The New Year will last 14 days longer this year in Grand Prairie, a suburb of Dallas home to 196,000 people. The Lunar New Year, that is. Beginning Jan. 26, the15-day celebration is held within the walls of the city’s Asia Times Square. It’s a time for revelry, dancing, cooking, and honoring ancestors. Best of all, admission is free.
Most popular in the countries of east and southeast Asia, the Lunar New Year begins on the first new moon and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar. But even if you’re not familiar with the custom, don’t let that deter you from joining the fun. “We take pride in sharing our cultures as well as bringing others in to celebrate the Lunar New Year,” says Matthew Loh, CEO of Asia Times Square. “We believe in replacing ignorance with acceptance, and our vision is to become the destination connecting cultures and communities.”
The event takes place over three weekends in January and February. The big draws are the live performances—including a full lion dance routine—and a variety of food stalls offering a taste of traditional and modern-fusion Asian dishes. On the last weekend, witness a dragon dance: a team of performers coordinating their movements to mimic a dragon. The whole event culminates in a dazzling display of firecrackers, which Loh says “are a symbol of warding away the evil spirits of the last year.”
Lunar New Year, Jan. 26-28; Feb. 2-4, 10-11
Asia Times Square, 2615-2625 West Pioneer Parkway, Grand Prairie.
BIG BEND COUNTRY
ALPINE
Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Feb. 15-17
Celebrate 38 years of cowboy poetry and music in Alpine. Poets, songwriters, and wordsmiths come together for this eclectic event celebrating the oral traditions of the working cowboy. There are many free performances plus ticketed shows each afternoon and evening. Sul Ross State University, 400 N. Harrison St. 432-216-2167; lonestarcowboypoetry.com
GULF COAST
ARANSAS PASS
Pardi Gras
Feb. 10
The family-friendly festival in downtown kicks off in the morning with vibrant floats and decorated vehicles. There’s also a gumbo cookoff and competition, kids’ activities, food trucks, vendors, and live music that keeps the party going all day long. Admission is free. Downtown Aransas Pass, 203-360 S. Commercial St. 361-758-2750; aransaspass.org
BAYTOWN
Steve and Karen Knight Art Exhibit
Through Feb. 16
See this art exhibit by photographer Steve Knight and his wife, artist Karen Knight, whose work incorporates drawing, photography, gourds, and encaustics. An opening-night reception takes place in the foyer and gallery. Lee College Performing Arts Center, 805 W. Texas Ave. 281-425-6255; lee.edu/pac
BEAUMONT
Mardi Gras SETX
Feb. 8-11
Experience a celebration of community
