The Lunar New Year begins on February 17, and there are some great family-friendly events planned in Austin! 2026 is the Year of the Horse, which represents energy, movement, freedom, and determination. If you’re looking to get out and celebrate the Lunar New Year, here’s your round-up, as well as some local spots for delicious, traditional cuisine and treats.
Local Events
— Family Day: Lunar New Year @ UMLAUF
Sunday, Feb. 8 | 11 am – 4 pm | FREE with registration here
Welcome the Year of the Horse with a festive, family-friendly celebration at the UMLAUF. This free Lunar New Year Family Day invites kids and parents to enjoy a mix of art, cultural activities, and outdoor fun throughout the sculpture garden. The day includes storytimes, a traditional dance performance by the Love of China School of Dance, hands-on workshops like calligraphy and origami, community partner activations, and creative crafts for all ages. With plenty of space to explore and meaningful ways to learn about Lunar New Year traditions, it’s a lovely way to spend a beautiful Sunday together. Register here.
— Austin Lunar New Year Festival @ Webb Middle School
Sunday, Feb. 15 | 2 pm – 5 pm | FREE
Celebrate Lunar New Year with a joyful afternoon of culture, tradition, and hands-on fun hosted by Austin Great Wall Chinese School at Webb Middle School. This free, family-friendly festival features cultural stage performances, a lively lion dance, and a Lunar New Year Carnival with a dozen interactive activity booths for kids and families. Children can try ribbon dragon dancing, shuttlecock kicking, diabolo (Chinese yo-yo), calligraphy, paper cutting, and more. Every child who attends will receive a festive red envelope and a goodie bag while supplies last, making it a welcoming celebration for all ages.
— Lunar New Year Festival @ The Paper + Craft Pantry
Saturday, Feb. 22 | 11 am – 5 pm | Donation-based: RSVP here
Celebrate the Year of the Horse at this lively, family-friendly Lunar New Year Festival in East Austin. Hosted by The Paper + Craft Pantry, the one-day event features a pop-up market with 30+ Asian-owned vendors, local food and drinks, lion and dragon dance performances, live entertainment, bilingual storytime, face painting, and hands-on craft stations for kids. The festival is donation-based and open to all, making it an easy and meaningful way for families to celebrate Lunar New Year while supporting local artists and small businesses.
— Lunar New Year Pickleball Celebration @ Austin Pickle Ranch
Saturday, Feb. 21 | 6 pm | $25 per ticket; free for kids 12 and under here
This all-ages Lunar New Year Pickleball Celebration combines open play, cultural festivities, and community fun in one lively evening. Families and players of all levels can jump on the courts, browse local vendors, enjoy food, and soak up the festive atmosphere. A highlight of the night is a dynamic lion and dragon dance performance at 7 pm by Southern Sea Dragon & Lion Dance, bringing energy and tradition to the celebration. It’s a fun, active way for families to gather and enjoy the Lunar New Year together. Buy your tickets here.
— Lunar New Year Market @ Meanwhile Brewing
March 1 | noon | FREE – RSVP here
Ring in the Year of the Horse with a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration at Meanwhile Brewing, highlighted by a traditional lion and dragon dance performance in front of the stage. The afternoon also includes a pop-up market featuring local AAPI vendors, live music from DJ 2e3, and a Mahjong Mafia pop-up where guests can learn how to play. Meanwhile will be releasing a limited-edition beer collaboration with Kaiju Cut & Sew, available exclusively in the taproom, along with special food truck menu items. With plenty of outdoor space and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, it’s an easy way to celebrate Lunar New Year together.
Check out even more Lunar New Year Events from our friend at Do512
Delicious Food
This list comes from our friends at Do512 and was originally contributed by Simone Vidauri.
— Bao’d Up (Various Locations)
Quick service, wallet-friendly prices, and (most importantly) mouthwatering bao combine to create a scrumptious steamed-up situation. It’s sure to satisfy any cravings and leave you wanting more. Taste the pork belly or BBQ buns to understand the hype.
— Chinatown (2 locations: 2712 Bee Cave Rd, Suite 124 and North at 3407 Greystone Drive)
This upscale restaurant has traditional Chinese dishes as well as sushi. They’re also amazing with tofu and can make vegetarians just about anything off their regular menu and sub in soy. They’re also excellent at takeout and delivery.
— Din Ho Chinese BBQ (8557 Research Blvd, Ste 116)
This locally owned and operated Chinese restaurant offers an extensive menu of traditional dishes. With ducks, chickens, and pigs hanging by the window and tanks filled with live lobsters and crabs, Din Ho offers a very authentic experience.
— Fat Dragon (8650 Spicewood Springs Rd #109)
Located next to Asia Cafe, this Asian fusion bistro has great soup dumplings and is quickly becoming a sought-after eating experience.
— Ho Ho Chinese (13000 IH 35)
Craving roast duck? BBQ pork? Some of the best flat pan-fried noodles with beef money can buy? Then you’ve found the right place. Ho Ho Chinese is located in North Austin, just off I-35, and specializes in family-style meals abundant with rich flavors.
— Jade Restaurant (3801 N Capital of Texas Hwy)
With Chef William Wong as co-owner, Jade Restaurant provides an upscale location for “traditional Chinese small plates” and Dim Sum. Jade Restaurant is a self-identified Asian Fusion venture that offers delightful food in a chic setting.
— Julie’s Noodle House (8557 Research Blvd #110)
Oodles of handmade noodles and fresh ingredients – that’s what makes Julie’s shine. Located in the same strip mall off Research as Din Ho, this central location offers delicious Beef Stewed Noodle Soup and Soup Dumplings.
— Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum (1203 W 6th St)
Styled as Austin’s “first Asian Bar Restaurant’, this charming blue house turned restaurant is run by Chef Ling Qi Wu. Chef Ling’s cuisine has been called magical and we’re inclined to agree. You would be missing out if you didn’t try her take on Dim Sum and soup dumplings.
— Old Thousand (1000 E. 11th St.)
This trendy hot spot offers scrumptious food with a hint of spice and top-notch service. Old Thousand is perfect for a night out or take-out for a delicious dinner at home! Click here for more info.
— OMG Squee (4607 Bolm Rd.)
Get your Lunar New Year pre-orders booked from OMG Squee.
— Qi Austin (835 West 6th Street, Unit 114
We love Qi for its gorgeous ambience and delicious, farm-driven traditional asian food. Don’t miss the truffle fried egg rice and Qi soup dumplings, and pecan shrimp.
— Tso’s (3909 N Interstate Hwy 35 Ste E-5 & 9333 Research Blvd Bldg E Ste 402)
Nothing beats classic Chinese takeout, and it’s even better when their delivery service is free. Tso’s Chinese is built for delivery and serves its Americanized Chinese menu to Central and North Austin areas. They also offer a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, from Tofu Double Pan Fried Noodles to their delicious Veggie Delight.
— Wu Chow (500 W 5th St.)
Want something a bit more lavish? WuChow offers elevated farm-to-table favorites and is known for its dim sum and dreamy cocktails. You can also grab your order to go and enjoy it from the comfort of your home.
— Xian Noodle and Sushi (Various Locations)
There’s nothing that can compare to hand-pulled fresh noodles. Owned by two brothers, this string of restaurants has secured its rightful spot on the must-eat list of Austin. These cute modern eateries are perfect for dates or hanging out with friends. We’re going to strongly suggest you savor the Dan Dan noodles for yourself.
