Celebrating Lunar New Year in Memphis

On Wednesday, January 29th, many cultures and communities around the world and here in Memphis will be celebrating (another) New Year! The Lunar New Year is the celebration of the first new moon of the lunar calendar, and the celebration lasts for about two weeks. This celebration is spent with family and friends, eating, fireworks and lion dances (to name a few traditions).

In Memphis, there is a rich and vibrant Asian community, with a rich and deep history. More recently, there have also been an increase in events and celebrations inviting the larger Memphis community to come together to celebrate the diverse cultures represented in the 901.

With the Lunar New Year quickly approaching, here are some ways for you to join in on the celebrations:

For the whole family:

Brooks Museum Lunar New Year Celebration: Saturday, January 24th from 10am-1pm

“Enjoy a day packed with thrilling performances, live music, hands-on art activities for all ages, delicious authentic cuisine, and so much more!” Reserve your free ticket here.

Good Fortune Co. (361 S. Main Street): Saturday, February 1st, open early at 1pm

Come enjoy some good food and a family-friendly lion dance at 2pm.

Lunar New Year Festival at the Agricenter: Saturday, February 8th from 10am-9pm

“The Memphis Lunar New Year Fair is a vibrant celebration of Asian culture, bringing the spirit of Lunar New Year to the Mid-South. The event showcases traditional Lion and Dragon dances, live performances, Asian arts and crafts, and a variety of delicious foods. It serves as a platform to promote and share the rich heritage of Asian cultures with the broader Memphis Community.” $15/adult, children 10 years old and younger are free. Tickets are available for purchase here.

Adult-only/Date Night option:

Year of the Snake Cocktail Crawl (February 1st – February 28th)

Visit 3 locally owned Asian businesses in the month of February (Good Fortune Co., Bao Toan, and Petals of Peony) and try the featured “Year of the Snake” cocktails. Each cocktail gets you a stamp on your passport. Collect two stamps from each participating restaurant and you will get a special limited-edition Year of the Snake tshirt!

Celebrate in the comfort of your own home:

There are lots of other ways you can celebrate from the comfort of your own home!

Vooks (Read Aloud Animated Kids Books) Chinese New Year for Kids! playlist

Bring this Memphis Moms AAPI Book List to your local library or book store to find these books and learn more about many cultures that celebrate the Lunar New Year through the joy of reading.