Lunar New Year is celebrated in many cultures, including Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean traditions, each bringing its own customs and festivities.
As Tucson gets ready to welcome the Year of the Snake, local groups are hosting special events, offering traditional celebrations, and embracing the holiday spirit.
We’ll continue to update this roundup if we find more events, so keep this page bookmarked.
Year of the Snake Paint Night With Hues ‘N’ Booze
101 W. sixth St. #121
Saturday, February 1
From 6 – 8 p.m., Hues ‘N’ Booze is hosting a paint night for the Lunar New Year. It’s a BYOB event and just $40 per person (all art supplies are included). “Join us in welcoming the the Year of the Snake with it’s lucky colors: Carmine Red and Emerald Green! …And a splash of Gold for good fortune.”
Lunar New Year at Lee Lee International Supermarkets
1990 E. Orange Grove Rd.
Saturday, February 1
Starting at noon on Saturday, February 1, Lee Lee International Supermarkets is hosting the a TCCC Lion Dance Troupe Performance. It’s free to attend and open to all!
Lunar New Year Gala at Tucson Chinese Cultural Center
1288 W. River Rd.
Saturday, February 8
The Tucson Chinese Cultural Center is hosting its annual Fundraiser Gala from 4 – 9 p.m. on Saturday, February 8. For $180 per person you’ll have access to a traditional Chinese dinner, live music, performanes, and a silent auction.
Also, if you’re interested in reserving a table for up to 10 people, they’re for $1,800 each (that’s $70 per person).
Asian Lunar New Year Celebration
7350 S. Nogales Hwy
Saturday, February 8
From 5 – 9:30 p.m., the Pan Asian Community Alliance is hosting live entertainment from Tucson Chinese Association Lion Dancers, Sounds of Thunder Korean Drumming, and Siva Maia Polynesian Dancers. Plus, they’ll have an Asian-inspired dinner buffet. Tickets are $100 per person with $25 as tax deductible — call (520) 297-1042 to reserve your seats.
Lunar New Year Festival at Tucson Chinese Cultural Center
1288 W. River Rd.
Saturday, February 15
$5 gets you into the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center’s Lunar New Year Festival on Saturday, February 15. From 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., they’ll be selling food and beverages at the family-friendly event, which will feature Chinese music and dance. Kids five years old and younger get in for free.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
