Ah Louis Store to host Lunar New Year celebration during SLO farmers’ market
Block party will take place two blocks north of the regularly scheduled farmers’ market on Higuera Street
– The Ah Louis Store, in collaboration with the City of San Luis Obispo and the Downtown San Luis Obispo Farmers’ Market, will host a Lunar New Year celebration on Thursday, Jan. 30, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The event will take place on the 800 block of Palm Street in the Chinatown Historic District.
The Palm Street Block Party, which will feature a ribbon-cutting, food vendors, and live performances, continues the tradition of the 2024 Lunar New Year Block Party, which marked the 150th anniversary of the Ah Louis Store. 2025 is the year of the wood snake in the Chinese zodiac.
“The overwhelming response to last year’s event, coupled with the deep sense of community it fostered, reaffirmed our commitment to reviving the rich traditions of San Luis Obispo’s historic Chinatown,” said Amber Karson of the Ah Louis Store. “By reinstating these time-honored Lunar New Year celebrations, we honor the legacy of our predecessors and ensure that the vibrant history of our community remains alive for future generations.”
The block party will take place two blocks north of the regularly scheduled farmers’ market on Higuera Street. Both events are free and open to the public.
Ribbon-cutting for Chong’s Candy sign
At 5:30 p.m., a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at the Palm Street Parking Garage for the historic Chong’s Candy neon sign. The sign, which originally stood at Chong’s Homemade Candy Store from 1950 to 1978, was restored and installed in February 2024. Informational panels featuring historical photographs and contextual details will accompany the sign.
Cultural booths and performances
The block party begins at 6 p.m. and will include booths hosted by the Ah Louis Store, Cal Poly Chinese Student Association, Central Coast Chinese Association, City of San Luis Obispo Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Inari Tea & Art Experiences, Mee Heng Low Noodle House, Ox + Anchor, Palm Theatre, Sichuan Kitchen San Luis Obispo, and Sequel Tea.
The Central Coast Chinese Association will present live music, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional Chinese dance performances from 6 to 6:30 p.m. The Cal Poly Lion Dance Team will perform from 6:30 to 7 p.m., followed by a traditional tea ceremony demonstration by Inari Tea Lounge at 7:30 p.m.
Film screening at Palm Theatre
At 7 p.m., the Palm Theatre will screen “The Search for General Tso” in collaboration with Ox + Anchor at Hotel San Luis Obispo. Guests can pair the screening with an exclusive three-course prix fixe dinner at Ox + Anchor as part of the “Indies + Eats” program. Tickets and reservations are available at hotel-slo.com/events/indies+eats.
Parking and road closures
Parking structures downtown, including the one at 842 Palm Street, will remain open during the event. Roads within the farmers’ market boundaries close at 5 p.m., and vehicles parked in these areas will be towed. Additional parking details are available at slocity.org/parking.
About Lunar New Year and the Chinatown Historic District
Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, begins on Jan. 29 and marks the start of the Year of the Wood Snake. The snake symbolizes wisdom, intelligence, and creativity, while the wood element represents growth and renewal.
San Luis Obispo’s Chinatown Historic District was once a hub for Chinese and Asian communities, with figures such as Ah Louis contributing to local infrastructure and development. Landmarks like the Ah Louis Store and Mee Heng Low Noodle House remain as enduring symbols of the city’s cultural heritage.
For more information about the event, visit slochinatownhistoricdistrict.com.
