2026 Lunar New Year: Celebrations Across Australia You Need to Know

The Lunar New Year falls on 17 February 2026, ushering in the Year of the Horse. To mark the occasion, cities and communities across Australia will come alive with a vibrant program of cultural celebrations, festivals and performances. Below is a guide to some of the most anticipated Lunar New Year events around the country.

The Chinese zodiac sign of the horse. (Chiara Pazzano, SBS)

The Chinese zodiac sign of the horse. (Chiara Pazzano, SBS)

Victoria (VIC)

🎇 Celebrating the Year of the Horse

🕔 Saturday, 14 February 2026, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

📌 Dai Gum San

🌐 https://www.goldendragonmuseum.org/events/

This event is organised in partnership with SBS.

We acknowledge the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung people of the Kulin Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

🎇 Lunar New Year Traditional Lion Dance

🕔 Monday, 16 February 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

📌 Spencer Outlet Centre, 201 Spencer St, Docklands 3008

🌐 https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/lunar-new-year-traditional-lion-dance

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

🎇 Lunar New Year at Queen Victoria Market

🕔 Tuesday, 17 February 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

📌 Queen Victoria Market, Queen St, Melbourne 3000

🌐 https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/lunar-new-year-at-queen-victoria-market

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

🎇 Lunar New Year at narrm ngarrgu

🕔 Friday, 20 February 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

🕔 Saturday, 28 February 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

📌 narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services (Library entrance), 141 Therry St, Melbourne 3000

🌐 https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/lunar-new-year-at-narrm-ngarrgu

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

Lunar New Year lanterns.
Lunar New Year lanterns. Credit: Public domain

🎇 ABAW Box Hill Chinese New Year 2026

🕔 Saturday, 21 February 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (next day)

📌 Bank Street, Box Hill

🌐 https://creativewhitehorse.vic.gov.au/whats-on/chinese-new-year

This event is organised in partnership with SBS.

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

🎇 Melbourne Chinese Lunar New Year Festival

🕔 Sunday, 22 February 2026, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

📌 Chinatown, Russell St, Melbourne 3000

🌐 https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/melbourne-chinese-lunar-new-year-festival

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

🎇 Vietnamese Tet Lunar Festival

🕔 28 February – 1 March 2026

📌 Footscray Park, Ballarat Road, Footscray, Victoria 3011

🌐 https://www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/melbourne/whats-on/multicultural/vietnamese-tet-lunar-festival

This event is organised in partnership with SBS.

We acknowledge the Kulin Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

Lunar New Year
Source: AAP

New South Wales (NSW)

🎇 Bankstown Lunar New Year

🕔 Saturday, 7 February 2026, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📌 Griffith Park, 4A Olympic Parade, Bankstown 2200

🌐 https://www.cbcity.nsw.gov.au/bankstown-lunar-new-year

This event is organised in partnership with SBS.

We acknowledge the Darug (Darag, Dharug, Daruk, Dharuk) people who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

🎇 Sydney Lunar Festival

🕔 14 February – 1 March 2026

📌 Sydney, NSW

🌐 https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/programs/sydney-lunar-festival

We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

🎇 Tet Festival 2026

🕔 20 – 22 February 2026

📌 Fairfield Showground

🌐 https://vietnamese.org.au/tet-festival-2025/

This event is organised in partnership with SBS.

We acknowledge the Cabrogal people of the Darug Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

🎇 2026 Lunar New Year Festival – Year of the Horse

🕔 Saturday, 21 February 2026, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

📌 Forest Road, Hurstville & Hurstville Plaza

🌐 https://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Community/Events/Council-Events/Lunar-New-Year

This event is organised in partnership with SBS.

We acknowledge the Bidjigal people of the Eora Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

🎇 Lunar New Year Celebration Days 2026

🕔 Saturday, 21 February 2026, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

🕔 Sunday, 22 February 2026, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

📌 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood

🌐 https://www.visitchatswood.com.au/LNY/Lunar-New-Year-Celebration-Days

This event is organised in partnership with SBS.

We acknowledge the Gamaragal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

🎇 St Leonards Lunar Laneways

🕔 Saturday, 28 February 2026, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📌 Canberra Avenue, St Leonards NSW 2065 (next to Wadanggari Park)

🌐 https://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/Events-directory/St-Leonards-Lunar-Laneways

We acknowledge the Cameraygal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

🎇 Cabramatta Lunar New Year

🕔 Saturday, 28 February 2026, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

📌 Freedom Plaza, Park Road & Arthur Street, Cabramatta

🌐 https://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/Whats-on/Events-Workshops-and-Social-Calendar/Major-Events/Cabramatta-Lunar-New-Year

This event is organised in partnership with SBS.

We acknowledge the Cabrogal people of the Darug Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

🎇 Lunar New Year Festival (Eastwood)

🕔 Saturday, 28 February 2026

📌 Eastwood Oval

🌐 https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Events/Lunar-New-Year-Festival

This event is organised in partnership with SBS.

