Lunar New Year 2024: Celebrate the Year of the Dragon in the Bay Area
Originally published in San Francisco Chronicle
Lunar New Year is celebrated over 15 days, with dates based on the lunisolar calendar. This year, the holiday runs from Feb. 10 through Feb. 25.
Each new year is paired with one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. This year, it is the powerful dragon’s turn. Dragon years are associated with strength, luck and good fortune.
Check out the Chronicle’s guide to the best Lunar New Year events taking around the Bay Area, including many events hosted by Koret-supported organizations:
California Academy of Sciences — Night Life: Lunar Underground
Celebrate Lunar New Year at a party where you can browse through a bustling night market, grab a drink, watch a lion dance performance and more.
6-10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15. $21.50, reservations recommended. California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, S.F. 415-379-8000. www.calacademy.org
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco — Lee Mingwei: Rituals of Care
The Taiwanese American artist’s exhibition features participatory and mixed-media installations centered on radical acts of generosity and care, asking how art can be a conduit for social connection and healing.
Opens Feb. 17. 9:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Through July 7. De Young Museum, S.F. 415-750-3600. www.famsf.org
Oakland Museum of California — Lunar New Year Celebration
The museum plans to host a family-friendly celebration set to include cultural performances, lion dancers, story time, cultural activities, arts and crafts, tea tasting and more.
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 17. $10, under 13 free; reservations recommended. Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. 510-318-8400. www.museumca.org
San Jose Museum of Art — Lunar New Year Community Day
Join the museum for a multicultural celebration of the Lunar New Year, scheduled to include cultural demonstrations, live performances and art activities.
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 17. Free, reservations recommended. San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S. Market St., San Jose. 408-271-6840. www.sjmusart.org
San Francisco Symphony — Lunar New Year Concert: Year of the Dragon
Mei-Ann Chen is set to conduct the symphony in a Lunar New Year program including Phoon Yew Tien’s “New Year Greetings” as well as works by Huan-zhi Li, Vivian Fung, Huang Ruo and Tan Dun’s “Violin Concerto: Fire Ritual,” featuring violinist Paul Huang.
There will be live entertainment and activities, including dragon dance, fortune reading, calligraphy artists and cultural performances in the lobby prior to the performance. A post concert Lunar New Year banquet at 6:30 p.m. will feature live music, catering and theatrical décor highlighting Lunar New Year celebrations across different cultures.
4 p.m. lobby activities; 5 p.m. concert Feb. 17. $39-$109, reservations recommended. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., S.F. 415-864-6000. www.sfsymphony.org
