Lunarfest Parade in the Whitney-Audubon District
Lunarfest 2026 – Year of the HORSE
Join Yale-China Association on Saturday, February 21 at 10am on Whitney Avenue to ring in the New Year with their lion dance parade. After the parade, attend workshops, performances, and more inside Downtown New Haven venues.
Lunarfest is Connecticut’s largest annual Lunar New Year celebration. Featuring a traditional lion dance troupe, local artists, and local organizations, the annual festivities are full of learning, culture, arts, and fun.
Lunarfest 2026 Full Schedule of Activities COMING SOON!
Lion Dance Parade
Whitney Avenue between Grove and Trumbull, 10am-11:30am
Join us for the parade down Whitney Avenue to ring in the Year of the Horse. The parade will begin at the intersection of Whitney Avenue and Grove Street and move north. Our showstopper featuring speeches from local leaders, the traditional lion dance, and performances by the Wu Dang Kung Fu Academy students will take place in front of Katalina’s and Hong Kong Market.
Zodiac Scavenger Hunt in the Whitney-Audubon Retail & Arts District, Time TBA
Get your clue list at the info tent in front of Hong Kong Market and Katalina’s Bakery. Find all 12 zodiac animals in storefront windows to win a prize. A voucher to Katalina’s Bakery (free cookie, cupcake or warm beverage), Willoughby’s Coffee & Tea (free warm beverage), or Vía Láctea (free cone) will be awarded to the first 120 people who bring a completed clue list to the info tent. Other prizes will be available for those who complete the hunt. Sponsored in part by the Whitney-Audubon Retail & Arts District.
Parade Day Discounts & Offers!
Mention the Lunarfest Parade to receive the following discounts on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Affinity Federal Credit Union
55 Whitney Avenue | New Haven
Giveaways during the parade, and anyone who opens a new account will be entered to win a $100 gift card.
Connex Credit Union
2 Whitney Avenue | New Haven
Stop by our vendor table at Connex for giveaways during the parade. Anyone who opens a new account will be entered to win a gift card.
Costa Pizza
9 Whitney Avenue | New Haven
10% off with $15+ purchase.
Crepes Choupette
24 Whitney Avenue | New Haven
Free lemonade or orange juice with the purchase of any crepe.
Gilden’s Jewelers
55 Whitney Avenue | New Haven
25% off Citizen and Bulova watches *in stock only.
Good Nature Market
44 Whitney Avenue | New Haven
10% off.
Habesha Restaurant & Bar
46 Whitney Avenue | New Haven
10% off any food purchase.
Katahdin Furniture
60 Whitney Avenue | New Haven
25% off all toys.
Kennedy & Perkins Opticians
80 Whitney Avenue | New Haven
20% discount on frame & RX lenses and non-prescription sunglasses. No other discount or insurance applies.
OddBins Bottle Shop
1 Whitney Avenue | New Haven
10% off any bottle of wine on February 21, 2026.
The Giggling Pig
55 Whitney Avenue | New Haven
10% off open studio time on February 21, 2026.
Vía Láctea
2 Whitney Avenue | New Haven
Free topping with any ice cream purchase.
Willoughby’s Coffee & Tea
258 Church Street | New Haven
Purchase any specialty coffee or tea drink and get one free (not valid on bottled drinks).
Post-Parade Activities!
Free workshops at Peabody Museum; Wushu performances, and mini-classes at New Haven Museum; Photo Booth and crafts at New Haven Free Public Library, and so much more! The activity schedule will be announced soon!
Explore all the retailers and restaurants at The Shops at Yale and in the Whitney-Audubon District.