This Sunday, Jan. 22, is the Lunar New Year, a celebration of the start of spring and a new year on the lunisolar calendar.
The holiday is one of the most important days of the year for Eastern and Southeastern Asian cultures, so we’re rounding up five ways to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit in ATX.
‘Year of the Rabbit’ — Chinese New Year at Wu Chow | Monday, Jan. 23 | 5-9 p.m. | Wu Chow, 500 W. 5th St., #168, Austin | Free | This annual celebration benefits Austin Pets Alive! and includes food, drink, lion dancers, and a photo booth.
2023 Lunar New Year Festival | Sunday, Jan. 22 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Paper + Craft Pantry, 1023 Springdale Rd., Austin | Donation-based | Shop from two dozen vendors of Asian descent and enjoy a lion + dragon dance performance.
AARC Lunar New Year 2023 Makers Market | Saturday, Jan. 28 | 1-4 p.m. | Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd., Austin | Free | Support local makers and take in a performance by the Asian Memory Project.
Color, Music and Motion: A Lunar New Year Celebration | Saturday, Jan. 22 | 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Austin Public Library Terrazas Branch, 1105 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin | Free | Start the year early with performances by the Chinese School of Dance and participate in themed activities.
Year of the Water Rabbit | Sunday, Jan. 22 | 5 p.m. | The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Rd., Austin | Free | Come dressed in red for this evening of music, food, and intention-setting.