Ways to Celebrate Lunar New Year in Memphis
Celebrate Memphis' AAPI community this Lunar New Year with traditional lion dances, food specials, live music, and more.
Celebrate Memphis' AAPI community this Lunar New Year with traditional lion dances, food specials, live music, and more.
Lunar New Year begins on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse—a year associated with confidence, energy, passion, and forward momentum.
From cultural performances to special menus and community celebrations, there’s no shortage of ways to ring in the new year across Memphis.
If your event is missing, please submit it to our event calendar and email details to [email protected].
Lunar New Year Celebrations
Lunar New Year Celebrations
Good Fortune Co's 5th Bar Crawl - All Month Long
Good Fortune Co. hosts their 5th Lunar New Year Bar Crawl. This year, Bao Toan and Cameo are participating with them. How does it work? Collect two stamps at each location. One drink equals one stamp. You'll fill out your info in the passport and turn it in when completed. Completion gets you a sick shirt (see in post above). You have all month to complete!
Tết Memphis 2026 - Vietnamese Lunar New Year - Feb. 7
An annual celebration put together by the Vietnamese American Community West Tennessee. This free and family-friendly celebration will have exciting performances like a Lion Dance, Dragon Dance, an Ao Dai Fashion show, and traditional music, singing, and dances. Plus, martial arts demonstration, delicious food and a DJ.
Memphis Lunar New Year Fair - Feb 8
Held at Agricenter International, this fair brings the spirit of the Lunar New Year to the Mid-South. Expect 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. Free for children 10 years and under. $15/ticket. Check out the real last year from Takashi Bistro to get an idea of the event and vendors in attendance.
Baijiu Class of 2026 - Feb. 10
Level up your cultural knowledge at Good Fortune's Baijiu class (a traditional Chinese distilled spirit). For $50 you'll get to taste four unique baijiu bottles with a food pairing for each. You'll deep dive into the history, style and flavor led by a local certified expert.
Super Saturday - Lunar New Year - Feb. 14
This week's Super Saturday, at the Brooks Museum, will teach you how to make drums - used commonly in Lunar New Year celebrations to scare away bad spirits. We'll transform plates, paint, ribbon, and beads into drums. Free to attend but registration is required as spots are limited. Great family-friendly event.
Lunar New Year Celebration at the Brooks Museum - Feb. 21
Spend a day filled with celebration, exciting performances, live music, interactive art making for all ages, and authentic food. Enjoy a performance of a traditional Chinese Fan Dance or the culminating performance of the Vietnamese Lion Dancers. After the performances, stick around for a screening of Far East Deep South, a film exploring the often overlooked history of Asian immigrants in the American South. Free to attend but be sure to register in advance.
Lunar New Year Banquet - Feb. 22
Enjoy an exquisite 10-course banquet dinner, cultural performances, honored speakers, a fashion show, live and silent auctions, plus raffle drawings and door prizes. Held at Dim Sum King, this serves as a fundraiser to support the Memphis Chinese Community Center while welcoming the Year of the Horse. Tickets are $88 guest or $800 for a table of 10.
Firehouse Rave - Feb. 28
Come into your power at the Firehouse Rave hosted by illstustudio.llc at Good Fortune Co. Doors open at 10 p.m. with the party rolling until 3 a.m. Cover is $10. There will be a special drink menu too.
Lunar New Year Tasting with Good Fortune - March 3
The Brooks Museum will celebrate the Lantern Festival, the joyful finale of the 15-day New Year celebration—with an evening of food, music, and energy. Enjoy live slap noodle making and elevated hors d’oeuvres from Good Fortune, alongside a dynamic lion dancer performance, a live DJ, and karaoke to keep the night going. The evening’s vibe is warm, festive, and full of flair—think glowing lanterns, bold flavors, and a nod to the Fire Horse’s fearless energy. 21+ only. Tickets are $55 for members or $80 for GA.
Support Asian-owned Businesses! - All month long
You don't need an event to celebrate our rich Asian community here in Memphis. With a plethora of great restaurants, bakeries, and businesses—you'll have no problem finding a spot to go to. It certainly won't account for everything but check out this Big Guide to Memphis' Best Asian Restaurants that offers 65+ options!
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