Denver's Far East Center to unveil new mural, historic landmark plaque at Lunar New Year festival

The center will celebrate 35 years of hosting one of Denver's largest Lunar New Year events.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Far East Center in Denver's Little Saigon neighborhood is preparing to unveil a new mural by local artist Ratha Sok and receive a historic landmark plaque at its upcoming Lunar New Year festival. The two-day celebration will feature cultural performances, food, and vendors, drawing thousands of visitors annually.

Why it matters

The Far East Center is the heart of Denver's vibrant Little Saigon district, established in the 1970s by Vietnamese refugees. Receiving historic landmark status and debuting a new mural celebrating the community's cultural identity underscores the center's longstanding role in preserving and promoting Asian heritage in the city.

The details

Artist Ratha Sok, a first-generation Cambodian American, is creating a mural with three lions to represent family, culture, and prosperity. The Lunar New Year festival will also feature lion and dragon dances, cultural performances, a noodle-eating contest, food trucks, and over 20 local vendors. This year's celebration marks the 35th anniversary of the event, which typically draws between 5,000 and 7,000 visitors per day.

  • The Lunar New Year festival will take place on February 21-22, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • The Far East Center was added to Colorado's State Register of Historic Properties in 2024.

The players

Ratha Sok

A first-generation Cambodian American contemporary artist who is creating a mural for the Lunar New Year festival.

Mimi Luong

The family member who owns and manages the Far East Center.

Joie Ha

The executive director of Colorado Asian Pacific United, who described Little Saigon as the "beating heart of our community."

Jared Polis

The Governor of Colorado, who will attend the Lunar New Year celebration to acknowledge the Far East Center's contributions to Denver's diverse community.

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What they’re saying

“I'm painting three lions, and it's a fun, playful mural celebrating culture and heritage. Lions represent family, culture and prosperity.”

— Ratha Sok, Artist

“Over the two days, the community can expect a full lineup of cultural and family-friendly festivities, including lion and dragon dances, cultural performances, K-pop dance showcases, and our always-popular Bún Đặc Biệt (combination noodle bowl) eating contest, along with much more. We'll also have food trucks, street food vendors, and 20+ local vendors, creating a lively marketplace that reflects the flavors, creativity, and diversity of our community.”

— Mimi Luong, Owner and manager of the Far East Center

“Little Saigon is the beating heart of our community. Like the lotus that emerges from mud, we have risen resolute regardless of the circumstances. It is a testament of our people's resilience that, despite being displaced from our homelands thousands of miles away, we can still blossom.”

— Joie Ha, Executive director of Colorado Asian Pacific United (History Colorado)

What’s next

The Far East Center will unveil its Historic Designated Landmark plaque at the Lunar New Year festival, recognizing it as a historic site.

The takeaway

The Far East Center's Lunar New Year celebration is a longstanding tradition that showcases the vibrant cultural identity and resilience of Denver's Asian American community, as evidenced by the new mural, historic landmark designation, and continued growth of this annual event.