Chinese New Year starts on Tuesday, February 5, marking the Lunar New Year. Auspicious dishes steeped in tradition are often the crux of the worldwide celebrations. Commemorate the Year of the Pig in Austin with your fill of long noodles, dumplings, sweet rice balls, and more traditional fare from big dinners at Wu Chow to festival fare at the many celebrations around town. Don't miss the lion dances and performances around town, like the one at Chinatown Center's annual party.
Some events fall either before or after the weekend of February 5. If Eater is missing any Chinese New Year celebrations, send it along through the tipline or in the comments below. This guide will be updated leading up to the holiday.
The biggest Chinese New Year celebration will be held in the heart of far north Austin at the Chinatown Center. Expect a similar festivities like past years with theatrical dances, music, food, and firecrackers. Bonus: The center is home to a number of Asian restaurants, as well as the massive MT Supermarket.
Location: Chinatown Center, 10901 North Lamar Boulevard, North Austin
When: Saturday, February 16, 1 to 11 p.m.; Sunday, February 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wu Chow is celebrating Lunar New Year with three days full of food. There will be dinner specials, dim sum specials, and a public party with lion dancers, stuffed pig toys, and food and drink. The restaurant is selling special Wu Chow toy pigs with all proceeds benefitting Austin Pets Alive.
Location: Wu Chow, 500 West 5th Street, Downtown
When: Dinner specials are available on Friday and Saturday, February 1 and 2; dim sum specials are available on Sunday, February 3; and the Chinese New Year party takes place on Monday, February 4 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Two locations of the longtime Chinese restaurant are hosting Lunar New Year parties and dinners, with dishes like beef soup, five-spice prawns, ginger-scallion lobster, scallops, and more. Tickets are $75.
Location: Chinatown, 2712 Bee Caves Road, Westlake;
When: Tuesday, February 5 at the North Austin location; Wednesday, February 6 at the Westlake location; both dinners begin at 7 p.m. with lion dancing and firecrackers at 8 p.m.
The new Clarksville Chinese restaurant is celebrating Lunar New Year with special dinner items as well as a lion dance show. While reservations are recommended, there will be walk-in availability.
Location: Lin Asian Bar, 1203 West 6th Street, Clarksville
When: Dish specials will be available from Tuesday, February 5 through Sunday, February 10; the lion dance show takes place on Friday, February 8 at 8 p.m.
The Asian-American Resource Center is throwing its Chinese New Year party with the Moonflower Performing Arts Group, which means dancing, music, tea ceremonies, a fashion show, and food. Tickets are $10.
Location: Asian-American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road, Far North Austin
When: Saturday, February 9, 5 to 9 p.m.
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