A Bold New Year: Celebrate Lunar New Year in Pittsburgh

Enter the Dragon

2024 has been off to a rousing start in Pittsburgh for the last month – but the new year festivities aren’t over just yet. Enter the Lunar New Year, a Chinese tradition that celebrates the turning over of the new year. You’ll be surprised at just how many ways you can celebrate the Year of the Dragon in the ‘Burgh.

Pack your bags – let us take you on a mini-trip to China by way of Pittsburgh to learn more about this holiday.

Pictured |
Asian Lantern Festival
Credit |
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

🐉 When is the Lunar New Year?

Feb. 10-24, 2024

🐉 What’s with the dragon? I thought 2024 in Pittsburgh was the year of the pierogi?

Here’s the deal on the dragon: In Chinese culture, the calendar year is not dictated by constellations or the stars. Instead, the calendar is considered a lunisolar one which is based on the sun and moon placements.

Every year gets assigned an animal – and 2024 is the dragon. Birth years also get assigned an animal from the zodiac. If you were born in 1988, 2000 or 2012 – we have a feeling this year is going to be a lucky one for you.

🐉 I’m ready to party. How is Pittsburgh celebrating the Lunar New Year?

We’re so glad you asked. If you’re ready to start this new year with a bang, we’ve got you covered.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Pittsburgh (1)

2024 Greater Pittsburgh Lunar New Year Gala

Feb. 3

Pittsburgh Playhouse, in collaboration with Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Center, is hosting a gala at PNC Theater to get the festivities started officially in the city.

Dancing, song, traditional Chinese arts and crafts and food await you.

Harmony in Tradition: The 27th Greater Pittsburgh Lunar New Year Fair and Show

Feb. 4

Pack your weekend with more amazing Chinese culture. Hit up the Carnegie Museum of Art for this spectacular afternoon of tradition, movement and music. Co-hosted with the CASTP organization, this one’s a can’t-miss.

Pitt Lunar New Year Celebration

Feb. 9 from 3-5 p.m.

The University of Pittsburgh's Chinese Program and Chinese Language and Culture Club is hosting a free Lunar Year Year Celebration that is open to the public.

Celebrate the Spring Festival with calligraphy, games, papercutting, snacks, milk tea and prizes at the Kurtzman Room at William Pitt Union.

Parlor Dim Sum

Feb. 9-24

This happening dim sum restaurant in Lawrenceville is going all out. Their celebration begins on Feb. 9 with a Lunar New Year’s Eve reunion dinner!

Each week, Parlor Dim Sum will feature a rotating menu of traditional dishes and beverages with their unique touch, along with DJs on Feb. 9 and 12 and other special events throughout the celebration.

2024 OCA Lunar New Year Banquet

Feb. 24

New year, new ways to celebrate. Join OCA Pittsburgh (OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates Pittsburgh) for a 10-course banquet that will leave you full, happy and ready to unleash your own inner dragon. Dinner takes place at Szechuan Spice and the event also includes cultural performances, a marketplace and raffle.

Lunar New Year Show

Feb. 25 at 9 p.m.

Enjoy a Vietnamese concert with free, live performances from Bằng Kiều, MC Ngọc Hân, Minh Tuyêt, Trường Vũ, Như Quỳnh, and Quỳnh Vi at Rivers Casino's Events Center!Tickets are free, but limited seats must be reserved online.

🐉 How else can I honor Chinese culture in Pittsburgh?

Hungry? There’s no shortage of dumpling shops, noodle spots and more if you want to feed your soul this year. Plus, dumplings are said to symbolize wealth and prosperity, and noodles longevity. Just be sure not to bite or cut the noodles, slurp them up whole!

Looking for community? Considering volunteering with Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Center or becoming a member of OCA Pittsburgh.

The year of the dragon is sure to be bold. Enjoy a safe and happy lunar new year. 🐉

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Amber R.

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Amber R.

Multimedia Design & Production Manager

I'm VP's resident graphic designer. In my free time, I'm an avid brewery hopper, mom of one and lover of the outdoors. I'm always on the hunt for unique coffee shops in Pittsburgh, finding new trails to hike and exploring baby-friendly spots with my husband and daughter.

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