Summer Festival - 2nd weekend in July
Our neighborhood hosts the largest Pan-Asian American street-fair in the Pacific Northwest. The Chinatown International District Summer Festival has been a community event since 1975. Held annually on the second weekend of July. This annual two-day event includes kids & family activities, cultural dances, musical performance, karaoke contest, and over 100 booths featuring arts & crafts, local business, community organizations and much more! 

INFORMATION ABOUT SUMMER FESTIVAL 2009 

Night Market - August

Held during summer nights every year. Each evening features local vendors offering shoppers tempting foods, gifts, art and other must have accessories. This annual open-air street market brings together thousands of people, young and old, to experience shopping, eating, ongoing entertainments, games and movies at the heart of Chinatown International District.

 
Lunar New Year Celebration - Late January or early February

Also known as Chinese New Year, is considered a major holiday in Chinese as well as many Asian cultures. The festival begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15^th; the dates varies each year but is usually celebrated between late January to the beginning of February on a western calendar. Traditionally, members of the family will gather together for a reunion dinner, and elderly will pass out red envelopes that contain money to young children as a symbol of good luck. Lion and dragon dances are common during the Lunar New Year celebration. It is also a cultural tradition to light up firecrackers to create small explosions that intends to scare evil spirits away. Decorations such as Chinese calligraphy posters as well as red paper lanterns are part of greeting the New Year.

The 2009 Lunar New Year Celebration will take place in the heart of Chinatown-International District on January 31, 2009. This multi-cultural tradition features lively Lion and Dragon dances, taiko drumming, various cultural performances and family activities around Hing Hay Park. Traditional cuisines and specials are available at restaurants and retail stores throughout the district.