The Year of the Snake is set for celebration on the University of Kansas campus.

The public is invited to a free celebration featuring food and entertainment from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Kansas Union to mark the Lunar New Year, which is an important holiday in China and many East Asian countries.

This year the Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake, as each Chinese year is connected to a different animal.

Thursday’s event will include two hours of performances by by KU students and faculty as well as area artists including the Lawrence Art Center Chinese Dance youth group, Tatsumaki Yosakoi, Wanwan Cai, KU Karisma and KU Unity Hip Hop.

Also planned for the evening are Japanese storytelling, a raffle, bingo, and several booths exploring East Asian culture. Attendees also will have a chance to sample dumplings, spring rolls and sushi, while supplies last.