February 2026 Newsletter
Pictured is the 2026 Board and Staff of the Asian District Cultural Association— Meet the Board on the “Who We Are” page.
Photo by Benji Sukmanee
Welcome to the Year of the Fire Horse
The Year of the Horse is known for movement, independence, and momentum. When paired with the Fire element, that energy is amplified.
The Fire Horse symbolizes:
Boldness & passion – a year that encourages courage and confidence
Transformation & action – ideal for new ventures, leadership, and change
Freedom & forward motion – a push to break barriers and embrace authenticity
Horses are spirited, hardworking, and driven by purpose. Fire brings intensity, creativity, and warmth. Together, they remind us that progress often requires bravery and that growth comes from movement.
Traditionally, the Year of the Horse is seen as a time to:
Take initiative
Trust your instincts
Build momentum toward long-term goals
Reconnect with personal and cultural identity
The Lore of the Chinese Zodiac
A story written in stars, animals, and centuries of tradition
For more than 2,000 years, the Chinese Zodiac has helped tell the story of time. Rooted in the lunar calendar, the Zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal whose traits are believed to influence the year’s energy and the people born within it.
Legend says the Jade Emperor invited animals to a great race across a river. The order in which they arrived determined their place in the Zodiac. From the clever Rat to the loyal Dog and gentle Pig, each animal carries symbolism tied to personality, fortune, relationships, and destiny.
Beyond the animals, each year is also paired with one of the Five Elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water—creating a 60-year cycle. These elements shape the tone of the year, adding depth and balance to the Zodiac’s meaning.
At the Asian District Cultural Association, we celebrate traditions like the Chinese Zodiac not only as history, but as living culture. These stories connect generations, preserve heritage, and reminds us that our communities are deeply rooted in wisdom, resilience, and shared humanity.
As we step into the Year of the Fire Horse, may it bring clarity, courage, and community, and may we move forward together with purpose and pride.
✨ Happy Lunar New Year from the Asian District Cultural Association ✨
ADCA at the OKC MLK Alliance Parade
On January 19, the Asian District proudly walked in the OKC MLK Alliance Parade alongside the incredible GQ Lion Dance team, and we’re honored to share that we were named 2026 Adult Marchers Winners!
The weather was cold, but our spirits (and pride) were strong as we showed up to celebrate community, culture, and unity in the heart of OKC. Thank you to everyone who marched, cheered, and supported! 💛
Hoops of Fortune with Thunder OKC
Photos courtesy of OKC Thunder
Asian District Cultural Association was thrilled to host the 2nd annual Hoops of Fortune in partnership with the Oklahoma City Thunder, on February 4, 2026, at the Paycom Center. This free community event brought together the Asian community and friends for an unforgettable evening celebrating culture, connection, and the love of the game.
The night was filled with vibrant cultural performances that energized the arena, featuring the Rakuten Girls, KAPWA OKC, KANPAI Taiko drumming and the St. Andrew Dung Lac Lion Dance Association. Each performance showcased the richness and diversity of Asian cultures and was met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
On the court, the excitement continued as teams from the Oklahoma Asian Basketball Association faced off in a thrilling matchup that went into double overtime due to a tied score—keeping everyone on the edge of their seats and adding to the electric atmosphere of the evening.
One of the highlights of the event was welcoming the globally popular Rakuten Girls from Taiwan’s Rakuten Monkeys professional baseball team, who flew in especially for Hoops of Fortune. During their visit, they explored Oklahoma City, connected with the local community, and brought international flair and joy to the celebration, making the event truly unforgettable.
Thank you to our partners, performers, volunteers, and everyone who came out to celebrate culture, community, and fun with us. We can’t wait to see you at the next Hoops of Fortune! 🏀🧧✨
2026 Year of the Fire Horse Merch!
Our 2026 merch has officially dropped, and they’re bold, powerful, and full of fire— just like the year head!
Shop now through February 22!
