Photo credit: @otakufoodfestival
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Get ready to ring in the Lunar New Year as the Otaku Food Festival takes over the Vietnamese Community Center in Houston this weekend! The beloved event—the brainchild of veteran street food vendor TanukiGo—first hit the Houston scene in 2021 as a successor to the popular Asian Night Market. This year, the festival levels up with a vibrant holiday theme, blending its signature Japanese street food roots with a massive celebration for the Lunar New Year.
When is the Otaku Food Festival Lunar New Celebration in Houston?
The Otaku Food Festival will host its special Lunar New Year event in Houston from January 16 – 18, 2026. The hours are listed below:
January 16: 5 pm – 10 pm January 17: 11 am – 11 pm January 18: 11 am – 9 pm 
Photo credit: @otakufoodfestival Where is the Otaku Food Festival taking place in Houston?
The 2026 Otaku Food Festival in Houston will take place at the Vietnamese Community Center at 13915 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77083.
What to expect from the 2026 Otaku Food Festival?
The Otaku Food Festival is a massive food and anime festival packed with over a hundred food, drink, retail, and anime vendors. Amid its bustling atmosphere, the festival will feature a killer lineup of street food vendors offering enticing noodles, bao, boba and more from the likes of Japan, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Latin America.
In addition to its many culinary options, the festival will also feature a wide range of performances. Scheduled over the course of the weekend are sumo battles, martial arts demonstrations, lion dances, and cosplay contests. Additionally, the festival will have games, loterias, and other all-day entertainment for the whole family.
Last but not least, the festival will also host a talented array of voice actors including: Brandon Acosta, Christina Kelly, Jay Hickman, Branden Loera, Kyle Jones.
Photo credit: @otakufoodfestival How to get tickets to the Otaku Food Festival in Houston?
As stated, entrance to the Otaku Food Festival in Houston is completely free. However, we know you’re not going to want to miss the chance to enjoy the incredible on-site food vendors. As such, the festival encourages visitors to bring cash.