Celebrate Lunar New Year learning about the history of western Queens’ East Asian community in this talk from Bob Singleton of the Greater Astoria Historical Society.*

During a special East Asian holiday, many young dreamers in the community follow in the footsteps of past giants, transcending cultural boundaries. Learn about collaboration between the Asian and Western communities, working together instinctively to create something extraordinary.

In 1960, Sony launched its U.S. operations with Sony Corporation of America (SONAM), a groundbreaking move for a Japanese corporation. During the early years, SONAM strategically chose 47-47 Van Dam Street in Long Island City, providing convenient access to Manhattan, transportation networks, and affordable rents for corporate space and staff housing. Fast forward to 2022, and Sony's principal U.S. businesses recorded revenues exceeding $82 billion.

Bob Singleton shares his unique perspective as the first Assistant Treasurer at SONAM for a rare insider peek into their early years in LIC.

@lichistory

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sonam-on-van-dam-tickets-797938935837

*This event has been canceled and will be rescheduled for a later date.

The festivities begin in Lowery Plaza (40th Street and Queens Boulevard, under the 7 train) and proceed under the 7 train through the parking areas 6 blocks to Bliss Plaza (46th Street and Queens Boulevard) where the main program will take place. There will be photos under the iconic Sunnyside Arch after the celebration. Experience Snow Lion Dancers from Lo Nyamship Association and dancers from Korean Community Services. Join Sunnyside Shines in celebrating Tibetan Losar, Korean Seollal and Lunar New Year.

@sunnysideshines

https://sunnysideshines.org/

Art Strong NYC hosts a Lunar New Year-themed Open Studio on Sunday, February 18. This event is open to children ages 2-9 years old. There are 2 sessions available (9:30-10:30 a.m. and 10:45-11:45 a.m.). During Open Studio there will be five Lunar New Year-themed sensory activities and art-making stations to explore with your child. This is not a drop-off event and one parent is required to attend per child. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

@artstrongnyc

https://www.artstrongnyc.com/register-all-age/

Purchase any hair services at Hair Philosophy LIC between February 1-16 and get a free Handcraft Workshop for your 4-8 year-old child ($50 value). The workshop will include spring couplets, Chinese paper-cut art, sticky rice dumplings and Lunar New Year-related handcrafts.

@hairphilosophylic / @hairphilosophynyc

https://www.hairphilosophyny.com/

Join Everyone Comics x Collectibles and Aloft Hotel for an exciting Lunar New Year celebration featuring talented comic artists from across the city. Explore a diverse array of offerings, including books, prints, posters, stickers, t-shirts, and original art. Connect with local creators who have contributed to stories for Marvel, DC, and other renowned publishers. Gain insights into the world of art and network with professionals in the comics industry. Enjoy autograph sessions, collectibles, and a fun-filled atmosphere. Admission is free, and there will be kid-friendly products available for a family-friendly experience.

Guests include:

• Kenny Wong (@gengadraws)

• Dan Stebbins (@danxndr)

• Sir Gryphon (@sirgryphon)

• Charlie Boatner (@mcboatner)

• Trevor Fernandez (@pocketwatchpress)

- And more.

@everyonecomics

https://everyonecomics.com/about-us/f/lunar-new-year-comics-fest

Long Island City School of Ballet presents Dancing Dragons, a celebratory creative movement class for kids. Children 3 to 7 years old will enjoy an imaginative dance class using imagery from Chinese Zodiac animals. Hop like a rabbit, slither like a snake, scurry like a rat and fly like a dragon. No experience or special clothing necessary. Wearing red is encouraged.

This class is FREE to the LIC community, but pre-registration is required, RSVP at info@licsb.com. Come see Long Island City School of Ballet, celebrating 18 years in LIC.

@licballet

https://licsb.com/

Book Culture LIC hosts a free story time for children, showcasing picture books that celebrate Lunar New Year.

@bookculturelic

https://www.bookculture.com/

In Snapology's Lunar New Year Celebration Robotics class, your little engineer will create their own Dragon robotic model. Students will learn about gear ratio, sensors, simple machines, and programming as they build, learn, and play. This is a drop-off class for ages 6-12.

