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Here comes the year of the rat! Family-friendly lunar new year events around Seattle

 

The first new moon in the traditional Chinese calendar is cause for family gatherings, food, dance and general merriment in many countries, including China, Vietnam, Korea as well as the U.S.A. Here are some lunar new year events going on around Seattle. Welcome in the Year of the Rat!

 

 

Chinatown-International District New Year Celebration

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8

Chinatown-International District

The action on the main stage in Hing Hay Park starts with a lion dance, and includes an all-ages costume contest, in which children, adults, and pets vie to win recognition for the best cultural ensemble. Restaurants around the district will be participating in the food walk, in which participants can drop by, and pay $3 for a taste of something.

 

ALREADY HAPPENED FOR 2020:

 

 

Lunar New Year, Bellevue Square

11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1

Bellevue Square Center Court

Bellevue’s New Year festival includes a full-day of performances, including dance, music, opera, martial arts and calligraphy.  Festival-goers can take in five different stations, each running running a variety of arts and crafts activities. Din Tai Fung and Barons Sino Kitchen and Bar will be handing out food samples until they run out. For more details on what to expect, visit the website.

 

Lunar New Year Celebration on the Plaza

2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1

Grand Ridge Plaza, 1451 Highlands Dr NE, Issaquah

Dragon and lion dances and martial arts demonstrations are part of the outdoor festivities.

 

Tet in Seattle

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 and Sunday, Jan. 19

Fisher Pavilion and Armory, Seattle Center

A two-day celebration of Vietnamese and Vietnamese-American culture. On the schedule: lion dances, music, cooking demonstrations, a food-eating contest, children’s and adult’s fashion shows, Jeopardy games and a health fair.

 

Lunar New Year Event

2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18

The Shops at the Bravern, 11025 NE 8th St, Bellevue

Featuring Dragon and Lion dances, flower arranging, lantern-making and Chinese Zodiac cotton candy making.

 

Lunar New Year Lion Dance Performance at Uwajimaya Seattle

Noon to 1 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 19

Uwajimaya Seatttle, 600 5th Ave South

Mak Fai Washington Kung Fu Club Lion Dance Team gives a free performance outside Uwajimaya.

 

Lunar New Year Lion Dance Performance at Uwajimaya Bellevue

Noon to 1 pm., Sunday, Jan. 19

Uwajimaya Bellevue, 699 120th Ave NE, Bellevue

Tony Au International Lion Dance and Martial arts team gives a free performance of a traditional lion dance.

 

Wing Luke New Year Fair

10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25.

Wing Luke Museum of the Asian-American Experience, 719 S King St

The action starts at 10:30 a.m. with a traditional lion dance on South King Street, complete with firecrackers. Then, for the price of museum admission, you can explore lunar new year traditions and make crafts. Admission is free for kids and students, but you should get tickets in advance, because it fills up.

 

The Future Ancient Lunar New Years Party

Family-friendly portion 7 to 9:30 p.m. (21+ after) Saturday, Jan. 25

Volunteer Park Conservatory

A public art party celebrating local Asian and Pacific Islander people.

 

CANCELED:

Sammamish Lunar New Year Celebration

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25

Central Washington University – Sammamish, 120 228 Ave. N.E., Sammamish

This free family event includes performances and a variety of educational booths, including calligraphy and crafts, games, tea ceremony, Korean drums and a photo booth.

 

Snoqualmie Lunar New Year Celebration

Noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25

Snoqualmie Valley YMCA/Community Center, 35018 SE Ridge St, Snoqualmie

Lion dancers, food trucks and kids’ activities are part of the celebrations.

 

About the Author

Fiona Cohen