Happy Lunar New Year, y’all! The 15-day festival started on Feb. 17 and Austin has lots of ways to celebrate. Lunar New Year is considered the most important holiday in China and within Chinese communities around the world. It marks the first new moon on the lunar calendar.
Celebrate With Pickleball
Austin Pickle Ranch, 11000 Middle Fiskville Road, is hosting an evening Lunar New Year celebration on Feb. 21. The event runs 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and includes three hours to play pickleball, shopping from local vendors, and a lion and dragon dance. Tickets are $25.
Party With Friends
The Paper Craft + Pantry’s annual Lunar New Year celebration is on Feb. 22 at Springdale General, 1023 Springdale Road. Kicking off at 11 a.m., the event includes a vendor market, two lion and dragon dance performances, crafts, and food vendors. Admission to the event is donation based and you can RSVP online. Pro tip: Get there early! Last year’s celebration was packed.
Salute a Local Business
OMG Squee, 4607 Bolm Road, is celebrating its sixth birthday on Feb. 28 with a Lunar New Year celebration. The party includes free drinks, giveaways, a lion dance, pony petting, and more.
Play Games at a Local Library
Austin Public Library’s Spicewood Springs Branch, 8637 Spicewood Springs Road, is hosting its Lunar New Year celebration on Feb. 28. The event is free to attend, starts at 1:30 p.m., and includes a lion and dragon dance, crafts, games, and a calligraphy lesson.
Try a New Beer
Meanwhile Brewing Co.’s Lunar New Year event is on March 1 and includes the release of a beer collaboration with Kaiju Cut & Sew on draft and in cans. The party is free to attend and starts at noon. Expect vendors, a lion and dragon dance, and mahjong.
