By: Kae Saeteurn – Ethnic Seattle
Lunar New Year is right around the corner (February 8th!), and that means that the Seattle area will be filled with several celebrations to ring in the Year of the Monkey. If you’re looking for an event to celebrate, and/or you want to learn more about Lunar New Year, check out these events!
Uwajimaya
Lunar New Year Sale & Red Envelope Giveaway
When: January 27 – February 9
Stop by Uwajimaya and check out their Lunar New Year Sale! As a bonus, customers who spend $30 or more will receive a red envelope with a special prize! Giving red envelopes filled with money during the Lunar New Year symbolizes good luck and happiness. Stop by the Seattle, Bellevue, and Renton locations to get in on the deals!
Lion Dance
When: January 31 and February 7 (see below for times)
In addition to the Lunar New Year sale, Uwajimaya will also ring in the Year of the Monkey with Lion Dance performances to bring good luck and happiness in the coming year!
January 31st:
- Seattle location: 1 PM
- Renton location: 3 PM
February 7th:
- Bellevue location: 1:30 PM
Chinese Calligraphy
When: February 6, 7, 13, and 14 between 10 AM – 5 PM
Come see a demonstration by skilled calligrapher Yenbo Huang, and pick up your own Chinese character to bring you good luck and fortune for the coming year!
For more information on all Uwajimaya events: http://www.uwajimaya.com/events.
Seattle Parks & Recreation Lunar New Year Celebration
When: January 29 from 11 AM – 1:30 PM
Where: Garfield Community Center
Cost: $12
Seattle Parks & Recreation have partnered up with the Vietnamese Senior Association (VSA) to bring you a celebration event filled with Lion Dance, Vietnamese food, and raffle prizes. For more information: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/seniors.
Seattle Symphony: Celebrate Asia
When: January 31 at 4 PM
Where: Benaroya Hall
Come experience some of the musical traditions of Seattle’s various Asian communities. Featured music includes Xiaogang Ye’s Starry Sky, which premiered at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and songs such as “Arirang” and “Jasmine Flower.” For tickets and more information: http://seattlesymphony.org/.
Wing Luke Museum
Story Time
When: February 4 from 11 AM – 12 PM
Come experience a reading of Oliver Chin’s Year of the Monkey! Followed by an art activity.
Lion Dance and Lunar New Year Fair
When: February 6 at 11 AM
Join The Wing in celebrating the New Year with a Lion Dance performance, games, crafts, stories, and a stuffed zodiac animal zoo.
Seattle Asian Art Museum: Free First Saturday – Lunar New Year
When: February 6 from 11 AM – 2 PM
Come check out the museum for art activities, music, and a performance by Mak Fai. RSVP requested. For tickets and more information: http://tickets.seattleartmuseum.org/public/hall.asp?event=113466.
ICHS Lunar New Year 5K Run/Walk
When: February 7, 2016 at 8 AM
Where: Mercer Slough Nature Park in Bellevue
Looking to make Lunar New Year fitness resolutions and celebrate at the same time? Sign up for ICHS’s inaugural Lunar New Year 5K run/walk! Come help raise funds for uncompensated patient care at ICHS’s clinics including International District-Chinatown, Holly Park, and Shoreline! For more information: http://www.ichs.com/5k/.
Seattle Chinatown-International District Lunar New Year 2016 Festival
When: Saturday, February 13 from 11 AM – 4 PM
Celebrations in Chinatown-ID never fail to disappoint! Come with friends and family to experience performances including dragon and lion dances, Japanese taiko drumming, and Bollywood dancing! The Children’s Parade and Costume Contest will also return for its 7th annual event!
For those who are looking to give their taste buds a bit of a Lunar New Year celebration, check out the $3 Food Walk and collect stamps along the way in order to be eligible to enter drawings for prizes including airline tickets and passes to Stevens Pass! For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/148665785508825/.
Têt Festival – Vietnamese Lunar New Year
When: Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th.
Where: Seattle Center – Armory Main Floor
Of the many Tet festivals, the Tet festival to ring in the New Year is by far the largest for the Vietnamese. Come check out the Tet Festival at Seattle Center at the Armory Main Floor and experience music and dance performances, food, and crafts. For more information: http://tetinseattle.org/.
Asian Pacific Cultural Center: 18th Annual New Year Celebration
When: February 13 from 11 AM – 6 PM
Where: Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall
This year’s celebrations be hosted by Indonesia with over 70 booths with food and drinks, arts, games, crafts, and more from various Asian Pacific countries.
Bellevue Square Lunar New Year
When: February 20 from 11 AM – 6:30 PM
Come ring in the New Year at The Bellevue Collection! Performances and demonstrations will include martial arts, music, dance, and a Chinese Lion and Dragon parade. Din Tai Fung will also be serving dumpling samples for a limited time. For more information: http://lunarnewyear.bellevuecollection.com/.
