Celebrate Lunar New Year in Melbourne’s West 2026

Festivals, Food and Fireworks Across Melbourne’s West

Lunar New Year is one of the most widely celebrated cultural events in the world, and in Melbourne’s West it’s marked with weeks of lively festivals, performances and community celebrations. In 2026, more than 120,000 people are expected to join in as the region welcomes the Year of the Fire Horse.

From bustling street festivals to waterfront performances and temple celebrations, Melbourne’s West offers plenty of ways to celebrate, all reflecting the area’s rich cultural mix. Even better, every event listed below is free to attend.

Here’s what’s happening across the West this Lunar New Year.

St Albans Lunar Festival 2026 – Celebrate Lunar New Year in St Albans

The Lunar New Year season kicks off with the much-loved St Albans Lunar Festival 2026, Melbourne’s largest and longest-running Lunar New Year event. First held in 1998, it brings Alfrieda Street to life with food, performances and a great community atmosphere.

Sunday 18 January 2026
10am–10pm
Alfrieda Street, St Albans

What to expect:

• Lion and Dragon dances
  
• Cultural performance and live music throughout the day
  
• Street food, market stalls, carnival rides and family friendly activities
  
• Fireworks finale at 9.30pm

Getting there:
St Albans Station is right across the road, making it easy to get to by public transport.

Find out more

East Meets West Lunar New Year Festival 2026 in Footscray – Music, Food and Family Fun

Held in the heart of Footscray, the East Meets West Lunar New Year Festival 2026 has been celebrated for more than 36 years and is a key event for the local Vietnamese community. The festival also recognises Lunar New Year traditions shared by Chinese, Thai, Cambodian, Lao and other Asian-Australian communities.

Sunday 25 January 2026
11am–9pm
Byron Plaza, Leeds and Ryan Streets, Footscray

Expect live music, dance performances, Lion and Dragon dances and plenty of family-friendly activities.

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Lunar New Year with QiQi 2026 – Williamstown Live Music and Cultural Performances

Celebrate Lunar New Year by the bay with this relaxed afternoon event led by guzheng artist QiQi.

Saturday 31 January 2026
12pm–3pm
Commonwealth Reserve, Nelson Place, Williamstown

The program includes live music, Chinese opera, dance performances and a special visit from the God of Wealth, making it a great option for all ages.

Check it out

Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival 2026 – Food, Dance and Family Fun in Sunshine

Sunshine hosts a full day of celebration in one of Melbourne’s most culturally diverse neighbourhoods.

Sunday 8 February 2026
12pm–10pm
Hampshire Road, Sunshine

The festival features live music, dance performances, Lion and Dragon dances, street performers, rides, food stalls and family workshops. Popular highlights include the Fastest Pho and Fastest Burger Eating Challenges, hosted by Vietnamese-Australian MC and cultural ambassador Diana Nguyen

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Quang Minh Tết Festival 2026 in Braybrook – Traditional Lunar New Year Eve Celebration

Held at Quang Minh Buddhist Temple, this annual celebration marks Lunar New Year’s Eve with a more traditional program.

Monday 16 February 2026
6pm–1am
Quang Minh Temple, 18 Burke Street, Braybrook

Expect cultural performances, vegetarian food, chanting, firecrackers and a midnight fireworks display to welcome the new year.

Find out more

Vietnamese Tết Lunar New Year Festival 2026 – Footscray Park Family Celebration

One of the biggest Lunar New Year celebrations in the West, this much-loved festival returns to Footscray Park for a full weekend.

Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March 2026
11am–9pm
Footscray Park, Eastern Lawn

The program includes cultural performances, exhibitions, food stalls, fireworks and family activities celebrating Vietnamese culture alongside other Asian-Australian communities.

Dive deeper

Wyndham Multicultural Lunar Festival 2026 in Point Cook – Family-Friendly Cultural Festival

This free, family-friendly festival in Point Cook focuses on cultural connection and sustainability, with nearly 400 performers from more than a dozen countries.

Sunday 1 March 2026
11am–7pm
Point Cook Town Centre

Enjoy Lion and Dragon dances, international folk performances, martial arts, workshops and a vibrant multicultural market. There will be no fireworks in 2026 as part of the festival’s eco-friendly approach.

Check it out

Experience Lunar New Year in Melbourne’s West

From lion dances and lanterns to live music, fireworks and family-friendly fun, Lunar New Year in Melbourne’s West is a great way to explore the region’s culture and community.

For all the latest Lunar New Year events and updates from Melbourne’s West, follow @lovewestsidemelbourne on Instagram and Facebook.

Header image credit: Bakri Mahmoud Photography