Lunar New Year is upon us, with two parades in Chicago this weekend and other activites through next week. One of the biggest celebrations in the world with more than a billion people observing the holiday in China, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Korea and, of course, the United States, Lunar New Year is a time for good fortune and establishing luck for the year ahead. It’s a time when families come together to share a traditional meal and children receive red envelopes with money, while people wish one another good health, happiness and prosperity.
Because the word for the number 8 sounds like the Cantonese pronunciation for “fortune,” here are 8 events around town to help you celebrate. Don’t forget to wear something red and accessorize with some jade.
1) The Heritage Museum of Asian Art will offer a discounted general admission for their new exhibition “Dogs From Han to Qing” which examines the history of domesticated dogs in China. Tickets are $2 until the end of the month. 218 W. 26th St., 312-842-8884, heritageasianart.org.
2) Mott St. will host a Lucky Ten Treasures dinner with dishes like crispy tofu, Sichuan peppercorn shrimp, steamed dumplings and “everything wings.” $38/person. 6 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 6-10 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through Feb. 27. 1401 N. Ashland Ave., 773-687-9977, mootstreetchicago.com
3) Navy Pier’s Chinese New Year Celebration will have lion dancers, dance troupes, martial arts, traditional Chinese music performances and more at the Aon Grand Ballroom. Free admission. 1-5 p.m. Saturday. 840 E. Grand Ave., 800-595-7437, navypier.org
4) Koi is featuring a “lucky menu” with items like spring rolls, dumplings, ponzu snapper and lychee chicken through Wednesday. On Saturday, the restaurant will host a lion dance at 7:30 p.m. Reservations recommended. 624 Davis St., 847-866-6969, koievanston.com
5) The Art Institute of Chicago is showing more than 180 objects regarding Chinese bronzes, which were used to carry sacrificial offerings, used in burial or commemorating family. This exhibition aims to help viewers understand the history and significance of these artifacts. Tickets start at $14 for Chicago residents. Feb. 25 through May 13. 111 S. Michigan Ave., 312-443-3600, artic.edu
6) The Argyle Lunar New Year Parade is kicking off with Tet 2018: First Morning, a community art pop-up with a traditional Vietnamese New Year game, a wishing well, homemade cakes and a community photo booth. First Sip will also host a pop-up with drink specials, Vietnamese Lunar New Year cakes and red envelopes. Free admission. Noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 24. The parade is at 1 p.m. 1120 W. Argyle St., axislab.org
7) This year’s Arts & Culture Doc Fest will be showing four documentaries about China, including “Shaanxi Drum Dances,” “The Taoping Stronghold,” “Nanjing Yunjin Brocade,” and “The Beautiful Scenic Highlights of Mount Tiantaishan.” Short dances will be performed alongside the showings and there will also be candy and a raffle. Free admission. From 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Feb. 25. 78 E. Washington St., 312-315-6393, asianpopupcinema.org
8) Celebrate the Year of the Dog on Sunday at the annual Chinese New Year Parade in Chinatown, which will have a procession of marching bands, colorful floats, traditional lion dances and dragon dance teams. Free admission. 1-3 p.m. The parade will follow Wentworth Avenue from 24th Place to Cermak Road. 312-326-5320, chinatownspecialevents.com
gwong@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @GraceWong630
