As Lunar New Year approaches, communities across Wisconsin are coming together to welcome the Year of the Horse with vibrant celebrations rooted in culture, tradition, and connection. From family-friendly library events to karaoke competitions, fundraisers, and festive dinners, there are a wide range of ways to ring in the Lunar New Year. Whether you’re looking to enjoy cultural performances, hands-on activities, delicious food, or gather with others to celebrate new beginnings and good fortune, these Lunar New Year events provide something for all ages and interests.
Lunar New Year in Milwaukee
Feb. 7: Lunar New Year Celebration
Ring in the Lunar New Year at a festive Year of the Horse celebration from noon to 3 p.m. at Pick ’n Save. This event invites the community to enjoy delicious food samples, treats, and a variety of family-friendly activities and cultural festivities. Everyone is welcome to join.
Feb. 17: Lunar New Year at MATC
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the AAG at MATC’s Downtown Milwaukee Campus during a lunchtime event honoring the Year of the Fire Horse. From noon to 1 p.m., students, staff, faculty, and community members are invited to explore hands-on cultural activities, including learning Chinese calligraphy, playing a chopsticks and jelly beans game, coloring traditional Korean hanbok designs, and sampling unique Lunar New Year desserts. Guests are encouraged to wear red attire or accessories to invite good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
Feb. 22: Lunar New Year Mahjong Party
Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse with a community fundraiser supporting the Chinese Adoptee Collective. Guests are invited to gather at Kuumba Juice & Coffee for an afternoon filled with Taiwanese food from Bento Xpert, friendly mahjong and mini games, and a special Pong Yos award ceremony honoring community connections. This event blends food and purpose, creating a warm and festive space to welcome the Lunar New Year while supporting a meaningful cause.
Cost: $20 per person.
Lunar New Year in Madison
Feb. 7: Children’s Lunar New Year Celebration
Verona
Families are invited to welcome the Lunar New Year and celebrate the Year of the Horse from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Designed especially for children ages 3 to 10, the morning features stories, crafts, and hands-on activities led by students and staff from the Verona Area International School throughout the library. Story time will take place at 9:30 a.m. in the community room, with a repeat session at 11 a.m. All ages are welcome, and guests are encouraged to wear their favorite red attire to celebrate good fortune. No registration is required.
Feb. 7: CHASA’s Lunar New Year Celebration 2026
Madison
The Chinese American Student Association (CHASA) invites the community to its Lunar New Year Celebration from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Varsity Halls I and II in Union South. This annual event honors the Lunar New Year, marking the start of a new year on the traditional lunisolar calendar. Attendees can enjoy an authentic and lively celebration featuring cultural performances, free food, raffles, and more. The event is free and open to all, making it a welcoming opportunity to learn about and experience Lunar New Year traditions.
Feb. 15: Lunar New Year Karaoke Competition
Madison…