Year of the Horse: Lunar New Year celebrations in Kansas City
Event photo courtesy of Hella Good Deeds
Lunar New Year 2026 begins on February 17, 2026, welcoming the Year of the Horse.
The Year of the Horse symbolizes energy, confidence, and forward movement. People born under the Horse sign are often seen as independent, hardworking, and charismatic, with a natural drive to chase new opportunities and embrace change. In Lunar New Year traditions, a Horse year is associated with momentum, ambition, and bold decision-making—it’s a time to take action, set big goals, and trust your instincts. The Horse also represents freedom and adventure, encouraging growth, passion, and progress in both personal and professional journeys throughout the year.
Celebrated across many Asian cultures and communities worldwide, Lunar New Year is a time for renewal, family gatherings, and honoring traditions. Festivities often include sharing symbolic foods, decorating with red for good fortune, giving red envelopes, and enjoying lion or dragon dances. The holiday represents a fresh start—letting go of the past year and embracing luck, health, and prosperity in the year ahead.
Here are some local events to help you ring in the new year.
Chinese New Year Gala: Gallop of a Thousand Horses, January 31
Get ready to welcome the Year of the Horse with a vibrant Chinese New Year celebration on January 31 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The event will begin at 7 p.m., with tickets starting at $28.50. The evening features cultural performances, traditional dance, music, and a special production telling the legendary story of the Zodiac Horse to recognize the arrival of the new year.
KCCA 2026 Lunar New Year Festival at JCCC, February 1
The Lunar New Year Festival runs from 3 – 9:15 p.m. on February 1 at Johnson County Community College’s Yardley Hall. A talent show and culture showcase are both free to attend. Tickets for the stage art performance start at $15. The festival promises to be a vibrant celebration filled with talented performers and rich cultural traditions. The program features an impressive lineup of performances, including Chinese folk dance, opera, traditional musical instruments, folk songs, ballet, piano, and more. Experience traditional Chinese culture through various activities.
Lunar New Year Festival – KU Center for East Asian Studies, February 6
Join the KU Center for East Asian Studies and its partners for a festive evening celebrating the Year of the Snake on February 6 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. The event will feature Asian finger foods, musical performances, dance, poetry, and kamishibai storytelling for children and adults. This family-friendly celebration is free and open to the public, with red envelope giveaways and food available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lunar New Year Fortune Run, February 7
Run into the Year of the Horse on February 7th at Mill Creek Park with purpose, energy, and a strong sense of community. Celebrate culture, fitness, and fresh starts with the Lunar New Year’s Run—an opportunity to embrace the bold spirit of the horse, a symbol of energy, freedom, and forward momentum. This event invites participants to welcome the new year by moving forward together, honoring tradition while setting intentions for growth and renewal.
Event photo courtesy of Lenexa Public Market
An Afternoon with Kat Lieu: Book Talk & Cookie Tasting, February 7
Vivilore will host an afternoon with Kat Lieu on Saturday, February 7. Lieu is a best-selling cookbook author, TED speaker, advocate, and founder of the Subtle Asian Baking community. The event will feature a book talk and signing, along with cookie tastings from her latest cookbook, 108 Asian Cookies. Guests can enjoy tea and cookies paired with Asian-inspired teas served by Vivilore in the Mandarin Room. The program will also include a discussion on baking with Asian flavors and ingredients, as well as the stories and cultural influences behind them. This special Lunar New Year event is presented in partnership with the Mid-Continent Public Library System.
Lunar New Year Festival for the Whole Family, February 7
Celebrate Lunar New Year with a live music event on February 7 at Distrkct. Doors open at 7 p.m. The evening will feature live performances by Kevin Chung, Broderick Jones, and a returning R&B favorite, with music throughout the night and opportunities to engage with the artists up close. Tickets start at $17.85.
Year of the Horse Tiệc Tết, February 14
Enjoy a sweet start to the Lunar New Year with Origin: Cội Nguồn on February 14 at 11 a.m. until sold out. The Northland coffee shop will feature a new menu, classic games, and festive activities to bring a little luck
Lunar New Year Market, February 21
Third Pine Collective will host its first market of the year with community partner Kinship Cafe, with a Lunar New Year Market on Saturday, February 21 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The market will feature local artists, makers, and cultural organizations, along with a community activity table offering family-friendly cultural activities. Guests can also enjoy coffee from Kinship Cafe while spending time connecting with the community. The event is designed as an inclusive and accessible celebration welcoming people of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Hella Good Deeds’ Third Annual Lunar New Year Night Market, February 21
Hella Good Deeds invites the community to celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse at its Third Annual Lunar New Year Night Market, highlighting how Kansas City comes together to honor culture, creativity, and tradition. The event will take place from 4:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at Zhou B Art Center. This lively night market will feature local vendors offering food, art, apparel, handmade goods, and more, complemented by music from a live DJ. Families can enjoy a dedicated Kids’ Zone with face painting, games, and kid-friendly activities, while a traditional lion dance performance brings one of Lunar New Year’s most iconic traditions to life. The evening also includes a game room and mahjong tournament for friendly competition, along with karaoke throughout the night, inviting guests to sing, connect, and celebrate together in the energetic spirit of the Fire Horse.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Lenexa Public Market, February 22
Bring in the Lunar New Year at the Lenexa Public Market on February 22 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Celebrate with authentic performances and play horse-themed board games, and try specialty dishes from Lenexa Public Market merchants.
Year of the Fire Horse Flash & Pop-Up, February 28
Buôn Bán Mercantile, located inside Tintoretta Tattoo Studio, will host a Lunar New Year celebration on February 28 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. The event invites the community to welcome the new year with the energy of the fire horse. Join for flash tattoos, food, coffee, seasonal shopping, and fun activities in honor of the holiday.
Local businesses across Kansas City are joining in the Lunar New Year celebrations through food and drink.
Several coffee shops are marking the holiday with festive offerings, including Cafe Ca Phe and Origin: Cội Nguon, both of which will feature limited-time drink menus inspired by the Lunar New Year. These seasonal specials give customers a fun and flavorful way to celebrate the new year while supporting local spots.
