Phoenix Chinese Culture And Cuisine Festival: Still Happening

PHOENIX, AZ — There is an observable trend of Chinese New Year festivity cancellations resulting from new coronavirus concerns in Beijing, Paris, across the U.S. and even in Tucson. But Phoenix isn't following the trend: Its Chinese Culture and Cuisine Festival is still happening this Friday through Sunday.

The 30th annual festival’s opening ceremony starts at noon Friday, celebrating the Chinese New Year 4718 or “the year of the rat.” The festival includes lion and dragon dances, Chinese traditional and folk dances, martial arts demonstrations, Chinese arts and crafts, musical performances, a chop stick challenge, koi fish exhibit, mahjong booth, kids’ pavilion and more.

Authentic Chinese food is available, as are food truck favorites and a beer garden. Vendors will also sell souvenirs.

The Chinese Culture and Cuisine Festival runs until 3 p.m. on Friday, then resumes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Margaret T. Hance Park East, 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix.

Admission is free to the festival, sponsored by the Phoenix Sister Cities Inc., Phoenix Chinese Week Committee and Phoenix Sister Cities Chengdu and Taepei communities.

A case of the new coronavirus from China in the ASU community was confirmed near the end of January.