Community Resources & Know Your Rights
After hearing concerns from members of our community, ADCA has created a new Community Resources page on our website. As a nonpartisan organization, we believe in ensuring our community has access to accurate, trustworthy information and support.
The page shares Know Your Rights information in multiple languages, immigration legal resources, and preparedness plans to help individuals and families feel informed and prepared.
Upcoming Events
💘 Valentine’s Edition: Pitch to Pair
Friday, February 14
6:30–9:00 PM
📍 Han Jan Pocha
What better way to celebrate a fiery, fearless year than with connection and community?
Join us for our Valentine’s Edition of Pitch to Pair, a playful, low-pressure singles event where friends (or the universe 👀) help “pitch” why someone would make a great match. Whether sparks fly or friendships form, it’s all about fun, laughter, and showing up as yourself.
✨ Tickets are $35 and include two complimentary margaritas.
Meet The Singles
Brittanie, 26 – Female, Straight
Brynn, 24 – Female, Straight
Gabi, 27 – They/Them, LGBTQIA
Hisseth, 29 – Female, Straight
Imran, 27 – Male, Straight
Jacob, 27 – Male, Straight
Kaleigh, 23 – Female, LGBTQIA
Lauren, 25 – Female, LGBTQIA
Michael, 31 – Male, Straight
Myles, 24 – Male, Straight
Peter, 28 – Male, Straight
Rigo, 25 – Male, Straight
Savannah, 26 – Female, Straight
Taylor, 22 – Female, Straight
Whether you’re coming to cheer, pitch, mingle, or match-make—this night is for everyone who believes love and community go hand in hand.
Lunar New Year 2026 at Myriad Gardens
Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse during Lunar New Year at the Myriad Gardens!
Saturday, February 21| 11 am-2pm
Devon Lawn
Free and open to the public. Come and enjoy vendors, food trucks and performances! Lunar New Year is coordinated in partnership with the Myriad Gardens.
Asian Youth Mingle:
A Student-Led Night of Connection
The Asian District Youth Board is excited to host the first Asian Youth Mingle, a fun and welcoming gathering designed just for Asian high school students to connect and build community. This free event will take place on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 PM at Grand House.
Students are invited to come hang out, enjoy delicious food, play trivia, and enter raffles—all while meeting new friends from across the metro. 🎉
We’re also thrilled to partner with Necessity Matcha for this event. As part of the collaboration, 15% of proceeds will be donated back to the Asian District Youth Board to support the upcoming Asian Youth Empowerment Conference, a student-led conference focused on culture, confidence, and career exploration.
This event reflects the Youth Board’s commitment to creating inclusive, engaging spaces for Asian youth to connect, celebrate culture, and lead together. We hope to see many students there!
Registration is open!
Calling Asian Career Professionals! Can You Join the Youth for Lunch?
The Asian District Youth Board is looking for Career Professionals to join them for lunch on Saturday, April 4th at Oklahoma City University to talk to high school attendees about their career from 12 pm-1:15 pm.
Last year’s attendance brought in 130 Asian youth from across the metro. During lunch, students grab food and visit different career tables to ask questions. This impactful time lets students see the broad and diverse careers that they can see themselves in.
If your organization or business would like to support the Asian Youth Empowerment Conference, visit www.asiandistrictok.com to be a Youth Sponsor!
We are excited to announce that 2026 Sponsorship Opportunities are officially open!
In 2025, the Asian Night Market Festival (ANMF) brought in 80,000 attendees and 100 vendors.
On top of ANMF, we will have 6 other community-focused events scheduled for 2026! Whether you want to be a District Sponsor, or a Title Sponsor for the Youth Board, your partnership helps elevate culture, community, and connection in Oklahoma City.
If your organization is looking to invest in meaningful high-impact community work— be a sponsor! Take a look at all of the possible sponsorship levels by clicking below.
Cheers to a great year ahead,
Asian District Cultural Association
