Last Tuesday, Feb. 17, was the start of Lunar New Year 2026. This Chinese zodiac cycle restart means we’re now riding the Year of the Fire Horse into rapid change, intensity, and general big-energy business. But beyond the heat coming with this equine time, LNY represents a time to gather with friends and family, and celebrate traditions. Austin’s Asian American community offers multiple different events across 15 days to delight all the senses, from tasting delicious food to seeing lion and dragon dances to even touching a real-life pony. Just remember to avoid sharp objects (so you don’t cut yourself off from wealth), be careful around ceramics and glass (so your connection to good fortune isn’t broken), and leave cleaning until after Saturday (as you could be scrubbing away good luck).
Lunar New Year: Welcoming the Fire Horse
February 20, West China Tea House
Engage the energetic motif of this year’s zodiac animal with a warm and social tea ceremony by these local Gong Fu Cha practitioners. Along with enjoying a traditional tea service, lion dancers, poetry, and vendors, your ticket purchase includes a gift teacup and tea as a take-home keepsake. 6pm.
Lunar New Year Festival Austin
February 22, the Paper + Craft Pantry
East Austin hub Springdale General gets painted red with Lunar New Year decorations and activities. With the goal of uplifting local Asian-owned small businesses as well as showcasing lion and dragon dances, bilingual storytime, and DIY crafts, the festival offers two different ways to attend. Entry is open to everyone with donation-based admission, but snag a VIP RSVP ($59.75) to get a special goodie bag as well as a keepsake badge. 11am.
OMG Squee Sixth Birthday & Lunar New Year
February 28, OMG Squee
The pastry and boba tea shop on Springdale celebrates a half-dozen years keeping Austin cutesy with a hoof-stomping party. Come early to get a spot in line for their LNY bakery specials, but save room for the other Asian food pop-ups on site. Plus: lion dance, live pony petting, a maker’s market, and mahjong. 10am.
Lunar New Year Celebrations at APL
February 28, Spicewood Springs Branch Library
You’re sure to find at least one LNY event that lights your fire at Austin Public Library, like the Crafty Adult’s lesson on good luck knots (Feb. 19, Spicewood Springs) or a LNY mini painting session for teens (Feb. 20, Little Walnut Creek). But topping off the library’s offerings is this celebration featuring a performance by the Texas Dragon/Lion Dance team. There’ll also be a lucky magnet craft, calligraphy lessons, and even guidance on your Chinese zodiac sign. 1:30pm.
Lunar New Year Celebration & Beer Release
March 1, Meanwhile Brewing
Raise a glass of Meanwhile’s newest collaboration with local handcrafter Kaiju Cut & Sew – Lucky Leaves, a citrus and green tea lager – at this party with plenty of primo horsin’ around. A market filled with Asian American vendors pops up with everything from candles to cool prints, and tile toters Mahjong Mafia give laid-back lessons on this 19th-century game. Noon.
This article appears in February 20 • 2026.