Technically, this year’s Lunar New Year fell on Tuesday, Feb. 17, but to coincide with Farmers Market, the SLO community is invited to celebrate Lunar New Year on Thursday, Feb. 19, starting at 6 p.m. in Mission Plaza. Expect live performances, local food vendors, art, and activities for all ages.
“All are invited to attend with family and friends, enjoy the Farmers Market, and stay awhile to experience food, music, art, and conversation in the heart of downtown,” Matt Pennon, the city’s diversity, equity, and inclusion manager said. “With this event and others like it, we hope to build a future rooted in connection, respect, and active participation. This celebration is about creating space where everyone is welcomed, valued, and connected.”
See performances from Cal Poly’s Japanese Student Association sound collective, GenKey Music, welcoming remarks from Vice Mayor Emily Francis, a Happy New Year greeting by Children of the Central Coast Chinese Association, hear a Vietnamese dan tranh, and see a tea ceremony and fan dance. See live performances by the Cal Poly Lion Dance Team, and an interactive performance by violinist Reso Crelli.
The Year of the Horse symbolizes energy, optimism, and movement forward. For more information, visit slocity.org/lunarnewyear. Δ
This article appears in Feb 19-26, 2026.