Another year has passed, and so begins the first week of the Chinese lunisolar calendar!
Following the cycle of the moon, this year’s calendar ushers in the Year of the Tiger, which comes roaring in as the borough still grapples with the effects of Winter Storm Kenan.
Last weekend’s nor’easter may have forced some organizations to reschedule their Lunar New Year events, but there is still plenty to do this week and upcoming weekend to celebrate the start of a new calendar year — without even stepping foot outside the best borough!
Brooklyn Public Library’s weeklong roster
As always, the borough’s big book-lender has a slate of cultural programming for the holiday, offering virtual and in-person events at Brooklyn branches all week long! From crafts, stories, performances and watercolor painting courses, the whole family can usher in the Year of the Tiger together at their nearest Brooklyn Public Library.
Feb. 1-Feb. 5. Various times. Free with registration. www.bklynlibrary.org.
Programming from Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Get your kids in the holiday spirit this Saturday with a day of fun at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. The institution’s Lunar New Year all-day extravaganza will include a Chinese calligraphy workshop, storytelling and a rooftop lion dance parade all packed into two separate session — one in the morning and another in the afternoon.
Saturday, Feb. 5. Morning Session 10 am-1 pm. Afternoon session. 10 am-5 pm. Brooklyn Children’s Museum [145 Brooklyn Ave. between St. Marks Avenue and Park Place in Crown Heights.] www.brooklynkids.org/lunar-new-year.
Garden Party at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
Kick in the Lunar New Year with a celebration at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music’s Garden! The afternoon affair will include traditional and contemporary Chinese music, crafts, calligraphy, and more. Unfortunately, the rescheduled event will no longer feature lion dancers, but organizers promise to soon release new and equally exciting activities in their place.
Saturday, Feb. 5. 3-5 pm. Brooklyn Conservatory of Music [58 Seventh Ave. between St. Johns and Lincoln Place in Park Slope]. (718) 622-3300. www.bkcm.org.
Lunar New Year, Local Roots Style
Yummy food on Lunar New Year is traditionally thought to bring luck, prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead. With that in mind, you can join the new Carroll Gardens Market and Cafe this weekend for a reimagined Lunar New Year celebration (and smorgasbord!) including lion dancers, a performance by Chinese drag queen Ms. Juicy Liu and a dumpling party. While supplies last, children will also be gifted red envelopes with gift cards to the eatery!
Saturday, Feb. 5. 2-5 pm. Local Roots Market and Cafe [398 Court St. between Carroll Street and First Place in Carroll Gardens]. (718) 210-5593. www.localrootsnyc.com.
Free at-home activities from the Museum of Chinese in America
The Museum of Chinese in America is hosting a week of complementary, virtual events suited for the whole family with something new every day! The activities include crafts, cooking, performances and meet-and-greets.
Feb. 4-Feb. 11. Various times. Virtual. www.mocanyc.org/event/lunar-new-year-family-festival-year-of-the-tiger.
Think we missed an event? Reach out to reporter Jessica Parks at JParks@schnepsmedia.com.
