Lion dancers, martial-arts display and food mark Tacoma’s welcome to Year of the Snake

There’s more than one way to celebrate Lunar New Year around Tacoma, with events over several weekends in January and February to ring in the Year of the Snake.

Lunar New Year 2025, which honors the first new moon of the lunar calendar, falls on Wednesday, Jan. 29 and lasts 16 days. It signals the end of winter and the incoming spring — a time to spruce up your physical and mental selves and void bad fortune.

All events are family-friendly and free to enter, with cash and card payments typically accepted at most vendors and restaurants. Note that some Lincoln District businesses only take cash, and it’s welcome for some of the $3 to $5 specials.

PARKS TACOMA TET

▪ When: Sunday, Jan. 19, noon to 4 p.m.

▪ Where: Eastside Community Center,

▪ Parking: free parking in main lot and street, accessible by bus

▪ Details: parkstacoma.gov/event/lunar-new-year

First up is Tết at the Eastside Community Center on Sunday, Jan. 19. Parks Tacoma has hosted this free community event since 2023, supported by the Golden Bamboo Walking Group. From noon to 4 p.m., the rec center will showcase traditional lion dancers, martial arts and a fashion show focused on áo dài, traditional Vietnamese dress. Snag some lucky red envelopes and some tastes of local Vietnamese food, too.

LINCOLN DISTRICT LUNAR NEW YEAR

▪ When: Sunday, Feb. 2, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

▪ Where: South 38th from South Yakima to South G streets

▪ Parking: free street parking and Lincoln High School lot; accessible by bus

▪ Details: facebook.com/LincolnDistrictTacoma

The Lincoln District is gearing up for a major milestone: It’s the 35th year for the neighborhood’s block party and lion-dancing extravaganza, believed to be the oldest such celebration of Asian culture in the South Sound.

Oanh “Lee Lee” Lam and Lisa Mathusz kick-started Lincoln District’s Lunar New Year festival in 1990.

Lam owns Lorinda’s Haircare on South 38th Street and has run a beauty school for more than 40 years, according to a news release. Beyond hairstyling, she also helped her fellow native Vietnamese speakers learn English and helped them find the tools to start their own businesses. Mathusz leads the walking group and has “worked tirelessly to support refugees from Vietnam, helping them adjust to life in Tacoma,” the release said.

Join this vibrant community on Sunday, Feb. 2, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. for lion dancers and firecrackers in the street, lucky envelopes and specials at local restaurants, including lots of iced coffee.

The event at South 38th and Yakima will also offer a vintage market with clothing and wares.

ASIA PACIFIC CULTURAL CENTER

▪ When: Saturday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

▪ Where: Tacoma Dome, 2727 E. D St.

▪ Parking: free street and paid lots; accessible by bus and Link

▪ Details: asiapacificculturalcenter.org/newyearcelebration

Local festivities wrap up on Saturday, Feb. 15, with Asia Pacific Cultural Center’s multicultural event at Tacoma Dome. Each year spotlights a different country — India is the star in 2025. Crowds fill the halls to catch live performances throughout the day, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., peruse booths with arts and crafts, and partake in hands-on activities and various demonstrations. No such party would be complete without food, and there are plenty of vendors to explore here, so come hungry!

This story was originally published January 16, 2025 at 5:15 AM.