Tampa Bay boasts a truly international crowd, and Chinese New Year is widely marked in the area. The Chinese-American Association of Tampa Bay usually throws a considerable celebration downtown with Chinese dances, costumes, food, and various entertainment. Some festivities also take place at the Oceanic Oriental Market and nearby Blake High School.
The Lunar New Year celebration at Water Works Park (unconfirmed in 2024)
The Suncoast Association of Chinese Americans (SACA) hosts the Lunar New Year celebration at Water Works Park in Tampa. It features numerous cultural performances, Chinese food delicacies, a photo-op with a panda for kids as well as various crafts and family-friendly activities. Admission to the festival is free for the public.
Water Works Park features great waterfront views and a riverwalk along the Hillsborough River. Chinese New Year celebration there runs from 11:30 am to 4 pm. The main highlights include Lion dances and a Peking opera performance, as well as martial arts demonstrations, various folk and modern dances, and live music played with traditional Chinese instruments. Food vendors offer a variety of Asian cuisines, including kabobs, meat buns, noodles, Thai desserts, and other delicious treats.
