2023 Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration

Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday, January 28th, 2023
12:00-4:00pm (parade kick-off at 1:00pm)

REROUTE NOTICE: The parade is being rerouted this year due to CTA construction. The parade will kick-off at Argyle & Winthrop, head west on Argyle, north on Broadway, east on Winona, and south on Sheridan back to Argyle. The parade will NOT be proceeding down Ainslie this year.

Join Uptown United and 48th Ward Alderman Harry Osterman on Argyle Street in 2023 as Uptown continues its annual tradition going back 40+ years of celebrating the Lunar New Year! To welcome the Year of the Rabbit, we’ll be hosting the Lunar New Year Parade on Saturday January 28th (kick-off at 1:00pm sharp at Argyle & Winthrop) featuring 20+ local community groups, cultural institutions, dancers and performers! In addition, a number of local organizations are planning pop-ups with family-friendly activities that day between 12:00-4:00pm.

If you would like to support this free event, along with our other free Uptown community events throughout the year, by making a tax-deductible donation to Uptown United, please click here!

Lunar New Year is a time for fresh starts—it’s about sweeping away the bad luck of the previous year to make room for the good luck of the new year. Since 1981, Uptown has celebrated the start of the new Lunar Year with celebrations, programming, food, and art.

LUNAR NEW YEAR PROGRAMMING:

Lunar New Year Stories and Crafts
12:00 –12:45 p.m.
Bezazian Branch, 1226 W. Ainslie Street

Welcome the Lunar New Year with a special story time and craft in advance of the annual Uptown parade. We’ll share rabbit-themed stories and rhymes. Then, make rabbit ear headbands or rabbit doodles with glasses! Immediately following, take a quick walk east to join Uptown United on Argyle Street as we continue the annual tradition of celebrating the Lunar New Year. For kids 2 and up with their caregivers. Register online here!

A THEATRICAL EXHIBIT:
Explore the Story of The Chinese Lady
12:30 – 4:00 pm
TimeLine Theatre Company hosted at Chinese Mutual Aid Association
1016 W. Argyle Street

Stop by CMAA to peruse a special exhibit from TimeLine Theatre Company, celebrating the story of Afong Moy, the first Chinese woman to arrive in the United States. Explore information about Afong Moy’s life in the 19th century and how her experiences resonate today, and view photos of TimeLine’s recent production about her—The Chinese Lady by Lloyd Suh—and behind-the-scenes of the design that brought it to life, including a costume from the show. Plus, learn more about TimeLine’s future new home in Uptown! Envisioned as far more than a theatre, this new neighborhood facility will be a welcoming gathering space for entertainment, education, and community engagement.

Lunar New Year Activities
1:00 –4:00 p.m.
Latin School 3rd Space, 4956 N. Sheridan Rd.

Stop by Latin School’s 3rd Space for some family-friendly lunar new year activities!

Post-Parade Performances!
1:45 – 2:30pm
Corner of Argyle & Winthrop (outdoor stage)

Join us at the intersection of Argyle & Winthrop once the parade ends for performances by local groups including the CMAA youth dancers (lion & lotus), Swift Elementary, UIC’s Hoang Phuc Lion Dance Association, and Ajummas Rising.

HOW-TO-GUIDE

Check out our 2023 Argyle Lunar New Year Guide for maps, traditions, neighborhood events, and info about local organizations!

UPTOWN FOOD GUIDE

To celebrate the rich culinary offerings of this neighborhood, Uptown United & the Uptown Chamber of Commerce have published a Food Guide to highlight the many unique dishes and restaurants that have established Uptown as a diverse, vibrant, thriving, and strong Chicago neighborhood.

Uptown Food Guide

SUPPORT LOCAL ARGYLE BUSINESSES

Looking for a business to support on Argyle? Take a look at the business listing below. AND….starting this Thursday, January 26th, you can stop by one of the businesses below indicated with a ♦ to pick up your free Lucky Envelope with a complimentary Year of the Rabbit sticker, PLUS….inside just a few of these envelopes will also be a Lucky Golden Ticket good for a special Year of the Rabbit gift from Uptown United. Limited quantity of lucky envelopes available per business.