7 Southeast Michigan Events to Ring in the Lunar New Year

Say goodbye to the Year of the Dragon and welcome the Year of the Snake at these local events.
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Photograph by Scribbling Geek via Unsplash.com.

Many people celebrate the first day of a new year on Jan. 1, but for the billions of people around the world that celebrate the Lunar New Year, also called the Chinese New Year, the year 2025 — otherwise known as The Year of the Snake — didn’t start until Feb. 29.

The Lunar New Year lasts for 15 days, and includes fireworks, music and dance performances, Asian food, and more. Here’s a sampling of celebrations around southeast Michigan.

Lunar New Year Celebration Concert

Enjoy a performance by renowned Erhu artist Xiao Dong Wei, with special guest Steinway artist Yuki Mack. Ahead of the show, there’s a cultural celebration that features crafts and cultural exploration. Jan. 25. $15/in advance, $20/at the door. The Hawk Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; arts-people.com

Taste of Culture: Lunar New Year

The International Center at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is hosting a grab-and-go event that features snacks from Lucky Kitchen, a Chinese restaurant in Ann Arbor. Reservations requested to ensure there’s enough food. Jan. 29. University of Michigan International Center, 1500 Student Activities Building, 515 E. Jefferson St., Ann Arbor; events.umich.edu.

Lunar New Year Game

The Piston’s are giving away a free Lunar New Year baseball jersey during their 7 p.m. game against the Mavericks. There will be a special Lunar New Year performance ahead of the game. Jan. 31. $40-$65. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; pistons.com/lunar

Lunar New Year Celebration

The Detroit Public Library welcomes the Year of the Snake by offering the chance for guests to make traditional crafts including paper lanterns and a snake. A scavenger hunt and other Lunar New Year activities, too. Feb. 1. No cost for admission but tickets are required. Detroit Public Library, Main Branch, 5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit; eventbrite.com

Lunar New Year Community Fair

The American Chinese Association celebrates Chinese heritage and the Year of the Snake with authentic food and drink, music spun by a live DJ, traditional crafts, vendor and exhibitor booths, and cultural performances. Feb. 2. No cost but tickets are required. Eastern Market, Shed 5, 2810 Russell St., Detroit; acadetroit.org

Lunar New Year Celebration Concert

Yvonne Lam, a violin faculty member at The College of Music at MSU, brings together Michigan State University artists as well as special guests who will perform the works of composers of Asian descent such as Kyong Mee Choi, Wan-Jen Huang, Tonia Ko, and others. Feb. 2. $10-$12. Cook Recital Hall, 333 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing; music.msu.edu.

Winter at Valade: Winter Around the World

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy hosts an international food truck rally that includes a Lunar New Year celebration. Enjoy traditional dance and drumming performances by a variety of Detroit artists, live storytelling, crafts, and much more in celebration of the Lunar New Year. Feb. 14-16. No cost for admission. Robert C. Valade Park, 2670 Atwater St., Detroit; detroitriverfront.org

This post has been updated for 2025.