2026 Chinese New Year Celebration

The Musicians Corner, Centennial Park is located at 2500 West End Ave, Nashville.

2026 Chinese New Year of the Horse Celebration PROGRAM:

We are grateful for the support from the Nissan Foundation, TN Arts Commission, Metro Nashville Arts Commission, Vanderbilt University and many more. See below.

The Celebration layout:

This year’s Fire Horse comes once every 60 years and symbolizes passion, intense energy, and ambition. 

Happy Lunar New Year of the FIRE HORSE!

Free Registration

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN) is hosting its annual Chinese New Year Celebration at Musicians Corner, Centennial Park on Saturday, 2/21/2026, from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Free registration is highly recommended to assist us to plan the event better for everyone.

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important and celebrated festival for Chinese people around the world including the Chinese Americans in middle TN.  It is a time to honor our ancestors, and it is also a time for family reunion, visiting relatives and friends.  Decorating red couplets at the doors or entrances is to avoid evil spirits, red envelopes are given to the children and elders to wish them good health and good fortune. Lion dance, dragon dance, and street folk dances are often performed to bring good luck to the community.  Firecrackers were ​l​it to scare away the legendary beast, and mark the new beginning of the new year.

This coming Lunar New Year is the Year of the Horse.  Horse symbolizes vitality, perseverance, warm heartedness, and success.

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN) is collaborating with many organizations and schools to make this 11th Annual Chinese New Year / Lunar New Year Celebration an exciting free event for the public. 

New this year for Chinese language learner to explore the intricate of Chinese language with a “Chinese Tongue Twister Friendly Competition." Please sign up to compete.

FYI:
We are adding "Tongue twister friendly competition" to challenge Chinese language learners to participate.  It is mostly for fun and to discover the intricate Chinese toner pronunciation. The first one will be the popular Horse and mother.

A Chinese Tongue Twister Friendly Competition will be hosted at the CNY Celebration at Centennial Park.  Participate, enjoy the challenge, and have fun!  

1st Tongue Twister Mother and horse tongue twister
 媽媽騎馬，馬慢，媽媽罵馬。妞妞騎牛，牛扭，妞妞扭牛。
(妈妈骑马，马慢，妈妈骂马。妞妞骑牛，牛扭，妞妞扭牛。)
(māma qí mǎ, mǎ màn, māma mà mǎ. NiūNiū qí niú, niú niǔ, niūniū niǔ niú.)
Mom rides a horse, the horse is slow, mom scolds the horse. Niu Niu rides a bull, the bull twists, Niu Niu twists the bull.

Start to practice today.  Compete for a very unique prize.   Sign up today!

Click the  "Sign Up" here to let CAAN knows that you are participating the fun Chinese Tongue Twister Friendly Competition.  Happy Lunar New Year of the HORSE!

We are grateful for the grants support from the Nissan Foundation, TN Arts Commission, Vanderbilt University, Metro Arts Commission, and the public! 

Sign up as a volunteer at the 2026 exciting Chinese New Year / Lunar New Year Celebration at the Musicians Corner in the Centennial Park. The date is Saturday 2/21/2025.

Click here to sign up. We divide the volunteering time into 3 shifts. You can sign up for 1 shift, 2 shifts or 3 shifts.

We thank you to help for making this event a success!

Volunteer sign up form link:
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSedy.../viewform

Jen-Jen Lin’s newest project, Chinese Drumming Infusion, will perform at 2:30 PM at the Ingram Hall Lobby, right before the Vanderbilt Blair School of Music’s “Music Unbound Artist Residency Series” concert at 3 PM. Jen-Jen Lin is the founder and director of the Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville. Drummers are Annibelle Chatman, Nate Donehue, Aleaf Dioubate, Anne Oppenheimer, Vincent Quinn and Jen-Jen Lin

The Series presents a special recital performance by Wu Fei, a classically trained composer, singer, and master of the guzheng, the 21-string Chinese zither. Join us for a mesmerizing experience with this genre-bending artist.

The Series Recital Performance will begin at 3:00 p.m. All guests are invited to arrive at 2:00 p.m. for the complete event experience. 

Free to Attend / Tickets Required
Reserve Tickets

https://blairschoolofmusic.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/instances/a0FVs00000ThqPFMAZ

Address: 2400 Blakemore Ave., Nashville, TN 37212Parking: Free parking is available at the Vanderbilt West Parking Garage on Childrens Way, directly across from Blair School of Music.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year of the HORSE at the Plaza Mariachi!

Saturday, Feb. 7th, 2026 (3 PM - 5:30 PM)

CAAN is collaborating with the Plaza Mariachi and bring family friendly activities and performances to celebrate the New Year!

