On February 10, people across the world will ring in the Lunar New Year with festivities and celebrations. Here’s how you can commemorate the Year of the Dragon in Chicago.
ARGYLE LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
Uptown United and local businesses, non-profits, and cultural organizations on Argyle Street present their annual Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 17. Along the Argyle commercial corridor in Uptown, you can watch the parade, tour pop-ups, and engage in family friendly activities. Activities kick off at 10:00 a.m., and the parade is at 1:00 p.m.
Activities throughout the day include Lunar New Year Stories and Crafts by Bezazian Branch Library, CMAA’s Lunar New Year Celebration at Truman College, and the South-East Asia Center’s Lunar New Year Celebration at Furama Restaurant. A full list of activities can be found online.
CHINATOWN LUNAR NEW YEAR PARADE
On February 18, make your way to Chinatown for a late celebration parade at 1:00 p.m. The parade will start at the intersection of 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue and head north on Wentworth. The Chinatown Parade will feature teams of traditional dragon and lion dances, beautiful floats, and marching bands.
THE FIELD MUSEUM
Join the Field Museum in celebrating the New Year on February 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Enjoy performances of dancing, throat singing, horse-head fiddles, and Mongolian folk-fusion percussion instruments. Featured groups at the event include the Chicago Chinese Cultural Center’s Lion Dance team, Hao Dance, the Chicago Korean Dance Company, and the Chinese Yo-Yo school. Guests can also watch Chinese calligraphy demonstrations at the Grainger Science Hub. All activities and events are free with general admission to the museum.
NAVY PIER GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
Experience the transformation of the AON Grand Ballroom into an interactive, family-friendly celebration of Lunar New Year. Watch performances by popular dance teams, Chinese yo-yo, and live music while enjoying food and drink from local restaurants and food vendors. A full list of vendors and performers can be found online.
FASHION OUTLETS OF CHICAGO
The Fashion Outlets is kicking off the Year of the Dragon with special deals and savings from participating stores. Receive a free Saving Pass and take advantage of special Lunar New Year offers starting February 10 through February 25. To start the celebrations, the Fashion Outlets will host a kick-off event of food, games, performances, and activities on February 10.
ASIAN POP-UP CINEMA
At the Asian Pop-Up Cinema, enjoy three free screenings in honor of Lunar New Year. On February 15, see The Monk and the Gun. The cinema will be playing 100 Years on February 17, with a pre-show Lion Dance performed by Master P.C. Leung & Team. Lastly, on February 24, you can watch Perfect Days completely free of charge. Check online for specific showtimes and to RSVP.
LUNAR NEW YEAR CONCERT
Violinist Rabia Brooke performs a matinee concert on February 11 at the Chicago Cultural Center. At the concert, Rabia will perform the world premiere of Lei-Liang’s Mongolian Suite for Violin. Additionally, enjoy a performance of Mongolian folk-fusion music from Tuvergen band. Before the concert, Rabia and Lei will be available for a pre-concert Q & A.
MARIANO’S
At the South Loop Mariano’s, celebrated Lunar New Year on February 3. This large event featured a variety of local vendors and a special lion dance performance. Though the party is over, you can check out Mariano’s Lunar New Year Party Tips and Tricks to plan your own Lunar New Year event.
