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Spectators watch The Texas Dragon\/Lion Dance Team perform a Chinese lion dance at the Lunar New Year Festival at The Paper + Craft Pantry on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024.<\/p>\n
Aaron E. Martinez\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n
Lunar New Year in Austin offers a weeks-long slate of community gatherings \u2014 from library craft sessions and school carnivals to lion dances, pop-up markets and restaurant specials.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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When is Lunar New Year 2026? Will school be closed?\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Thai tea matchas are prepared for customers at Lau Lau on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026.<\/p>\n
Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n
Observed across East and Southeast Asia and throughout the\u00a0diaspora<\/a>, Lunar New Year follows the lunisolar calendar rather than the Gregorian one. The holiday begins Feb. 17 and is referred to by different names across the region, including Seollal in South Korea and T\u1ebft in Vietnam. In many Asian countries, the first four to seven days are an official holiday, and celebrations can last for up to two weeks.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The Austin Independent School District will close to observe the Lunar New Year on Tuesday.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n This year marks the transition from the\u00a0Year of the Snake<\/a> to the Year of the Fire Horse, a shift traditionally associated with movement, independence and momentum after a period of introspection. The contrast is reflected in Austin\u2019s packed calendar of public celebrations, many of them free and family-friendly.<\/p>\n Lunar New Year celebrations in Austin<\/p>\n Feb. 15: Austin Asian American Film Festival Lunar New Year Celebration<\/p>\n This free daytime event at the Arboretum opens with a lion dance by the Summit Lion Dance Team, followed by bilingual storytime with Spark Collection at noon. Attendees can browse local artisan booths and enter raffles for prizes, including restaurant and design gift cards. The event is open to the public with no tickets required. 11 a.m. to 2\u00a0p.m.; RSVP is\u00a0available on Partiful.<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 10000 Research Blvd., Unit 141. aaafilmfest.org.<\/a><\/p>\n Feb. 15: Austin Lunar New Year Festival (Austin Great Wall Chinese School)<\/p>\n Hosted by Austin Great Wall Chinese School, this afternoon celebration centers on cultural performances and hands-on activities. Programming includes a traditional lion dance, ribbon dragon dancing, calligraphy, paper cutting and\u00a0diabolo demonstrations. A free Lunar New Year carnival runs throughout the event, and children receive red envelopes and goodie bags while supplies last. Free and open to the public from 2 to 5 p.m. Spots are available on Eventbrite.<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Webb Middle School, 601\u00a0E. St. Johns Ave., 512-436-3739\u202c, agwcs.org.<\/a><\/p>\n Feb. 15: Lucky Lunar Market<\/p>\n Ren\u00e9 Foy, mother of Lau Lau owner Hannah Foy, serves water to visiting family members at Lau Lau on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 in Austin.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n This afternoon celebration hosted by Lau Lau will feature local AAPI artists and small businesses. The free event runs from 12:30 to 4:30\u00a0p.m.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 3701 Guadalupe St. #106. laulauatx.com.<\/a><\/p>\n Feb. 17:\u00a0Sew Fun: Horses<\/p>\n Marking the official start of the Lunar New Year, this bilingual library workshop teaches basic hand-sewing skills through a Year of the Horse-themed felt project. Participants create a simple horse plush or ornament. Supplies are provided. Free and open to the public from 4 to 6 p.m.<\/p>\n Little Walnut Creek Branch Library, 835 W. Rundberg Lane, 512-974-9860, library.austintexas.gov.<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Feb. 19: The Crafty Adult: Asian Good Luck Knots<\/p>\n A lion gets close to the audience during a Chinese lion dance by the Texas Dragon\/Lion Dance Team at the Lunar New Year Festival at The Paper + Craft Pantry on Sunday Jan. 22, 2023.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez \/ American-Statesman<\/p>\n This adult-focused crafting session introduces participants to traditional decorative knots associated with luck and prosperity. No prior experience is required, and all materials are included. Space is limited to 25 participants, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free and open to the public from 2 to 4 p.m.<\/p>\n Spicewood Springs Branch Library, 8637 Spicewood Springs Road,\u00a0512-974-3800, library.austintexas.gov.<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Feb. 20:\u00a0Miniature Lunar New Year Painting Workshop<\/p>\n Participants create a miniature Lunar New Year painting using just four colors, with guided instruction provided in English and Spanish. Supplies are included. Free and open to the public from 3:30 to 4:30\u00a0p.m.<\/p>\n Little Walnut Creek Branch Library, 835\u00a0W. Rundberg Lane,\u00a0512-974-9860, library.austintexas.gov.<\/a><\/p>\n Feb 21: Austin Beerworks Lunar New Year<\/p>\n The Sprinkle Valley taproom will host the event and release a collaboration brew with Kaiju Cut + Sew. They will also offer a rice lager brewed with oolong tea, yuzu, mango and five spice. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 10300 Springdale Road. 512-821-2494, austinbeerworks.com.<\/a><\/p>\n Feb. 21:\u00a0Lunar New Year Pickleball Celebration<\/p>\n Payton Leihgeber plays pickleball at the Austin Pickle Ranch Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton \/ American-Statesman<\/p>\n Austin Pickle Ranch blends sport and tradition with three hours of open\u00a0pickleball play alongside a Lion and Dragon Dance by the Southern Sea Dragon & Lion Dance Company. Food offerings include bites from Sip Pho and local vendors, with door prizes from 6 to 9\u00a0p.m.\u00a0Tickets are available online for\u00a0$25 per person; children under 12 are admitted free. All skill levels welcome.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Austin Pickle Ranch – Braker Lane, 11000 Middle Fiskville Road, Building B, 737-242-5898, austinpickleranch.com\/plan-a-visit\/braker<\/a><\/p>\n Feb. 22:\u00a0Lunar New Year Festival at The Paper + Craft Pantry<\/p>\n The fifth annual Lunar New Year Festival in East Austin brings together more than 30 Asian-owned vendors, food and drink pop-ups, lion and dragon dances, live performances and family activities. Programming includes bilingual storytime,\u00a0face painting and DIY craft stations. The event operates on a donation-based RSVP system through Eventbrite,<\/a> with proceeds supporting future festivals. Sales close\u00a0Feb. 22.<\/p>\n 1023 Springdale Road, Suite\u00a06A. thepapercraftpantry.com.<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Feb. 28:\u00a0Lunar New Year Celebration at Spicewood Springs Library<\/p>\n This library-hosted celebration features crafts, calligraphy, games and zodiac education, culminating in a lion dance performance by the Texas Dragon\/Lion Dance Team at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to all ages.<\/p>\n Spicewood Springs Branch Library, 8637 Spicewood Springs Road, 512-974-3800, library.austintexas.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ongoing dining events<\/p>\n Through Feb. 22: Lunar New Year themed mochi donuts at OMG Squee<\/p>\n Sarah Lim is the owner of OMG Squee bakery.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n OMG Squee celebrates the Lunar New Year with special treats like the ube berry, miso milk caramel and strawberry matcha mochi donuts. The gluten-free donuts\u00a0are\u00a0available through Feb. 22.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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