With the Lunar New Year approaching, people around the world are gathering to celebrate. For the third year, artist and illustrator Emily Chu (Top 40 Under 40 ’24 recipient) is inviting people to look a little closer at the authenticity and vibrancy of Chinese culture with the Togather Chinatown Arts Festival, running Feb. 7 and 8.
Chu founded the festival in February 2024 with the goal of drawing attention to the neighbourhood. By all accounts she has succeeded: each year, the festival draws more than 2,100 guests. The name of the festival loosely derives from the Chinese saying bú jiàn bú sàn, which translates to “don’t leave until we meet.” Chu recalls her grandmother often saying it to friends — a way of also saying, don’t go without me.
“It’s such an endearing thought,” she says, noting how perfectly it reflects the spirit of Chinatown. “I like the idea of togetherness. It’s something a lot of folks say when you’re planning to meet or get together.”
For Chu, the phrase captures a community that is deeply connected and consistently shows up for one another. As lead organizer — alongside Anna Lee, Fiona Lee, Kathryn Lennon, Michelle Truong and intern Jyn-Ting Ying — she hopes the festival encourages people “to get familiar with the neighbourhood and know that it’s a place of love, a lot of beautiful community work and activation.”
As a first-generation immigrant, Chu has found a sense of belonging in Chinatown — a place that helped her explore and connect with her identity. More than just highlighting an often-marginalized neighbourhood, the festival helps preserve its culture by inviting Edmontonians from across the city to connect with Chinatown and take part of its essence with them — whether through handmade goods, food or other small offerings they can carry home.
This year the event is taking place within Pacific Mall. “It’s a place that’s very close to many people’s hearts — their childhoods and their stories,” she explains. The layout will resemble the feel of a Chinatown back alley with narrow halls decorated with lights.
The festival will feature work from 45 artists whose voices reflect the community itself. Designed for all ages, the event offers a wide range of activities and experiences, all aimed at drawing people into Chinatown’s local art scene. Be sure to check out the lion dance, magic show, poetry storytelling and get a glimpse of what your year will look like with a tarot reading.
“I hope we can give people a glimpse of the future we want to see for Chinatown,” Chu says. “And that folks will come with us on this journey to build the Chinatown we want.”
Explore the Togather Chinatown Arts Festival from Feb. 7 to 8, 2026.
