Thursday was the start of the Chinese New Year. It’s the year of the rabbit in case you’re wondering. There are probably a lot of Chinese New Year events going around the Portland area. The four big events that I am aware of are taking place in Chinatown, the Oregon Convention Center, and Lan Su Chinese Garden. By the way, if you’re interested in seeing your Chinese zodiac horoscope, head over to my dad blog.
2011 Chinese New Year Cultural Fair
Saturday, February 5th, 10am-6pm
Oregon Convention Center, Exhibit Hall C
777 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Cost: $6, free for kids ages 6 and younger (You can download a $1 off coupon. In addition, anyone showing a ticket stub from the Vietnamese TET event or Seafood and Wine Fest will receive a $3 discount.)
The fair will showcase both traditional and contemporary Chinese cultural activities. The event will feature Chinese folk dances, Chinese instrumental music and popular oldies, Kung Fu and martial arts demonstrations, Chinese puppet show, lion dance (every hour during the show). There will be about 80 booths featuring different products, services, and food.
Tet Festival
Saturday, February 5th, 10am-6pm
Oregon Convention Center, Exhibit Hall D
777 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Cost: $4, free for kids 5 and under, free for seniors 65 and over
This Vietnamese event features lion dance, lucky money, martial arts, Miss Ao Dai Vietnamese Oregon Pageant competition, art competition for children, booth displays, food, and health fair (vision and hearing tests and screenings for high blood pressure and high cholesterol).
Lan Su Chinese Garden
February 3-17th, most activities are during garden hours, 10am-5pm daily
Northwest Third Avenue and Everett Street
Cost: most events are free with garden admission ($6.50-$8.50)
Their two-week Chinese festival features music and dance performances; interactive activities like lantern-making and zodiac bookmark-stamping; lectures on feng shui, calligraphy and seasonal plants; and lion dances.
Chinatown Gate 25th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, February 5th, 10-11am
Northwest Fourth Avenue at Burnside Street
Cost: free
This event features a group photo in front of the gate, a lion-dance performance, a rabbit costume contest, and hot Chinese tea and dessert.
