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Lunar New Year 2025: Festive Dinners and Events in Tucson

(Photo courtesy of Lahiru Ariyananda and Tucson Chinese Cultural Center)

Lunar New Year 2025: Festive Dinners and Events in Tucson

Jan 28, 20252 min read

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.”

Learn more.

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!

Learn more.

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).

Learn more.

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.

Learn more.

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.

Learn more.

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At 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.

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Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.
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Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. 

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WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave.
TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free
 
SPECIAL ADMISSION: 
• Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID 
• Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups
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Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
Photos by @sea_lyonAnne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @sea_lyon
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More guides on Tucsonfoodie.comScratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.com