Year of the Horse
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Austin at these 6 celebrations around town
This Friday January 31, marks the beginning of Chinese New Year 2014. The Year of the Horse is predicted to be filled with energy and good fortune, making it a great year for travel and adventure. So why not start off right by taking a trip to one of these festive Chinese New Year bashes around town?
Friday January 31
Chinese New Year Dinner at Swoop House
Swoop House 3012 Gonzales Street
Feast on a four course modern Chinese dinner prepared by Swoop House chefs from 7 pm-10:30 pm. Passed appetizers include truffled edamame dumplings, five spice pork skewers with teriyaki glaze and orange supremes, and sesame seared ahi tuna on wonton crisps. Other courses include Dungeness crab fried rice and coconut sorbet with dark chocolate dipped fortune cookie and green tea. Note that Swoop House is no longer BYOB and now has beer and wine for purchase. ($50 per person).
Saturday February 1
2014 Chinese New Year Festival
Asian American Resource Center 8401 Cameron Road
Welcome in the new year at The Love of China School of Dance’s New Year Festival. This free event features performances from the Chinese Music Club, Austin Chinese Choir, Ballet Folklorico, The Austin City Ballet, Natyanjali Dance, and Summitt Lion Dance Team. There will also be snacks and vendors selling local art from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Slow Food Austin’s West China Tea Company Class
in.gredients2601 Manor Road
As part of their monthly Slow Sessions, Slow Food Austin will welcome Sohan Fan of the West China Tea Company will teach about farming tea and will demonstrate how to properly steep and taste tea in Chinese culture. Sample a black aged pu-erh as well as a mild white tea, and leave with your own Chinese teacup as a keepsake. The event runs from 2 pm to 4 pm. It is free, but make sure to reserve a seat here.
Sunday February 2
Chinese New Year Celebration Dinner & Dragon Dance
Chinatown Restaurant307 Greystone Drive, 78731
Chinatown Restaurant will be holding its annual celebration, starting with a prayer and offering to the gods at 6 pm before moving to a multi-course feast prepared by Chef Ronald Cheng. At 8 pm, there will be a dragon dance and firecracker show that is free and open to the public. Tickets for the dinner are $80 and can be purchased by calling (512) 343-9307.
Saturday February 8
Austin Chinese Society Year of the Horse Celebration
Asian American Resource Center 8401 Cameron Road, 78754
The Austin Chinese Society’s celebration includes a lion dance, costume exhibition, vocal and instrumental performances, a game of bingo and refreshments from 6:30 pm- 10:00 pm. Tickets are $18 members and $20 non-members.
Sunday February 9:
Chinese New Year of the Horse Celebration
Chinatown Center10901 N. Lamar Blvd
The Chinatown Center’s annual Chinese New Year blowout is not to be missed. From 10 am to noon, the opening ceremony kicks off with performances from Austin Dance India, Hawaiian Kona Island, The Love of China School of Dance as well as drumming, martial arts, dragon and lion dances and a firecrackers display. Performances continue all day long, in addition to a rock wall, bungee trampoline, mechanical bull, and more. The event is free and also features food from local vendors and a fair featuring local artistsans.