2026 is the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, which is the seventh animal in the 12-year cycle. To kick off the Lunar New Year, the third annual Taste of Chinatown! Festival returns for a month-long celebration, complete with special food and drink collaborations, pop-ups of all kinds, and family-friendly activities at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre.
“Lunar New Year is a time for celebration, and in the Year of the Horse, we embrace the spirit of vitality and community,” says Carol Lee, Chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. “Taste of Chinatown! is an opportunity for the Foundation to work alongside local businesses and partners to celebrate Chinatown as a unique and beloved destination in Vancouver.”
Pop-up events at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre
The fun kicks off with a Chinatown Cocktail Showdown on Feb. 6, 2026, at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. Taking place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. ($98 per person), the exciting competition will feature eight of Chinatown’s most celebrated bars and restaurants, including Bagheera, Bao Bei, Chickadee, Fiorino, Keefer Bar, Kissa Tanto, Laowai, and Meo.
Mixologists will serve up delicious Lunar New Year-inspired sips, with guests voting for their favourite cocktail alongside a judges’ pick announced at the end of the evening.
From 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, there will be a guided Sip & Paint workshop ($60 per person) led by Vancouver artist Justine Crawford. Participants will create a Lunar New Year–inspired lantern while enjoying curated sips from Haywire Winery.
From noon to 3 p.m. on Family Day (Monday, Feb. 16, 2026), families can take part in a drop-in workshop exploring the tradition of Fai Cheun, creating handwritten calligraphy blessings to welcome the new year.
On Feb. 20, 2026, you can try your hand at playing Mahjong, whether you have experience or not! The Centre’s Mahjong Parlour ($38 per person) officially opens from 7 to 9 p.m., inviting guests to play, watch, or learn the game in the heart of Chinatown.
Finally, the festival will include a drop-in day for red envelope crafting and candy tasting on Feb. 22, 2026. According to organizers, this activity symbolizes togetherness and good wishes for the Year of the Horse.
On the same day, Master Chef Canada winner Chris Siu will be on site at the Daan Go Cake Lab pop-up.
Month-long festivities
There are also a slew of exciting collaborations to look forward to throughout the month of February. This includes local gift shop Foo Hung Curios‘ collab with Haywire Winery, a special Lunar New Year red wine pop-up launching Jan. 13, 2026.
The local shop has also collaborated with Chairman Ting to create limited-edition sweatshirts with lululemon, which will launch on Feb. 6. All proceeds go towards the programs at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre.
The Centre and Fairmont Hotel Vancouver are hosting a special Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea service at Notch8, running between Jan. 9 and Feb. 22, 2026. Those who partake in afternoon tea get complimentary admission to the Chinatown Storytelling Centre throughout the festival.
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver will also host a Foo Hung Curios pop-up on Lunar New Year Day: Feb. 17, 2026.
Mark your calendars!
When: Starts on Feb. 6, events throughout February 2026
Time: Varies per event
Where: Locations across Chinatown
Cost: Free and ticketed events
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