a lion dance performance and more!