We acknowledge the Wallumedegal Clan people of the Darug Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

Lunar New Year horse
Source: SBS

Queensland (QLD)

🎇 Cairns Street Food Festival

🕔 Friday, 13 February 2026, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

📌 Cairns City, 34 Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870

🌐 https://www.cadcai.org.au/events/street-food-festival

This event is organised in partnership with SBS.

We acknowledge the Djabugay, Yirrganydji, Buluwai, Gimuy Walubara Yidinji, Mandingalbay Yidinji, Gunggandji, Dulabed and Malanbara Yidinji, Bundabarra and Wadjanbarra Yidinji, Madjandji, Mamu and NgadjonJii people who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

🎇 BrisAsia Festival

🕔 13 – 22 February 2026

📌 Brisbane, QLD

🌐 https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/events-arts-and-culture/creative-programs-and-awards/brisasia-festival#event

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

🎇 Lunar New Year (Southport)

🕔 Saturday, 21 February 2026, 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM

📌 Chinatown, Davenport Street and Young Street, Southport, 4215

🌐 https://www.whatsongoldcoast.au/All-events/Lunar-New-Year

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

🎇 2026 Chinese New Year Celebration

🕔 Tuesday, 17 February 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

📌 Cairns Esplanade Lagoon Plaza

🌐 https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/experience-cairns/events/council-events/public-event-submissions/year-of-the-horse-chinese-new-year

We acknowledge the Djabugay, Yirrganydji, Buluwai, Gimuy Walubara Yidinji, Mandingalbay Yidinji, Gunggandji, Dulabed and Malanbara Yidinji, Bundabarra and Wadjanbarra Yidinji, Madjandji, Mamu and NgadjonJii people who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

Lion dance -GettyImages
Source: Getty / Getty Images

Tasmania (TAS)

🎇 CCAT 2026 Lunar New Year Festival

🕔 Sunday, 22 February 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

📌 Parliament House Lawns, Hobart

🌐 https://ccat.au/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPisPFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFJeWlPV2JXQk9hejFQZ3VKc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqxBTwJJq0ucKZk7BG6-Lj9fWCGQ2aEQ9lVIAeq42-Yttm9ilf6JrK_w3Yh7_aem_-2L1_KXXJgFI_RAQDZsPCQ

This event is organised in partnership with SBS.

We acknowledge the Tasmanian Aboriginal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

South Australia (SA)

🎇 Vietnamese Adelaide Tet Festival

🕔 7 – 8 February 2026

📌 Vietnamese Community Center, 62 Athol St, Athol Park SA 5012

🌐 https://www.facebook.com/CAaSSA.AUS/posts/vietnamese-adelaide-tet-festival-vatf-2026-event-coming-up-check-out-more-inform/1194027979544118/

We acknowledge the Kaurna people who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

🎇 2026 Chinatown Adelaide Lunar New Year Street Party

🕔 Saturday, 21 February 2026

📌 Gouger Street & Moonta St, Adelaide

🌐 https://www.facebook.com/adelaidechinatown/posts/pfbid0sjic31cd3mJBghrm3hrduRYdrrURQ7Tk4gvvLc6yG3jgWJ3qA82GiQPmmsSZGNvwl

This event is organised in partnership with SBS.

We acknowledge the Kaurna people who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

Sugar candy of lunar new year
Credit: Wikimedia/ Oliver515 (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Western Australia (WA)

🎇 Lunar New Year Performances

🕔 17 – 29 February 2026, 12:00 PM – 12:15 PM (daily)

📌 Murray Street Mall, Murray Street, Perth WA 6000

🌐 https://visitperth.com/events/lunar-new-year-2026

We acknowledge the Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

🎇 Perth Chinese New Year Fair 2026

🕔 Sunday, 22 February 2026, 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📌 James Street and Lake Street, Northbridge WA

🌐 https://www.chungwah.org.au/en/2026/01/09/perth-chinese-new-year-fair-2026/

This event is organised in partnership with SBS.

We acknowledge the Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

🎇 AKBC Seollal Celebration

🕔 Tuesday, 24 February 2026, 4:45 PM – 7:00 PM (registration required)

📌 Gilbert + Tobin, Ground Floor Conference Facilities, Brookfield Place Tower 2, 123 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000

🌐 https://akbc.glueup.com/event/akbc-seollal-celebration-in-perth-164490/#home-more

We acknowledge the Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

🎇 Canberra Lunar New Year Festival

🕔 Saturday, 21 February 2026, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

📌 Woolley Street, Dickson, Canberra, ACT

🌐 https://events.canberra.com.au/whats-on/691285adfe7796174c9329e5/canberra-lunar-new-year-festival-2

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways where this event takes place. We pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations.

Ring in the Year of the Horse with SBS and visit us at celebrations across Australia. Explore movies, documentaries, food, programs, and news in 14 languages at sbs.com.au/LNY26.


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11 min read

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By Li Hua

Source: SBS


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