Lunar New Year is a festival held across Asia and around the world starting on Feb. 17 to welcome in the spring season.
As our spring semester starts, San Diego welcomes the celebration and will be hosting various events in the month of February to join in on the fun.
This time around, Lunar New Year will be honoring 2026 as the Year of the Fire Horse, a special occurrence that happens every 60 years.
If you are looking for something to do for the Lunar New Year, here are some of the exciting events coming up.
Check back every Thursday to stay updated on upcoming events, activities and opportunities happening on campus.
City College APPI mixer and Lunar New Year celebration, Feb. 11
City College’s Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Association Club will be hosting a celebration for the Year of the Fire Horse and the beginning of City’s spring semester.
Attendees can participate in various games to win prizes, learn about campus resources and find delicious food scattered through MS-140.
The event is open to all students for free from noon to 2 p.m. Those who plan on going can pre-register here.
Balboa Park Chinese New Year Fair, Feb. 21-22
The House of China will be honoring the tradition of their Chinese New Year fair with performances, food and cultural resources.
“The Chinese New Year Fair is more than just an event, it’s a cultural bridge that connects generations and communities,” according to The House of China’s website.
Past events included activities such as traditional lion dances, varieties of Asian cuisines and local vendors selling goods.
The event will be held by the International Cottages in Balboa Park both days from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information can be found on their website.
San Diego Lunar New Year Festival, Feb 13-15
A three-day celebration is being brought to City Heights filled with fun activities, traditional performances and contests.
The event will host various contests throughout the weekend such as dumpling wrapping, bun bo hue eating and boba drinking for prizes.
A wall of lanterns and a three-meter Lotus Flower will be on display, and along with various themed decorations throughout, it will be perfect for photo ops.
The celebration will kick off on Friday, Feb. 15. The event will be open between 5-10 p.m.
On Saturday, Feb. 14, it will be from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The last day of the event will be on Sunday, Feb. 15, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The celebration will take place at Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park in City Heights.
The event is free to all ages. More information can be found on this website.
Editors note: This article was updated to correct the location of the APPI Mixer and Lunar New Year celebration.
This story was edited by Samira Hassan and Nadia Lavin.
