Celebrated across many Asian cultures, Lunar New Year is a time of renewal, gathering with family, and enjoying festive foods. The holiday falls on February 17 this year, and 2026 is the Year of the Horse, a zodiac sign that symbolizes adventure, energy, and freedom. To kick off a prosperous year, head to events like Jade Rabbit x Veganizer’s Lunar New Year Banquet and the 10th Annual Lunar New Year Dragon Dance and Celebration.
Lunar New Year Banquet
One of the ways Asian communities celebrate Lunar New Year is by getting together and feasting. This year, Cyrus Ichiza of Jade Rabbit and Waz Wu of Veganizer are joining forces to throw a sumptuous six-course vegan and gluten-free banquet of “traditional celebratory dishes and delicacies,” including crystal skin dumplings, “shark” fin soup, tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls), and nian gao (brown sugar-sweetened rice cake). It may not be the Year of the Rabbit, but I know the worker-owned dim sum shop is gonna smash it. JANEY WONG
Jade Rabbit, Buckman (Feb 16–20)
Lantern Viewing Evening with Dragon Dance Procession and Light Show
In celebration of the Year of the Horse, the Lan Su Chinese Garden opens up after dark for its annual lantern viewing evenings. Glowing lantern sculptures imported from China will light up the garden’s flora and architecture in fierce fire horse fashion. Grab a timed ticket to catch a magical zodiac animal light show by Portland fabrication shop Noble Robot and an energetic dragon dance procession by the Portland Lee’s Association. BRI BREY
Lan Su Chinese Garden, Old Town-Chinatown (Feb 18–Mar 1)
