2018 is the official Year of the Dog, and the Asian communities of Denver and the surrounding areas are ready to celebrate Chinese New Year. Last year was the Year of the Rooster, and according to the Chinese zodiac, it was a whirlwind “fire” year. This year marks an earth year, so hopefully, you’ll feel more grounded in your life. People born in the Year of the Dog are loyal, honest, straightforward, friendly and responsible, and 2018 is supposedly unlucky for them, but we still hope it’s a good one for everybody. From dragon dancing to authentic dim sum and more, we’ve highlighted the events you shouldn’t miss out on to celebrate Chinese New Year. Make sure you wear red for luck and go out with friends and family to celebrate this exciting holiday.

Art Exhibits and Performances

Where: Valkarie Gallery, 445 South Saulsbury St., Lakewood

When: 19 dates from Wednesday, February 14 to Sunday, March 11. Opening reception on Friday, February 16, 6 – 9:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

The Lowdown: Hosted by the Valkarie Gallery and Arts on Belmar, this art exhibition honors the Year of the Dog with installations of—dogs. These creative works celebrate Chinese culture in a unique way and showcase the mesmerizing talent of 50 artists from the region.

Where: Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts, University of Denver, 2344 East Iliff Ave., Denver

When: Select times from Thursday, February 15 to Sunday, February 18

Cost: Prices vary depending on seat and date.

The Lowdown: Kick off the Year of the Dog at the University of Denver and experience a beautiful blend of Eastern and Western instruments such as the Yamaha Electone, pipa and guzheng. The Denver International and Electronic Music Festival offers riveting performances for music lovers and others who enjoy this Chinese holiday. To purchase tickets, visit the Performing Arts Center website.

Where: Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place, Denver

When: Saturday, February 24 at 7 p.m.

Cost: TBD. Call 303-623-0106 for more information.

The Lowdown: The Paramount Theatre has invited the Guangdong Performing Arts Troupe for singing, dancing and acrobatics for an exhilarating show that illustrates the celebration and culture of Chinese New Year. It’s something you won’t want to miss if you’re looking for a show rich in entertainment.

Food

Listed below are the authentic Chinese food hotspots of Denver and the surrounding area and their official Chinese New Year celebration times. Each venue (minus the Dim Sum Pop-Up Food Truck) will feature Dragon and Lion Dances by the Colorado Asian Cultural Heritage Center.

Where: 2917 West Mississippi Ave., Denver

When: Saturday, February 17 at 10:30 a.m.

Cost: $11-$30

The Lowdown: Score amazing dim sum at this popular Chinese restaurant with cart-style serving and mouthwatering cuisine you’ll have a hard time sharing with your friends.

Where: 2200 West Alameda Ave., Denver

When: Saturday, February 17 at 12 p.m.

Cost: $11-$30

The Lowdown: With pushcarts and traditional Cantonese food, Super Star Asian Cuisine will satisfy you for lunch on Chinese New Year weekend.

Where: 2200 West Alameda Ave., Denver

When: Saturday, February 17 at 12:45 p.m.

Cost: $11-$30

The Lowdown: With imported ingredients, fresh seafood in tanks and more, the Pacific Ocean Marketplace (which has three locations in Denver, Aurora and Broomfield) seems like it’s straight out of China itself. This authentic Asian grocery store is preparing for the Year of the Dog by surprising shoppers with festivities.

Where: 3500 Larimer St., Denver

When: Saturday, February 17 at 5 p.m.

Cost: $85 including tax and tip

The Lowdown: If you want to ring in the Chinese New Year with a grand occasion, Hop Alley in RiNo is partnering with Hogshead Brewery and Campari to provide a surf and turf Chinese buffet, bottomless Hogshead brews, Campari cocktails, fireworks and raffle prizes for an extravagant party. To buy tickets, click here.

Where: Art Gym Denver, 1460 Leyden St., Denver

When: Saturday, February 17 from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Cost: $35

The Lowdown: The popular food truck WongWayVeg that serves vegan comfort food is converting into a dim sum pop-up just in time for Chinese New Year. With two seatings available at 6 and 8 p.m., the Dim Sum Pop-Up will have a special Chinese New Year celebration located at the Art Gym Denver.

Where: 3021 South Broadway, Englewood

When: Saturday, February 17 at 6:30 p.m.

Cost: $11-$30

The Lowdown: Head on down to Englewood for special Chinese dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Twin Dragon promises that it’s going to leave you full, so make sure you have a small lunch.

Where: 3006, 4251 East Mississippi Ave., Denver

When: Sunday, February 18 at 6 p.m.

Cost: $11-$30

The Lowdown: Standard takeout-style Chinese dishes are always tasty after a long day, so check out Ming’s Dynasty in Cherry Creek to see their official Chinese New Year celebration.

Where: 2200 West Alameda Ave. Unit #44, Denver

When: Sunday, February 18 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Cost: $11-$30

The Lowdown: As a popular restaurant with authentic dim sum cart service, Kings Land has been on the list for Chinese New Year hotspots for years, so make sure you get there early. There will be dragon dancers at 2 p.m. and the restaurant encourages everyone to wear red for luck.

Festivals

Where: Truong An Gifts, 333 South Federal Blvd., Denver

When: Saturday, February 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, February 18 at 2:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

The Lowdown: Truong An Gifts sells everything from gifts to tea in Denver, and wants you to celebrate Chinese New Year with them. With decorations, flowers, plants, fruits, red envelopes and more, this gift shop is hosting a street fair with festivities for after you shop. Dragon and lion dancers, firecrackers, raffles, an ice carving by professional ice carver Luan Bui and martial arts performances will be the highlight of this celebration.

Where: Citypoint Church, 200 South University Blvd., Denver

When: Saturday, February 17, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Cost: Free marketplace admission, $25 general admission to show

The Lowdown: Get a taste of Chinese culture at the Chinese New Year Gala, hosted by the Denver Chinese School. With traditional Chinese music, food, dancing and more, this gala offers authentic festivities put on our very own Chinese community in the Mile High City.

Where: Wildcat Mountain Auditorium, Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch

When: Saturday, February 17, 2 – 4 p.m.

Cost: $8 in advance, $11 at door

The Lowdown: The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association is partnering with the Great Wall Chinese Academy to celebrate the Year of the Dog with dance performances and a cultural fair. Authentic Chinese fan dancing is just one of the many events you won’t want to miss out on.

Where: Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Boulevard #437, Castle Rock

When: Sunday, February 18, 1 – 3 p.m.

Cost: Free

The Lowdown: The Outlets at Castle Rock knows how to put on a Chinese New Year party. The official fun began February 1, and this shopping center has been celebrating the 2018 Year of the Dog for nearly three weeks with Chinese activities all throughout the center. Kids 12 and under can decorate lanterns available at customer service, and turn them in to receive an eight dollar gift card to the Outlets in a red envelope for good luck, which is modeled after the traditional gift given to children during Chinese New Year. On Sunday, live performances by the Denver Chinese School-Jasmine Flower Dance Academy and the Denver Shaolin Kung Fu Academy will feature dragon dances and other entertainment.

More Chinese New Year Fun

Where: Lixin Acupuncture Clinics, 155 Cook St. Suite #401, Denver

When: Thursday, February 15, 4 – 8 p.m.

Cost: Free

The Lowdown: Enjoy appetizers and a free herbal face mask at Lixin Acupuncture Clinic in Denver for a relaxing way to start the Chinese New Year. Hurry and sign up quickly though since this offer is only available to the first twenty people who reserve the face masks in advance. RSVP by emailing [email protected]