The Year of the Snake is upon us. Lunar New Year is Wednesday, Jan. 29 — according to the Chinese zodiac, this is the Year of the Wood Snake, which happens once every 60 years.
This is a time for feasting, celebrating, and preparing for the year ahead. Here are a few local ways to ring in the new year:
On Friday, Jan. 31, the Highland Brewing Event Center will host its first Chinese Street Food + Night Market from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets will include four food items and four Highland beer samples, and vendors will be on site selling artisan goods.
Highland Brewing Co.'s Lunar New Year Tap Room Celebration will take place on Saturday, Feb. 1. Starting at 11 a.m. you can immerse yourself in the lights, sounds, and flavors of the family-friendly festival. The event will feature food vendors, kids activities, and entertainment including dragon dances from Dragon Phoenix.
Try your hand at the Lunar New Year Disc Golf Tournament hosted by Highland Brewing on Saturday, Feb. 1 starting at 6 p.m. The competition will illuminate the night with glow-in-the-dark discs on a 9-hole course. Prizes and beer will be awarded to winning teams.
WNC APPI is hosting its Lunar New Year potluck on Saturday, Feb. 1, 4-8 p.m. Celebrate with food, company and karaoke — email the group to participate and for location information.
Roll to Zen Sushi to try its Lunar New Year Roll, available through the end of the month. The celebratory sushi has spicy lobster salad, Kani, and cream cheese in soy paper with tuna on top.
Pop Bubble Tea will introduce its celebratory Lunar New Year drink on Friday, Jan. 24. It will be available through the end of the month.
On Friday, Jan. 31, Highland Brewing will release its collaborative Honey Amber Lager on draft + in bottles. The limited-edition beer is made using local WNC honey.