@snapologynyc

https://www.snapology.com/new-york-long-island-city/

Experience the excitement of a traditional lion dance at SHI, an upscale Asian-fusion eatery on LIC’s waterfront. The talented lion dance troupe will arrive at the restaurant by 8 p.m., treating guests to a thrilling 10-minute performance. Following this, enjoy the spectacle as they weave through the restaurant, captivating the crowd with an additional 20-minute show. It's an unforgettable Lunar New Year celebration you won't want to miss.*

@shi_lic

https://www.shilic.com/

*This event was previously listed as on Feb. 1, but has since been corrected to Feb. 10.

Celebrate Lunar New Year at CityPickle Long Island City, your home for pickleball. Whether you're excited to try pickleball for the first time or have perfected your dink, join CityPickle to embrace the spirit of the Year of the Dragon. Your ticket includes entry to the event, all-night open play (great for all levels), one complimentary Tsingtao beer to toast to the festivities, and a special fortune card upon arrival - you might just be a lucky winner and receive a CityPickle tote bag. CityPickle encourages you to wear your favorite red outfit and sneakers. Don't miss out on this dynamic fusion of Lunar New Year traditions and pickleball fun. Reserve your spot now.

Can't make the Lunar New Year party, but want to try pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in America? CityPickle welcomes new players with a 50% off discount on your first visit. Enjoy Tsingtao beer for only $6 in honor of Lunar New Year all February, as well as a specialty Ginger Mandarin Margarita for $12. Paddles are available to rent on site and balls are provided. Just wear sneakers and be ready to have fun.

@citypickle

https://www.city-pickle.com/

Come to Culture Lab LIC for traditional games, dumplings, performances, and an Asian art gallery. End the evening laughing with stand-up comedy.

This year come to Culture Lab LIC where you can experience the same fun games ( ring toss, Mahjong, etc.) and great local food vendors as last year - and more. As a part of a month-long gallery exhibition "Year of the Dragon," guests will have the opportunity to participate in the DIY DragonZodiac. Made of PVC and transparent plastic stickers, this is the work of artist Xiangdong Shi. All guests participating in the event are invited to paste plastic stickers on the designed pattern area. The special, transparent, and bright light effect heralds good fortune in the Year of the Dragon in 2024. End the night with CrazyLaugh Comedy, the first Chinese stand-up comedy club in the Greater New York area and a fast-growing non-profit (501(3)(c)) Asian cultural exchange platform.

@culturelablic

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunar-new-year-2024-at-culture-lab-lic-tickets-804199200457

Queensboro Dance Festival offers pop-up local dance performances at Culture Lab LIC's celebrations.

@queensborodancefestival

https://queensborodancefestival.org/

Celebrate Lunar New Year with Little Banchan Shop. On February 10 (in-store only), enjoy $5 pints of traditional Korean rice cake soup (tteok guk). This must-try Korean Lunar New Year dish is made with Debragga prime beef brisket, a clean and umami-filled dried anchovy broth, and locally sourced rice cakes from Yedang rice cake shop. It's hearty, comforting, and perfect for the weather. Don't miss out on the delicious celebration.

@littlebanchanshop

https://littlebanchanshop.com/

To honor the Year of the Dragon, Mexology offers Dragonfruit Agua Fresca as the daily Agua Fresca on Lunar New Year. Dragonfruit, also known as Pittaya, is very commonly consumed in both Mexico and Asia. This daily special honors the beautiful blend of Mexican and Asian cultures.

@mexologyny

https://www.mexologynyc.com/

Join the LIC YMCA to learn about summer camp for your child from camp staff. There will be Lunar New Year-themed activities, tours and excitement for camp.

Activities:

• Lunar New Year play dough

• Fireworks craft

• Create dragon art

• Paper cut art

• Good luck symbol

@lic_ymca

https://ymcanyc.org/locations/long-island-city-ymca

At City Chemist, indulge in the Lunar New Year festivities. Receive red envelopes filled with surprises like a "free gift" or "20% off your next purchase" when you make a purchase of $75 or more. Celebrate the season with exciting rewards.

@citychemist.lic

https://www.city-chemist.com/

Join BOUT Boxing on Saturday, February 10 for a day of Lunar New Year celebration classes. In the spirit of the holiday, wear red to classes at 9,10 and 11 a.m., and stick around post-workout for red envelopes with deals inside and Lunar New Year-inspired treats. Leave sweaty and satisfied and ready to ring in the New Year.

@boutboxingusa

https://www.boutboxingusa.com/

Court 16 hosts families and friends in celebration of the Lunar New Year. Everyone is invited to join in on the courts for a delightful gathering with loved ones featuring tennis and pickleball.

@court16tennis

https://www.court16.com/