The 2024 Lunar New Year is quickly approaching.
Across North Carolina, there are several events for those looking to usher out the old year and ring in the new year with prosperity.
Here’s what to know about the 2024 Lunar New Year and a rundown of events in the area.
What to know about the 2024 Lunar New Year
The name Lunar New Year comes from the first moon of the lunar calendar. This calendar is recognized by many Asian countries, including China, Vietnam and South Korea.
This year, Lunar New Year takes place on Feb. 10 and ends on Feb. 24.
2024 will be the Year of the Dragon. The last time we saw the Year of the Dragon was in 2012.
Last year, 2023, was the Year of the Rabbit.
In total, there are 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac, and each one carries a specific meaning. Each animal gets along with some more than others. For 2024, the Dragon represents confidence, ambition and charisma. Dragons get along the most with Roosters and Monkeys but clash with Dogs and Rabbits.
Highland Brewing Lunar New Year Celebration
Asheville’s original craft brewery will host an all-day event on Feb. 10 – the first day of the Lunar New Year.
There will be plenty of delicious food, specialty beers and live music.
“Savor the unique flavors crafted to symbolize prosperity, good fortune, and the spirit of the Lunar New Year,” Highland Brewing’s event invitation reads. “Indulge your taste buds with an array of delectable treats from some of Asheville’s finest vendors.”
The menu is shaping up to be sensational, with Thai-inspired street food, Korean BBQ tacos, Japanese rice balls, bubble teas and special waffle dishes.
Additionally, Highland Brewing Company will offer the Wooden Dragon(fruit) Wheat, its fifth specialty beer collaboration with Lucky Envelope Brewing.
Dragon Phoenix Lion Dancers will perform the traditional Lion Dance at the event. In the evening, the band Captain Midnight will perform from 6-9 p.m. ET.
According to the event website, the first 88 guests through the door will receive ceremonial red envelopes.
The celebration starts at noon and runs until 10 p.m. ET. This event is free to attend.
Greensboro History Museum
The Greensboro History Museum is putting on a free event on Feb. 3 from noon to 4 p.m.
According to its website, the museum will have demonstrations, performances and interactive activities for those in attendance.
The day will feature the work of the Greensboro Chinese Association, Taiwanese Association of America-NC, Cambodian Cultural Center of NC, Montagnard Dega Association and the library.
Attendees can also enjoy items from the Chirba Chirba Dumpling food truck.
https://greensborohistory.org/event/lunar-new-year-2024
Durham’s Southwest Regional Library hosting events the day before the Lunar New Year
In advance of the big day, the Southwest Regional Library in Durham will host two events.
Starting at 3 p.m. and going until 4 p.m. on Feb. 9, Sally Gouw of the University of Pennsylvania leads a session for adults. She’ll teach about the Lunar New Year, its traditions and also head a craft session for those who attend.
Later in the day, from 4:30-5:30, Gouw will hold a session for children ages five and up. Similar to the class for adults, Gouw will teach children about the Chinese New Year and various traditions, while also teaching them some New Year songs and helping with a craft.
Both events are free. However, there is limited space, so be sure to register on the library’s website.
https://durhamcountylibrary.libcal.com/event/11325981
Food trucks galore at Raleigh Iron Works
Triangle Pop-Up coordinated a Lunar New Year celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Raleigh Iron Works on Feb. 10.
Several Asian American and Pacific Islander-owned businesses will offer their best dishes. There will be live performances, too. Attendees also have the chance to participate in a raffle, which benefits NC Asian Americans Together.
Food trucks include favorites such as Golden K Dog, Lao Lao, Southern Fried Lumpia Co. and Sister Liu’s Kitchen.
Queen City Lion Dance performing in Charlotte
The dancers will appear at several different venues on different days, so if you can’t make one, don’t fret.
Here’s a look at their upcoming schedule on Feb. 9:
- Pho & Sushi off Stonecrest Blvd at 1:30 p.m.
- I.conic Nails off South Blvd at 3:30 p.m.
- Hello Me off Village View Drive at 5 p.m.
- Super G Mart Independence at 6 p.m.
- Saku Yakitori, Dahlia’s Lounge, Novelty House at 7 p.m.
The Queen City Lion Dancers continue their performances on Feb. 10, too:
- Kairu off Sam Furr Road at 11 a.m.
- Devil’s Logic Brewing off E 4th Street at 5 p.m.
The group wraps up its Lunar New Year performances on Feb. 11 at these spots:
- Moji Tea House off Shopton Road at 1:30 p.m.
- Saigon Square off Central Avenue at 2:30 p.m.
- Super G Mart Pineville at 4:30 p.m.
Devil’s Logic Brewery
In addition to the Queen City Lion Dancers coming to Devil’s Logic Brewing, the bar will host an event starting at 2 p.m. on Feb. 10.
According to a Facebook invite from the brewery, there will be firecrackers, Asian-inspired bites and more.
There will be free parking for attendees. It’s located at the CPCC Parking deck across the street from Devil’s Logic Brewing.
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