Celebrating Lunar New Year and Asian Festivals in Dallas
Dallas sheds its winter coat this February as the city’s Asian communities kick off a month-long marathon of street food, stadium-sized spectacles and rhythmic drumbeats. The year of 2026 officially belongs to the Fire Horse which is a sign synonymous with high energy and decisive action. The local festivities are equally fast-paced. Whether you are hunting for the perfect bulgogi egg roll or seeking out the most intricate lion dance choreography, this is your field guide to navigating the best of the season.
Lunar New Year at Dallas Farmers Market
Dates: Saturday–Sunday, February 21–22, 2026
Address: 920 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201
The Dallas Farmers Market will welcome the Year of the Horse with kid-friendly craft stations focused on horse-themed art, live music, and food vendors. On Saturday afternoon, the energy peaks as the JL Sport Association takes over the walkways with a high-energy lion dance, complete with cymbals and drums.Sunday features a hands-on dumpling masterclass by Wagyu No Argue that honors the edible traditions of the Lunar New Year. The weekend events are festive without being overwhelming. It’s a great for families and foodies alike who want to dive into Lunar New Year traditions before stocking up on fresh local produce at the market
Family tip: Arrive earlier in the day for shorter lines at craft stations and easier stroller navigation.
Lunar New Year at NorthPark Center
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Address: 8687 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75225
NorthPark Center and the Crow Museum of Asian Art will host a single-day Lunar New Year celebration. Rising Phoenix kicks off the festivities as lion dancers move through the court to the rhythm of traditional percussion. The focus then moves to the CenterPark Garden courtyard for a mini-pony meet-and-greet. The afternoon is dedicated to hands-on stations ranging from Chinese calligraphy demonstrations to "fai chun" luck charms and red envelope decorating. The Dallas Asian Winds will also perform traditional compositions that carry through the corridors between Nordstrom and Macy's.
Family Tip: The drums used during the lion and dragon dances are loud enough that the mall recommends ear protection for toddlers and small children.
Fourth Annual Lunar New Year Festival at Forest Green
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Address: 9619 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75243
The Forest Green Branch of the Dallas Public Library will mix live demonstrations and local vendor booths throughout the morning. Visitors can watch Lee's White Leopard Kung Fu School perform a traditional lion dance or attend a tea ceremony accompanied by the sounds of a traditional Chinese string instrument called the guzheng. Food vendors like Mint’s Kitchen and The Bop Bop will offer festival snacks while Dallas-based authors and makers display their work. The smaller scale of the library setting provides a more accessible alternative to the city's larger festivals to make it easier to engage with the performers and artisans directly.
Family Tip: Head to the craft tables early because the library distributes handmade project supplies on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lunar New Year with the Dallas Mavericks
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Address: 2500 Victory Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
The Dallas Mavericks host the Sacramento Kings for an evening that blends NBA basketball with a modern streetwear take on the Year of the Fire Horse. The festivities begin at the South Plaza Airstream with pregame poster-making before shifting to the court for a halftime dragon dance and red envelope giveaways in the stands. The arena's menus get a temporary update for the game, featuring bulgogi egg rolls with gochujang aioli alongside yuzu-infused cocktails like the Golden Dragon. A limited-edition collection from artist Crystal Lin hits the arena’s pro shop. These pieces move away from the standard team graphics by using use watercolor landscapes and streetwear silhouettes like bomber jackets to interpret the Year of the Fire Horse
Family Tip: Arrive when doors open to visit the South Plaza Airstream where kids can make their own posters before the hallways get busy.
Lunar New Year at the Hilton Anatole
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Address: 2201 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207
The Hilton Anatole marks the Year of the Fire Horse with a specialized afternoon tea and cultural showcase. Held within the hotel’s atrium, the event centers on a menu of chef-curated bites paired with loose-leaf selections from local experts at The Cultured Cup. A traditional tea demonstration precedes the main performance where lion dancers moving through the public spaces of the hotel. While the sit-down tea service requires a reservation, the hotel also hosts a public tea pop-up where guests can browse specialty blends.
Family Tip: Arrive by 2:30 PM to catch the lion dance performance in the lobby. It will be open to all hotel visitors regardless of whether you have a ticket for the tea service.
