6 Lunar New Year events happening across Alabama
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Lunar New Year begins Tuesday, Feb. 17, ushering in the Year of the Horse and a season of celebration across Alabama and around the world.
Marked by family gatherings, traditional foods, and cultural performances, the holiday welcomes a new year on the lunar calendar and invites communities to celebrate together.
What is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year follows the lunar calendar and is celebrated across many Asian cultures, including Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese communities. Traditions often include family gatherings, symbolic foods, cultural performances, and wishes for luck and prosperity in the year ahead.
From cultural galas to family festivals and lantern displays, here are several Lunar New Year celebrations and gatherings planned across Alabama this February.
Vietnamese Tet Festival | Mobile
Celebrate the Vietnamese New Year with authentic food, games for kids, fireworks, face painting, lion dances, concerts, and vibrant cultural performances. The festival highlights Tet traditions that mark the arrival of spring and a time for family, reflection, and renewal.
- When: Sunday, Feb. 22 | 11:30AM–10PM
- Where: 1131 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL, United States, Alabama 36605
- More info
19th Spring Festival Gala | Birmingham
Birmingham’s Chinese community is preparing for this joyful celebration featuring traditional foods and a full lineup of cultural performances. Guests can expect appearances from lion and dragon dance groups, Yuren Chinese Language School, the Red Mountain Tai Chi Team, Red Apple Dance Group, Jasmine Dance Group, the Yangtze River Choir, and more.
- When: Sunday, Feb. 15 | 12–5PM
- Where: UAB Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham
- More info
Spring Lantern Festival | Gadsden
This limited-time outdoor experience transforms Noccalula Falls Park into a glowing display of illuminated lantern installations, live acrobatic performances, and local food vendors. The seasonal lantern showcase aligns with Lunar New Year traditions and offers a family-friendly evening experience.
- When: Feb. 13 – April 5, 2026 | 5–9PM
- Where: Noccalula Falls Park, 1500 Noccalula Road, Gadsden
- More info
Lunar New Year Kite Festival | Montgomery
Hosted by ALIEEP, this multicultural celebration welcomes the Lunar New Year with cultural games, global food vendors, art activities, and a community kite competition with prizes. Attendees can bring their own kites and participate while enjoying snacks and performances from local organizations.
- When: Friday, Feb. 21 | 1–4PM
- Where: 1 Festival Dr, Montgomery, AL 36117
- More Info
East Asian Heritage Festival: Year of the Horse | Birmingham
Celebrate the Year of the Horse at the Birmingham Museum of Art’s annual East Asian Heritage Festival, an afternoon of performances, hands-on art activities, cultural demonstrations, and food tastings for all ages. Guests can enjoy lion dance performances, crafts like calligraphy and origami, gallery tours, and optional ticketed auditorium performances featuring traditional music and dance.
- When: Saturday, Feb. 21 | 1–5PM
- Where: 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203
- More info
Chinese New Year Celebration | Huntsville
Hosted by the Huntsville Chinese Association, this large community celebration features a Chinese-Western fusion dinner, free family photos, and sixteen traditional and contemporary performances showcasing music, dance, and martial arts. Advance registration is required for entry.
- When: Sunday, Feb. 15 | 4:30–9:30PM
- Where: 4816 Holmes Ave NW, Huntsville, AL 35805
- More info
How will you be celebrating the Year of the Horse? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, Facebook + LinkedIn!
