Lunar New Year Events Around DSM This Month

The Lunar New Year, which begins this year on Saturday, Feb. 10, marks the start of the Year of the Dragon. According to Reader’s Digest, in Chinese culture, the Dragon is considered the luckiest zodiac sign in Chinese culture and may bring good fortune, action and expansion. There are plenty of Greater Des Moines (DSM) events where you can kick off the Lunar New Year or find out more about the Year of the Dragon. Take a look at the events below and see where you can learn about the history of the Chinese New Year or just take part in fun activities across the region.

Greater Des Moines Lunar New Year Events

Des Moines Public Library

A Lunar New Year Scavenger Hunt will be held from Monday, Feb. 5 through Saturday, Feb. 10 at the South Side Library in Des Moines. Ages three and up can drop in and search for items to win a prize!

PF Changs China Bistro

Head to West Des Moines for a Lunar New Year celebration on Friday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 10 at Noon, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at PF Changs.

Grand View University Student Center

The Chinese Association of Iowa and Grand View University will co-present the 2024 Iowa Chinese New Year Celebrations and Iowa Chinese Achievement Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. This event is free to attend and will include a panel discussion, cultural demonstrations, entertainment and more.

Polk County Conservation

Find out about the history of the Chinese New Year during a program at Jester Park Nature Center in Granger. This event will feature a live lion dance and kung fu demonstration on Sunday, Feb. 11 from 10:30 a.m. until Noon.

Iowa State Fairgrounds

A Lunar New Year Party will be held Saturday, Feb. 24 from 3 to 11 p.m. at the Walnut Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. This event is hosted by Tai Village Des Moines and will include dinner at 5 p.m.

To celebrate the Lunar New Year, you can also attend events that highlight Chinese culture or support local Chinese businesses. Check out the upcoming event at Des Moines Civic Center featuring The Peking Acrobats on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. This is a family-friendly event and part of the Wellmark Family Series. Dine out at China Café in Winterset, Chuong Garden in Grinnell, Dumpling House in Des Moines, Fun Chinese Cuisine — new in Ankeny or Shanghai Chinese Restaurant in Waukee, to name a few.

Learn more about past celebrations at iowachinese.us.

From Pride to Juneteenth to the Latino Heritage Festival, big, inclusive events are par for the course in Greater Des Moines (DSM). But there are smaller events celebrating diversity here, too. Attend one of the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Multicultural Receptions, an event celebrating veterans or a sensory-friendly event in the region. Learn more here.