Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year Celebration is Saturday, February 24, 2024.

Welcome to CIDBIA's annual Lunar New Year Celebration. 2024 marks the Year of the Dragon! Vendor booths will line up along S King St., dance performances and music will take place throughout the main stage at Hing Hay Park, foodies will have the opportunity to explore 40+ food walk destinations — you can truly feel the atmosphere of this cultural intersection. We look forward to celebrating with you soon!

Interested in vending with us? We're all sold out for LNY! If you're interested in joining us at a future event, check back in for the C-ID Night Market this fall. 

How to Apply:

• Click on the links above and complete the form.
• We’ll review your application and within 5 business days we’ll reach out.
• If your application is approved, we’ll send an invoice via email. Fees must be paid in full to be placed on the floor plan. 
• Approximately 7 business days prior to the event an exhibitor guide and the floor plan will be sent via email.

The CIDBIA offers discounts for the following:

• 20% for Approved Non-Profit Organizations (must submit proof)
• 50% for Approved C-ID Business, Services, Organizations (based on address and current assessment)

Volunteer spots are all filled. Thanks for your support!

All volunteers will receive a "Year of the Dragon" Volunteer T-Shirt, snacks and depending on shift, light breakfast or lunch. 

Food Walk

Our Food Walk will feature delicious menu items from Chinatown-ID businesses on Saturday, February 24, 2023 (11:00am-4:00pm).  Visit at least 5 locations on our food walk tour and collect 5 stamps to enter-to-win a CID gift basket filled with neighborhood goodies! Menus can be found at our information booth throughout the event duration, 

In order to submit your stamped food walk form, you must visit our info booth or find a copy of the menu at a participating business to be considered! 

Take a look at the full menu here!

Entertainment Schedule + Vendors

In addition to all-day performances at Hing Hay Park, take a look at our full list of vendors participating at the Lunar New Year Celebration this year.

T-Shirt & Sticker Fundraiser

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon in style with these cool designs during the Lunar New Year Celebration. You can find the special edition of our Year of the Dragon t-shirt and classic Welcome to Chinatown-International District t-shirt, as well as Dragon Dance stickers during the event on Saturday, Feb 24.

Proceeds of these t-shirts and stickers serve as a fundraiser for the Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area (CIDBIA). The BIA is nonprofit community organization that works to support and enhance the economic health and vitality of Seattle’s historic C-ID neighborhood. Learn more about what we do at cidbia.org.

To purchase these shirts, visit our information booth at Hing Hay Park, from 11am to 4pm, or until supplies last. No cash, card & contactless payment only!

Lunar New Year Children's and Bruce Lee Costume Celebration

Sponsor the Lunar New Year Celebration!

Interested in being involved and supporting the Lunar New Year Celebration as a sponsor? Take a look at our sponsorship deck and reach out with any questions!

Lunar New Year exemplifies the coming-together of communities and holds an important cultural significance in Seattle’s C-ID. From dragon dances and drumming, to small bites at the food walk, CIDBIA is thrilled to bring back Lunar New Year for 2024.

Events are critical fundraising opportunities for CIDBIA. All funds generated through event sponsorships are placed right back into our sanitation, public safety, and marketing programs to create a clean, safe, and welcoming community. This cannot be done without your generosity and support.

CIDBIA strives to bring back the community aspect of what festivals and events mean to the Chinatown-International District neighborhood in its many years of being the catalyst for significant cultural moments in Seattle. We hope to continue uncovering unique and equitable ways to build this community, together.

The Lunar Calendar

Lunar New Year celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunar calendar. Commonly referred to as the Spring Festival, cultures across Asia celebrate Lunar New Year with their own varied customs and traditions. Each year, the lunar calendar is represented by one the 12 zodiacs – which are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

The first day of the festival begins on the first new moon of the lunar calendar, which varies year to year, depending on the cycles of the moon. Generally, the holiday lands between January 21st and February 20th, and lasts 15 days from New Year’s Eve to the 15th day of the New Year. 

This year, Lunar New Year lands on Saurday, February 10, 2024. Celebrations typically begin the night before, and extends up to 15 days. This Lunar New Year marks the transition to the Year of the Dragon, which is the fifth animal of the zodiac.

Traditionally, New Year’s eve and New Year’s day are reserved for family celebrations, including religious ceremonies to honor ancestors. Communities celebrate with cultural dances, fireworks, and plenty of traditional foods such as niang gao (sticky rice cake) and fish, to symbolize a surplus in luck and wealth.

(Years Past) Celebrate with Food and Traditional Performances

The Lunar New Year Celebration highlights each zodiac animal and celebrates the year and its symbolism, right in the historic neighborhood of Chinatown-ID. Since its inception, our Lunar New Year Celebration is one of the largest events of its kind in the region and showcases diversity, richness, and culture of the Asian community.

The collaboration with other neighborhood businesses and organizations has helped draw thousands of visitors from throughout the region for a day of festivities. The celebration includes traditional dragon and lion dances, martial arts, Japanese Taiko Drumming, and other cultural performances on the Main Stage. Visitors are also able to participate in our Annual  Food Walk and sample items from local businesses. A variety of family-friendly activities. combined with small arts and crafts vendors, there is something for everyone to enjoy.