Lunar New Year Festival

Go bananas at this Year-of-the-Monkey bash spotlighting Asian culture through food, drink and music. Hosted by the team behind Xi'an Famous Foods, the annual event benefits the Apex For Youth, a nonprofit that provides opportunities for young, low-income immigrants in NYC. Your do-good ticket grants you access to the night-market-inspired spread of Eastern bites ($2 to $6) provided by Xi'an Famous Foods (spicy cumin lamb burgers), Nom Wah Tea Parlor (dim sum) and Otafuku (rice burgers), as well as live performances from the likes of electronic-rap outfit Far East Movement and singer-songwriter Kina Grannis. Pony up an extra $60 or $220 for VIP or V-VIP tickets to access to the venue's second- and third-floor balconies and separate bar areas.