Activities include Chinese yo yo workshop, CNY Arts & Crafts, Chinese Naming, Movements Exploration Workshop, TaiChi Workshop, Dance, Music in addition to the lion dance and dragon dance. Fun, fun, fun.

CNY Celebration at the Plaza Mariachi Announcements:

-The Nashville Symphony's Ensemble will play Asian music at the CNY Celebration at the Plaza Mariachi on Feb 7, Saturday in the late afternoon.

-The Nashville Ballet Teaching Artist, Shabaz Ujima, will lead a Horse movements workshop with us.

-Grammy Award winner, Abigail Washburn will join the performance.  We are going to have a blast!

INFO:　www.ChineseArtsAlliance.org

Free event, join us!

The Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville is grateful for the support from the Nissan Foundation, The TN Arts Commission, the Metro Arts Commission, and the Plaza Mariachi!

I am sorry, the event tickets have been sold out!

The Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN) is hosting an exquisite Chinese New Year Banquet prepared by the Sichuan Hot Pot & Asian Cuisine Restaurant.  

The Chinese New Year Banquet is an elegant ten-course event showcasing the restaurant’s specialties in celebration of the New Year of the Horse complete with a silent auction.  

CAAN’s lion dance team will visit to wish patrons a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year of the Horse! 

Tickets are available online here. Make your reservations by purchasing the tickets early!  Early Bird tickets are available before Jan 10, 2026.

Tickets purchase ends on Sunday Jan 25, 2026. 

Chinese New Year Ten-Course Banquet

Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026

Time: 5 PM-8:00 PM (seating starts at 5 PM, banquet served at 5:30 PM)

Venue: Sichuan Hot Pot & Asian Cuisine Restaurant (5680 Nolensville Pike, Nashville)

(CAAN is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization. 40% of your tickets paid is tax deductible. The restaurant's service-fee is included in the ticket.)

Notes:

- Chinese Banquet tables seat 10 people. If you purchase a single ticket, we will group you with a table of 10. If you and your friends would like to sit at the same table, please let us know by Jan 25, 2026.

-The Banquet has a ten-course set-menu, no substitutes. Thank you for understanding. 

-A bottle of water is included with the ticket. 

-Wine and beer are not included; but are available to purchase at the event. 

-Soft drinks, and hot tea are not included; but are available to purchase directly from the servers. 

-Free parking in front of the restaurant.

FAQs

Is my registration/ticket transferable?

Yes, it is transferable. Please let Chinese Arts Alliance know to whom you are transferring by Sunday, Jan 25, 2026. 

Is there kid’s (under 18) ticket?

No, all tickets are the same--one single ticket per person (for adults and children), and one table ticket for ten people. 

Can I substitute dishes from the menu?

No. This is a set menu event. Thank you for understanding. 

What if I would like to sit with my friends at this event when we bought our tickets separately?

No problem. Just send us an email before Jan 25, 2026 saying who you will like to sit with. 

What is the refund policy?

There are no refunds.  If you can’t make it, you may transfer your tickets to your friend by Sunday, Jan 25, 2026. 

Can I bring Alcohol to the event?

No, you can't bring your own alcohol (wine or beer) or other food to the event.  If you prefer your own alcohol, a corkage fee will be charged.  Thank you for understanding. 

Can I share the event with my friends and family?

Yes, please do pass on this event to anyone who is interested in an exciting Chinese New Year Celebration or Chinese food. 

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please contact us through CAAN's website: www.ChineseArtsAlliance.org

意氣風發，一馬當先，揚眉吐氣，馬到成功！

恭喜發财， 年年如意！

Happy Chinese New Year of Horse!

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN) is performing at the “Asian and Pacific Islanders Music Heritage Night” at 7:35 PM and 8:10 PM on Tuesday, 12/9/2025 at the Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville Predators, the professional ice hocky team, is celebrating the rich musical traditions of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures with its second Music Heritage Night of the season.

The game is Nashville Predators v. Colorado Avalanche at 8:30 PM. Purchase your tickets and come to see what CAAN can bring to the API Music Heritage Night. (Nashville Predators’ API game tickets link, click here)

CAAN’s Lion Dance Team will also perform inside the Arena at the 1st Intermission of the game!

