This is a free event that celebrates cultural diversity and togetherness. We have things to do for people who love to socialize as well as those who prefer just hanging out (low pressure). While the event starts at 7:00 PM, you can come and go any time you want.

Lunar New Year is a festival celebrated at the start of a new lunar year and falls on different dates every year. During this period, many countries celebrate with family and friends and eat big meals and traditional foods. People in Vietnam call it Tet, while Koreans call it Seollal, and Chinese call it Xin Nian. In 2022, Lunar New Year starts on the 1st of February but lasts about 2 weeks.

We will have a lot of family friendly activity booths around the building where you can try your hand at making dumplings, creating traditional decorations, learning fun facts about Asian culture, and collecting stamps to exchange for a snack at our various food stalls throughout the night. There are vegetarian and gluten free options too!

Activities include origami, paper cutting art, calligraphy, lantern making, The Fire Noodle Challenge, dumpling folding, and more!

We are doing our best to make this event feel safe (and festive) by spreading the activity booths and food stalls out around the building. We will have plenty of hand sanitizing and mask stations on both floors of the building and recommend everyone keep their masks on unless eating, drinking, or taking pictures at the photo booth. All the food stalls will remain upstairs, making downstairs a mask up zone.

Please RSVP here which will help us get a general head count for how many activities and food we should prepare for. If you need a ride to the event, let us know when you RSVP!

There are many traditions across multiple cultures. One of these traditions is the exchange of red pockets filled with money. The older generation typically gives these red pockets to the younger generation and there's a tradition of well-wishing before receiving the packet. Everyone celebrates with food and story telling with friends and family. Special pastries are baked and shared among families as well.

Some countries set off firecrackers and have elaborate dances with people dressed in lion costumes. Red and yellow are popular colors, symbolizing good fortune and joy. The household is usually cleaned before the Lunar New Year and ornate decorations (paper cut art, calligraphy, lanterns) are put up. There are even more traditions specific to each country and the purpose is to celebrate togetherness and a strong start to the next year.