We’re rounding up some of the best things to do and places to eat during Sydney Lunar Festival. It’s happening from 29 January to 16 February.
Keep checking back as we add more events.
Featured events
Sydney Lunar Streets
Haymarket Saturday 1 February, 5pm–10pm
Kick off your Lunar New Year celebrations and see the laneways of Haymarket transformed into an exciting street festival. Chinatown will buzz with live entertainment, roving performers, market stalls, food trucks, DJs and lion dances.
Dragon boat races
Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour Friday 7 to Sunday 9 February
Watch the biggest dragon boat races in the southern hemisphere as more than 3,000 paddlers churn up the waters and battle it out.
Lunar Spectacular Show
Sydney Town Hall Saturday 8 February Two shows: 2pm and 5pm
Performers from Chinese, Korean, Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese communities share their culture through traditional and contemporary dance and music.
Lion dancing and cultural performances
Various locations in Haymarket Thursday to Sundays, Thursday 30 January to Sunday 16 February
Lion dancing troupes and cultural groups ring in the Lunar New Year with plenty of drumming, dance, flamboyance and skill.
Snake installation on Dixon Street
Dixon Street, Haymarket Every day, Wednesday 29 January to Sunday 16 February
A family of friendly snakes welcome you to Chinatown for Lunar New Year.
Lunar gateways
Haymarket, various locations Wednesday 29 January to Sunday 16 February
Don’t miss seeing these impressive structures beautifully illuminated at night. Each gateway is handpainted with Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese or Thai cultural designs.
Light rail snake
City centre and surrounds Wednesday 29 January to Sunday 16 February
The Sydney Lunar Festival light rail snakes it way around the city centre. Catch a glimpse of the colourful artwork and hop on board during the festival.
Banner galleries
Haymarket, various locations Monday 20 January to Sunday 16 February
Eight Asian-Australian artists share what the Year of the Snake means to them. Don’t miss the colourful and vibrant banner artworks displayed on our outdoor street flags.
Performances
Chinatown Comedy Club Lunar New Year special
Covent Garden Hotel Wednesday 12 February, 7:45pm
See some of Australia's best comedians at this action-packed and hilarious evening hosted by Soul of Chinatown.
Performance with Lion Dance Kids
Art Gallery of NSW Saturday 1 February, 10:30am to 11am
Experience the heart-thumping beats of Lunar New Year as dancers perform remarkable acrobatic stunts and share their stories.
Talks and workshops
Book launch: The Old Reliable Firm
Charles Darwin University Marcus Clarke Campus 815 George Street, Haymarket Thursday 6 February, 6pm to 8pm
Join Dr Sophie Couchman and the Chinese Heritage Association of Australia as they introduce a Chinese-Australian story of family, migration and entrepreneurship.
Fashioning the Sydney Chinese community in the global 60s
Sydney Mechanics School of Arts Saturday 15 February, 1pm to 3pm
Hear from Dr Mei-Fen Kuo as she discusses how local women’s associations shaped their communities and identities during the 1960s.
Tai chi workshop
Abadee Building 10 Dixon Street, Sydney Tuesday 11 February, 10am to 12pm
Try this ancient martial art for relaxation, flexibility, body coordination and healthy living. This workshop from the Chinese Youth League is free and open to everyone.
Hidden Gems and Stories: Show and tell
Museum of Chinese in Australia Saturday 15 February, 9:30am to 5:30pm
Bring your personal historical documents, heritage memorabilia and photographs related to the history of Sydney’s Chinatown. A panel of specialists, historians and curators will appraise them and help identify their history and significance.
Feast
Lunar New Year on Kensington Street
Kensington Street, Chippendale Sunday 2 February, 3pm to 9pm
Treat yourself to the ultimate feast with a traditional Asian banquet at Holy Duck! or explore Spice Alley for authentic street eats. Kensington will bustle with lion dances, live music, palm readers, face painting and more.
A taste of Lunar New Year at Gong Grocer Asian Supermarket
Gong Grocer Asian Supermarket World Square, 644 George Street, Sydney Saturday 8 February, 12pm to 1pm
Savour the rich culinary heritage of diverse Asian cultures with free tastings and a curated product range for the season. Don’t forget to collect your lucky red packet for good fortune and prosperity.
Haymarket Chamber of Commerce Lunar New Year banquet
The Eight Restaurant Market City, 9 Hay Street, Haymarket Friday 7 February, 6pm to 10pm
Celebrate with members and friends of the chamber. The special evening features a sumptuous 10-course Chinese banquet, lion dance, entertainment and many lucky draw prizes to be won.
Chinatown – Street food and stories guided tour
108 Dixon Street, Haymarket Wednesdays 29 January, 5 and 12 February, 6:30pm to 9pm
Chinatown is full of stories and excellent restaurants. On this award-winning experience, you’ll get to taste of a bit of everything. Sample delicious street food and snacks while learning about the history of Chinese-Australians in Sydney.
Want more?
Keep checking back to see what new events we've added.
- Food and drink events during Sydney Lunar Festival
- Family friendly events during Sydney Lunar Festival
- Free things to do during Sydney Lunar Festival
Discover the Sydney Lunar Festival program.
The City of Sydney is proud to partner with SSI during Sydney Lunar Festival.