7:35 PM

-CAAN’s performing program:

“Blossoming Petals - Double Fans Dance” choreographer: Jen-Jen Lin

Dance Nashville’ dancers: Anniebelle Chatman, Angela Chen, Lizung Lin, Huizhen Liu, Huiyen Lo, Fang Yu

-“Beautiful Sunset - TaiChi Fan form”

demonstrator: Jen-Jen Lin

-“Body Beats, “ a part of “Drumming Infusion Project,” created by Jen-Jen Lin in association with all performers.

performers: Annibelle Chatman, Jen-Jen Lin, Anne Oppenheimer, Nate Donehue, Vincent Quinn

8:10 PM & 1st Intermission of the game

-Lion Dance

CAAN’s Lion Dance Team: Lion dancers (Justin Chatman, Anne Oppenheimer, Keri Friedman, Eileen Yee); musicians (Jen-Jen Lin, CZ Chen, Lizung, Fang Yu)

View the film "YI YI." on your own, and then join the discussion on zoom. Free registration first to access the Zoom link.

Film and Discussion on Zoom with CAAN (Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville)

Date & Time: Monday 12/8/2025 7 PM to 8 PM

View the film, "YI YI," before 12/8/2025, and then join the discussion on zoom.

Nashville's Belcourt Theater is playing 2000 Best Director Award winner, Edward Yang's "YI YI" on Sat Dec 6 at midnight, and Sun Dec 7 at 7:30 PM. You also can rent "YI YI" from Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, or Fandango at Home.

We invite the Belcourt Theater's Education and Engagement Director, Allison Inman, as the facilitator. This is one of her favorite films through her career in films.

What the critics said about "YI YI?"

From New​ York​ Times: “In exchange for three hours of your time, YI YI will give you more life…. Movies are an inherently, sometimes cheaply emotional medium, but it takes a lot to make a grown critic cry. As I watched the final credits of YI YI through bleary eyes, I struggled to identify the overpowering feeling that was making me tear up. Was it grief? Joy? Mirth? Yes, I decided, it was all of these. But mostly, it was gratitude.” —A.O. Scott, NYT Critic’s Pick

Seattle Post-Intelligencer: “It's a magical film — an exquisitely made and exceedingly wise family drama that communicates a touching sense of the universality of the human condition, and leaves us with the rich emotional satisfaction we just don't seem to get often at the movies anymore.” —William Arnold

About the Director: Edward Yang

Chinese Name: 楊德昌

November 6, 1947 - June 29, 2007 in Taiwan

Birthplace: Shanghai City

In 1974, Yang went to the U.S. to study electrical engineering at the University of Florida. After finishing his studies, he worked as a computer engineer in Seattle. During his seven years there, Yang was inspired to become a filmmaker after watching Werner Herzog's "Aguirre, Wrath of God," which made him realize that making a great film does not necessarily have to rely on a big budget.

Edward Yang was a filmmaker who illustrated the life of the middle class in a rapidly changing Taiwanese society through beautiful long shots. His 2000 feature "Yi Yi (一一)," which explores the urban life in Taipei, made him the first Taiwanese director to earn the Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

If you missed CAAN's performance at the Celebrate Nashville, there is another opportunity to see CAAN's brilliant and energetic dances!

It is the first year that "PandaFest" is here in Nashville. It will be at the Fairground Nashville for 3 days, Friday 10/24 to Sunday 10/26.

CAAN is scheduled to present CAAN's various styles of Chinese dances on the opening night, Friday 10/24, at 6 PM.

Hope to see you there, and see what "PandaFest" from New York brings us!

CAAN's performing groups will present Chinese dances and demonstrate Tai Chi at the 2025 Celebrate Nashville in Centennial Park. 

CAAN's performing time is from 12:30 to 1:00 PM. 

Saturday, October 4th

Free event, all are invited.  

Program:

Artistic director/choreographer: JenJen Lin

Chinese Dragon Dance - 舞龍

Nashville Dragon Dance Team:

Russanne Buchi-Fotre, Stane Jones, Juliean Buchi-Fotre, Russell Buchi, Jenny Zi, Ping Mayo, Ted Marov, Connor Jones, Robert Nelson, David Ward.

Flower Drum Dance - 花鼓舞

S Project dancers:

Anne Oppenheimer, Jennie Li, Keri Friedman, Annibelle Chatman

Tai Chi Sword demonstration - 太極劍

Jen-Jen Lin & Cindy Hui-Lio

Blossoming Petals - 花團錦簇,春滿人間

Dance Nashville:

Lizung Lin (Sr. Coordinator), Annibelle Chatman (Coordinator),

Julie Buzzell, Bella Litton, Huizehen Liu, Huiyen Lo, Lynn Sherman, Xiaorong Zhao

Lion Dance - 舞獅

CAAN’s Lion Dance Groups:

Senior lion dancers-Justin Chatman, Keri Friedman, Anne Oppenheimer, Jian Perkins

lion dancers: Jennie Li, Michael Lin, Eileen Yee

student lion dancers: Mary Li, Caiming Chang, Meiling Chang, Linda Sharbel

Musicians: Jen-Jen Lin, CZ Chen, Lauren Mayo

Enjoy our presentations!

