News Summary
Austin is hosting vibrant Lunar New Year festivities this weekend, celebrating the Year of the Snake. Events include lion dances at Austin Beerworks, a family-friendly festival at Paper + Craft Pantry, and a tattoo art revival at Palmer Events Center, alongside comedy shows and various cultural activities. Community spirit abounds as locals gather to enjoy food, crafts, and live performances, making this an unforgettable celebration.
Weekend Festivities in Austin Celebrate Lunar New Year
It’s a bustling weekend in Austin as the city rolls out the red carpet for the vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations! Kicking off Wednesday, the festivities mark the beginning of the Year of the Snake, and locals are set to revel in an array of exciting events that’ll keep the good vibes flowing all weekend long.
Saturday Shenanigans at Austin Beerworks
If you’re looking for something fun to do on Saturday, head on down to Austin Beerworks at their Sprinkle Valley location starting at 1 p.m. This special event promises to be a feast for the senses, featuring both lion and dragon dances that will surely dazzle spectators of all ages! Get cozy with your friends while sipping on freshly brewed beers, including their latest creation—Fierce Benevolence—which is a uniquely delicious fruit tea-infused sour ale.
But that’s not all! The team at Kaiju Cut and Sew is joining in the fun, presenting a mahjong room for those looking to try their hand at this traditional game. Plus, a selection of various food vendors will be there to satisfy every craving. It’s the perfect place to chow down, have fun, and soak in the festive atmosphere!
Sunday Fun for All Ages
The party doesn’t stop there! On Sunday, head over to the Paper + Craft Pantry for its 4th Annual Lunar New Year Festival. This event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is perfect for family fun. Expect a colorful vendor market showcasing small Asian-owned businesses, along with dazzling lion dances that’ll bring vibrant energy to the crowd. There will also be bilingual readings and even face painting for the kids!
Get Inked at the Star of Texas Tattoo Art Revival
Let’s not forget about the tattoo enthusiasts! The Palmer Events Center is hosting the 22nd Anniversary Star of Texas Tattoo Art Revival from Friday through Sunday. This event is packed to the brim with talented tattoo artists, live entertainment, and an exciting lineup of tattoo contests. If you’re ready to get some new ink or are just curious about the tattoo scene, this could be the place for you. Tickets are available for presale at $21 for a one-day pass or $51 for a full weekend pass. If you fancy walking in, tickets will be a bit more at $25 and $60, but remember, kiddos aged 12 and under can join the fun for free!
Comedy Shows to Light Up Your Weekend
Looking for some laughs? You’re in luck! Comedian Kumail Nanjiani will be taking the stage at the Paramount Theatre for his “Doing This Again” tour on Thursday and Friday nights. While tickets for Thursday are sold out, you can still grab one for the Friday show! And if that’s not enough laughter for you, Kevin Hart is hitting the Bass Concert Hall with three shows this weekend as part of his “Acting My Age” tour, with tickets still available for all performances.
Other Lunar New Year Celebrations
Additionally, the Asian American bakery OMG Squee is celebrating its fifth anniversary alongside the Lunar New Year on February 8, featuring an abundance of delicious eats from local vendors. And don’t miss the festive buffet and lion dance performance planned by Families with Children from China Austin on the same day! Also on the horizon is a family day at the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden, loaded with crafts and activities planned for February 9, along with more festivities at Meanwhile Brewing on February 15.
In short, this is a weekend you won’t want to miss! Austin is bursting with cultural experiences filled with traditional crafts, delicious food, lively performances, and a sense of community. Grab your friends and family, and dive into these exciting celebrations!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lunar New Year Festival Celebrated in Austin
Additional Resources
- Eater Austin: Lunar New Year Celebration
- Wikipedia: Lunar New Year
- Austin Statesman: Year of the Snake Events
- Google Search: Lunar New Year Celebration Austin
- KVUE: Austin Weekend Lunar New Year Events
- Google Scholar: Lunar New Year Celebration Austin
- KXAN: Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year in Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lunar New Year
- CBS Austin: Lunar New Year Festival
- Google News: Lunar New Year Celebration Austin
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