Get ready to don your cowboy hat and put on your boots as we gallop into the Year of the Horse.
For those unaware, several Asian countries don’t celebrate Jan. 1 as their new year celebration, but instead base the first day of the year on the lunar calendar, which typically means the first day of the year occurs in late January or early February. This year’s Lunar New Year occurs on Feb. 17, 2026 (today!) and kicks off a 15-day-long Spring Festival.
In addition, the Chinese Zodiac calendar is on a 12-year cycle represented by 12 animals, and it goes in this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog then Pig. In traditional Chinese belief, your zodiac animal corresponds with the year you were born. For example, children born in 2025 were Snakes, while this year will welcome several new baby Horses.
Asianati, a local nonprofit focused on celebrating Asian food and culture in the Cincinnati area, is producing or spotlighting plenty of Lunar New Year events in the area. Additionally, there are several independent events happening all over the Queen City.
“Lunar New Year is a time for community and family to come together and welcome a new year filled with luck, hope and opportunity,” said Lam Dang of the Asianati Board. “We want to invite people across Cincinnati to these celebrations because when we come together as one community, we are stronger. Everyone is welcome to experience the traditions, performances, and food that make Lunar New Year so fun and meaningful.”
Here’s a list of some special Lunar New Year events happening around, partially provided by Asianati.
Year of Horse at Afterlife Bar
Tuesday, February 17, 4pm – 12am, Afterlife Bar, Over-the-Rhine
One of OTR’s newest hotspots, the Asian-owned Afterlife Bar, is doing a blowout bash tonight to celebrate the Year of the Horse. Guests can learn to write their name in traditional Chinese calligraphy, construct paper dragons, participate in a chopstick bean pickup challenge, and enjoy popular Asian snacks and Asia-inspired cocktails all night from special guest bartender Chanra Sok.
Lunar New Year Pizza at Wayfarer Tavern
Monday, February 16 through Sunday, February 22, Wayfarer Tavern, Dayton, KY
The Northern Kentucky pizzeria Wayfarer Tavern is collaborating with OTR eatery Quan Hapa for a special pizza to celebrate Lunar New Year. The Asian restaurant’s take on pizza will resemble okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes): tonkatsu sauce, furikake, bonito flakes, Japanese mayo, and your choice of bacon or shrimp. You can read our recent profile on Wayfarer Tavern’s collab series by clicking here.
Chinese New Year Culture Night by Uncle Yip’s
Wednesday, February 18th, 6pm, Uncle Yips
Join us to celebrate the Lunar New Year – Year of the Horse with an authentic Chinese dinner and drinks accompanied by a traditional Chinese Lion Dance! Tickets are $79.95 per person. Call 513-733-8484 to reserve your seats.
Factory 52 Lunar New Year
Thursday, February 19th – Sunday, February 22nd, Various times, Factory 52 campus
Celebrate Lunar New Year all weekend with festive events across the Factory 52 campus. Expect ticketed dinner nights at The Gatherall + Aces Pickleball, Asian Markets, Lunarfest, live music, cultural performances throughout the weekend, and so much more.
LunarFest & Friends by et&al at Factory 52
Friday, February 20th, 7:00 pm – 12:00 am, The Gatherall at Factory 52
It’s the Year of the Horse & it’s going down in a major way at LunarFest & Friends! 10 multi-talented Asian DJ’s from around the country are bringing you a high caliber soundtrack of cultural collaboration right here in Cincinnati. 10 DJs. 5 Hours. 3 Zones. 10 Restaurants. Tickets available now on Eventbrite. Each ticket comes with a Welcome Sake Shot (For Guests 21+) -or- N/A Toast (For All Ages) and Access to All Stages. $15 Early Bird thru February 14 $20 Advance thru February 19 $25 Day Of LunarFest Limited tickets – sales end at capacity — grab yours early!
Lunar New Year Tea by Taft Museum of Art
Friday, February 20th, Seatings at 10:30am and 1:00pm, Taft Museum of Art
Herald in the Lunar New Year at the Taft with a celebratory tea service! Honor the kickoff of a new year with a special selection of teas from Churchill’s Fine Teas, and delectable small bites inspired by the Our Family Kitchen Cookbook, prepared by the Taft Café. $55 for Taft members, $65 for non-members. Registration includes admission to special exhibitions, including Teatime: Chinese Enamels from the Taft Collection, where you can see this coffee pot and more, and the museum’s collection galleries, plus access to the Museum Shop, where you can find an array of tea and tea accessories.
Chinese New Year Dinner with Adopteen
Saturday, February 21st, 1:00 pm, Oriental Wok, Hyde Park
Calling all adoptees of Cincinnati! Email adopteenohiocincinnati@gmail.com by 2/13 to register.
Lunar New Year Extravaganza by Oriental Wok
Monday, February 23rd l, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Oriental Wok, Ft. Mitchell
Join Oriental Wok for a 10-course authentic feast, traditional lion & dragon dances, special Chinese performances, horses from CW Stables, and our iconic firecracker celebration Tickets are limited: $175 all-inclusive. Call 859-331-300 or reserve online on OpenTable.
Lunar New Year Celebration 2026 at Liberty Center by Alliance of Chinese Culture & Arts USA (ACCA)
Saturday, February 28th, 1:00pm – 5:00pm, Activities begin 1:00pm, Live performances begin 3:30pm, Liberty Center
Hosted by the Alliance of Chinese Culture & Arts (ACCA), world-class musicians will bring concert-hall brilliance to Liberty Center, creating a rare and extraordinary opportunity for our community to experience the vibrant sprit, dynamic energy, and exquisite artistry of traditional Chinese instruments, an unforgettable way to welcome the Year of the Horse!