NOTE:

The entire “Celebrate Nashville” event is from 10 AM to 6 PM. Click here to see all info.

Tai Chi program at the Sevier Park will give a demo and workshop of Tai Chi at the Community Center Stage from 10:15 to 10:30 AM. Tai Chi instructor: Jen-Jen Lin.

Before all the exciting activities of “Celebrate Nashville,” let’s start the day with a calm and peaceful moves!

Join us!

CAAN is participating the Kidsville Family Festival on Saturday 9/27/2025.  Free event, join us at the Musicians Corner in Centennial Park

Look for Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville's Station from noon to 1:30 PM to enjoy Chinese YoYo learning and Bamboo Dragonfly making.

The entire Kidsville Family Festival event is from 10 AM to 3 PM Check it out!

Festival Info: click here

CAAN is celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month at the AAPI Arts Festival sponsored by the API Middle TN at Frist Art Museum. Free event, all are welcome. The entire event is from 11 AM to 4 PM.

CAAN is presenting “Flower Drum Dance” and “TaiChi Demonstration.” at 2 PM. Join the celebration to honor the AANHPI Americans’ contributions to the nation by sharing AANHPI arts and cultures.

Flower Drum Dance:
Dancers: Annibelle Chatman, Keri Friedman, and Anne Oppenheimer
Choreographer: Jen-Jen Lin

TaiChi Demonstration:
Demonstrators: Cindy Hui-Lio EdD, and Ryan Black

#AAPIHeritageMonth #APIMiddleTN #AANHPIHeritageMonth #TNArtsCommission #MetroNashvilleArtsCommission #ChineseDance #FlowerDrumDance #CAAN #ChineseArtsAlliance #AAPIArtsFestival #Nashville #FreeEvent

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN) is hosting a series of Chinese American arts and culture activities to share with the public.

Please visit CAAN's website www.ChineseArtsAlliance.org , CAAN's Facebook , and/or CAAN's Instagram for more info.

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Free Chinese Calligraphy Workshop at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center (1900 Davidson Street, Nashville)

Saturday, May 24, 2025

1 PM – 2 PM

Instructor: Dr. CZ Chen, retired professor from Austin Peay State University.

Chinese calligraphy is ​an art form of writing Chinese characters.  It combines the visual art aspect and the interpretation of the literary meaning.

This program is designed for beginning levels.

Everyone is welcome to join.

Papers, brushes, and ink will be provided.

Free register here and understand that you have agreed for a liability waivers.  

15 spots to free register.

May is the official AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islanders) Heritage Month.

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN) is hosting series of free Chinese American arts and culture activities to share with the public.   Everyone is welcome.

 Please visit CAAN's website www.ChineseArtsAlliance.org , CAAN's Facebook , and/or CAAN's Instagram for more info.

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville  (CAAN) appreciates the support from  the TN Arts Commission, Metro Nashville Arts Commission, Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, and the public.

AAPI Month project coordinator: Jen-Jen Lin 

Kungfu Tea Making Demo

A Chinese Tea Party

Come and enjoy the fragment and a taste of the KF tea!

Free Registration: email wpnc@nashville.gov to register.

Kung Fu tea making is about the art of the traditional tea brewing process. It's a ritual way of enjoying the fragment and profound taste of fine tea.

Demonstrator: Fang Yu from the Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville

May is the official AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islanders) Heritage Month.

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN) is hosting series of free Chinese American arts and culture activities to share with the public.   Everyone is welcome.

 Please visit CAAN's website www.ChineseArtsAlliance.org , CAAN's Facebook , and/or CAAN's Instagram for more info.

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville  (CAAN) appreciates the support from  the TN Arts Commission, Metro Nashville Arts Commission, Percy Warner Park Nature Center, and the public.

AAPI Month project coordinator: Jen-Jen Lin 

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN) is hosting a series of Chinese American arts and culture activities to share with the public.  

 Please visit CAAN's website www.ChineseArtsAlliance.org , CAAN's Facebook , and/or CAAN's Instagram for more info.

Free TAiCHi Workshop at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center (1900 Davidson Street, Nashville)

Saturday, May 17, 2025

10 AM - 11 AM

“Tai chi can improve both lower-body strength and upper-body strength. When practiced regularly, tai chi can be comparable to resistance training and brisk walking.”-Harvard Health

This program is designed for beginning levels.  Everyone is welcome to join.

