Lunar New Year (Photo: Unsplash)
February 17, 2026 marks the lunar calendar transition from the year of the snake to the year of the horse. Countries across Asia ring in the new year in various ways from country to country, from a 15-day celebration in China to just three days in Korea. It’s also one of the most celebrated holidays worldwide, observed by an estimated 1.5 billion people each year.
Join in the fun and celebrate the Lunar New Year with various events all over Chicago.
CFAS Lunar New Year Party
2/18: Constellation, suggested donation: $10.00
The Chinese Fine Arts Society rings in the Lunar New Year at Chicago's Constellation, featuring an evening of song, dance, and food. For those who cannot attend in person, the event will also be livestreamed.
Chinese Film Screening (The Mermaid)
2/20: Chinatown Branch Chicago Public Library, free
Community Cinema presents a free film screening of The Mermaid: a movie about romance, mermaids, and a real estate project that threatens marine life. The film plays in Mandarin with English subtitles.
Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration
2/21: Corner of Argyle & Sheridan, free
Uptown United partners with more than 20 local dancers, community groups, and cultural institutions to welcome the year of the horse. Family-friendly activities, food, and performances will be occurring between 10:30 am - 4:00 pm. RSVP for free online for a chance to win prizes.
Global Connections: Lunar New Year
As part of Navy Pier’s free Global Connections series, local Asian cultural groups bring an afternoon of live, festive performances. Among the groups that will appear are the Chinese Fine Arts Society, the Thai Cultural Fine Arts Institute, K-pop dance groups, and more.
Jade Chinese Music Ensemble
2/21: Logan Center for the Arts, $2
Classical Chinese music group Jade celebrates the Lunar New Year at the Logan Center for the Arts, with live music, free food, and a $2 raffle featuring prizes from Chinatown businesses.
Lunar New Year Market
2/22: Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club, free
AAPI Events presents a Lunar New Year market representing cultures all over Asia. In addition to various vendors, the market will feature live music, pop-up events, and giveaways.
Little Italy Lunar New Year Celebration
2/22: Little Italy Chicago Public Library, free
Enjoy an afternoon of family friendly activities, snacks, and fun facts about the Lunar New Year at the Little Italy Chicago Public Library branch.
Asian Lunar New Year Gala
2/28: Marriott Marquis Chicago, $150
The Asian American Coalition of Chicago presents its annual Lunar New Year's Gala, complete with magic acts, traditional dances, musical guests, and a wide array of food and activities.
Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
3/1: 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue Chicago, free
Chicago's biggest Lunar New Year parade continues its annual tradition in Chinatown. Audiences can watch the progression of the parade between 1:00 and 3:00 pm.
