12 festive Lunar New Year events to check out around Vancouver
Silk Road Music: Lunar New Year Celebration
What: Silk Road Music blends the historic traditions of Asian and non-Asian music for a Lunar New Year celebration at Gateway Theatre on Feb. 28.
The celebratory concert will showcase why Silk Road Music has won two Best World Music awards from the West Coast Music Awards, been featured on BBC International Recital, and spotlighted at festivals all over North America.
When: Feb. 28, 2026
Time: 2 p.m.
Where: Gateway Theatre — 6500 Gilbert Rd., Vancouver
Tickets: $25, purchase online
Taste of Chinatown
What: Taste of Chinatown! festival has returned to Vancouver with an exciting lineup of food collaborations, culinary pop-ups, and more.
Throughout February, foodies can head to the Chinatown Storytelling Centre for events like Sip & Paint on Feb. 15, the Art of Faie Cheun on Feb. 16, Mahjong Parlour on Feb. 20, and Red Envelopes and Candy Tasting during the Lunar New Year Parade on Feb. 22.
When: Feb. 6 to 22, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Chinatown Storytelling Centre — 168 East Pender St., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, learn more online
Lunar New Year at Museum of Surrey
Museum of Surrey
What: The Museum of Surrey, in partnership with the Chinese Village Club, hosts a free Lunar New Year event on Feb. 21. Check out several live performances, including dragon dance teaching, poetry, dance, tai chi, storytelling and more. Guests will also learn about the history of Lunar New Year as well as Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures.
When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: Museum of Surrey – 17710 56A Ave., Surrey
Admission: Free
Lunar New Year Celebration
What: Coquitlam Heritage is hosting Lunar New Year celebrations on Saturday, Feb. 7.
Yuto Books will present story time sessions throughout the day in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, and there will also be crafts and art activities. Make sure to take a Lunar New Year photo at the photoshoot station on site, and try some Lunar New Year snacks too.
When: Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026
Time: 12 to 3 p.m.
Where: Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House – 1116 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam
Cost: Free
Chinatown Cocktail Showdown
What: Make plans for the third annual Chinatown cocktail showdown, where eight of Chinatown’s finest bars and restaurants (Bagheera, Bao Bei, Chickadee, Fiorino, Keefer Bar, Kissa Tanto, Laowai, and Meo) go head-to-head to craft the best Lunar New Year-inspired cocktail.
When: Friday, Feb. 6, 2026
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Chinatown Storytelling Centre — 168 E. Pender St., Vancouver
Cost: $97.98 plus fees, purchase online
Year of the Horse at the Chinese Canadian Museum
What: The Chinese Canadian Museum invites you to a festive weekend of celebrations in honour of the Year of the Horse, with drop-in crafts, treats, live performances, and more.
There will also be a cooking workshop where you can learn how to make a Lunar New Year Prosperity Salad with Chef Christopher Leow. Advance registration is required, and the cost is just $5 plus GST per participant.
Where: Feb. 21 and 22, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
When: Chinese Canadian Museum – 51 E. Pender St., 2026
Cost: Museum admission $10-$15, children 5 and under free. Purchase online
The Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea at Notch8
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
What: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver invites you to its Lunar New Year-themed Afternoon Tea at Notch8. Guests will enjoy a curated lineup of teas paired with sweet and savoury treats. There is also a Children’s Tea available, which includes finger sandwiches, scones, cookies, and other tasty foods.
When: Now until February 22, 2026
Time: Various seatings
Where: Notch8 Restaurant & Bar – 900 W. Georgia St., Vancouver (Fairmont Hotel Vancouver)
Cost: $75 per adult, $40 per child (ages 12 and under); make a reservation
LunarFest 2026 – Year of the Horse
What: LunarFest brings cultures and traditions together in a variety of events in January and February. Celebrate the Year of the Horse with performances, artist talks, film screenings and activities around Vancouver.
Make sure to also visit The Lantern City, returning to šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square, Pendulum Gallery, and Granville Island, 800 Robson St., and Bentall Centre.
When: Various dates from Feb. 14 to 28, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Admission: Free
Lunar New Year at the Met
What: Metropolis at Metrotown invites everyone to enjoy the family-friendly activities of Lunar New Year at the Met.
Running from Feb. 3 to March 2, this festive experience has something for everyone wanting to celebrate the Year of the Horse, including LEGO Play, calligraphy demonstration, lion dance performance, dumpling eating contest, and more.
Where: Tuesday, Feb. 3 to Monday, March 2, 2026
Time: Various times
When: Metropolis at Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
Lunar New Year at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (Klara_Steffkova/Shutterstock)
What: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is hosting Year of the Horse celebrations on Feb. 21 and 22, with Lion Dances, cultural cuisine, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and more. The garden will also be decorated with plenty of red lanterns for the perfect Lunar New Year photo.
When: February 21 and 22, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Saturday), 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden — 578 Carrall St., Vancouver
Tickets: $8-$10 plus fees, free for children four and under. Purchase online
Vancouver Canucks Lunar New Year Game
What: Vancouver Canucks host their annual Lunar New Year Game on Monday, Jan. 29, when the Anaheim Ducks come to town. There will be a variety of special Lunar New Year activities to enjoy during the celebration.
When: Monday, Jan. 29, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online