Please wear comfortable outfits, shoes, and bring your own water to participate.

Free register here and understand that you have agreed for a liability waiver.

May is the official AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islanders) Heritage Month. CAAN hosts a series of Chinese American arts and activities to share with public. Everyone is welcome.

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville  (CAAN) appreciates the support from  the TN Arts Commission, Metro Nashville Arts Commission, Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, and the public. AAPI Month project coordinator: Jen-Jen Lin 

Try out TaiChi at the Percy Warner Park Nature Center (Free Workshop)

Thursday, May 8, 2025

10 AM – 11 AM

Wear comfortable outfits and bring Water.

Age level: All ages

If you are interested in learning TaiChi, email us at ChineseArtsAllianceofNashville@gmail.com, and let us know or find out more info.

Registration opens on April 24; email wpnc@nashville.gov to register.

TaiChi moves gently with a calm mind, it is nicknamed “Meditation in Motion.” TaiChi has been proven scientifically that it benefits health and wellness. This is an introductory workshop to TaiChi.

Instructor: Jen-Jen Lin from the Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville

May is the official AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islanders) Heritage Month.

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN) is hosting series of free Chinese American arts and culture activities to share with the public.   Everyone is welcome.

 Please visit CAAN's website www.ChineseArtsAlliance.org , CAAN's Facebook , and/or CAAN's Instagram for more info.

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville  (CAAN) appreciates the support from  the TN Arts Commission, Metro Nashville Arts Commission, Percy Warner Park Nature Center, and the public.

AAPI Month project coordinator: Jen-Jen Lin 

Let's celebrate Tai Chi by attending 2025 World TaiChi and QiGong Day on the last Sat from 10 AM to noon.

Free Demonstrations and Workshops provided by local TaiChi/QiGong Instructors.

TaiChi is a low-impact exercise that was from Chinese martial arts.  It strengthens and balances our mind and body, and has been practiced for health purposes in the US as well as in Asia. 

 Participating TaiChi/QiGong instructors are

Steve Heath, Private lesson instructor of Yi Quan & Tai Chi

Peter Hodes, Instructor at “Tai Chi River”

Cindy Hui-Lio Ed.D, Instructor at “Osher Ct for Integrative Medicine at Vanderbilt”  

Jen-Jen Lin, Instructor at “TaiChi at the Sevier Park Community Center” - Metro Nashville Parks

Joe Rea Phillips, Private Taiji lesson instructor

Anna Teeples, Instructors at “Tai Chi Nash”

Join us to share, celebrate and practice TaiChi at these two special hours on 4/26/2025.

Making Snake Paper Arts/Crafts for the SNAKE YEAR

Sevier Park Community Center

3021 Lealand Ln, Nashville

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Free program for kids

All are welcome

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN) is delighted to share the SNAKE Arts/Crafts making project for kids at the Sevier Park Community Center. We would like share the Asian culture with the Sevier Park community. Bring your children and join us after school on Wed. 4/7/2025!

May is the official AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islanders) Heritage Month.

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN) is hosting series of free Chinese American arts and culture activities to share with the public.  Everyone is welcome.

 Please visit CAAN's website www.ChineseArtsAlliance.org , CAAN's Facebook , and/or CAAN's Instagram for more info.

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville  (CAAN) appreciates the support from  the TN Arts Commission, Metro Nashville Arts Commission, Sevier Park Community Center,, and the public.

AAPI Month project coordinator: Jen-Jen Lin 

TN Crafts in the Spring is from May 2-4. CAN is committed to host a Paper Snake Arts/Crafts table at the Kids Tent. We will be there on Sunday, from 10 AM to 5 PM

It’s a SNAKE year, come and enjoy DIY paper Snake by paper folding, cutting, and pasting.

Stop by any time on Sunday!

May is the official AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islanders) Heritage Month.

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN) is hosting series of free Chinese American arts and culture activities to share with the public.  Everyone is welcome.

 Please visit CAAN's website www.ChineseArtsAlliance.org , CAAN's Facebook , and/or CAAN's Instagram for more info.

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville  (CAAN) appreciates the support from  the TN Arts Commission, Metro Nashville Arts Commission, TN Crafts, and the public.

AAPI Month project coordinator: Jen-Jen Lin 

Paper Art Workshop for kids

at Thompson Lane Branch Library

Saturday, April 5, 2025, 3 PM

It’s Snake Lunar Year, CAAN’s staff and volunteers are teaching children how to make make Snake Finger Puppet, Coiled Snake Bracelets, Snake Headband, and use paper to fold a snake!

Free arts/Crafts activity, all are welcome.