Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year in Brisbane in 2026

This Lunar New Year marks the Year of the Horse — a symbol of energy, strength and forward momentum. Big, bold and full of good fortune, this is a year made for celebrating.

From lantern-lit feasts and festival nights to immersive cultural events and Brisbane’s first-ever Lunar New Year drone show, the city is pulling out all the stops. Spend less time looking and more time doing — these are the best ways to ring in the Lunar New Year in Brisbane in style.

Lunar New Year at Brisbane Quarter

Brisbane Quarter is going all out this Lunar New Year with a full takeover that will come alive with traditional lion dancers, glowing lanterns and snappable blossom-tree installations.

But the real draw? An abundance of Lunar New Year feasts, packed with symbolic dishes curated with prosperity and celebration in mind.

For a full-scale banquet, head into Phoenix for Chinese favourites. If it’s Vietnamese you’re craving, Annamese will provide a festive backdrop, paired with fresh and vibrant dishes to aid in ushering in this new year.

Head over here for further details.

Tuesday 17th February

300 George Street, Brisbane City

Lunar New Year in Sunnybank

Sunnybank Plaza and Sunny Park always put on a good show and this Lunar New Year will be no different. Across the week, they’ll be running a packed program of free events, including Brisbane’s first-ever Lunar New Year drone display. You can also look forwards to a Saturday night fireworks display, a rooftop party, lion dance performances, Chinese calligraphy, orchestra performances, cultural workshops for the kids and balloon installs.

As for eats, there’s a little something for everyone, from yum cha to takeaways and full banquet menus.

Monday 16^th February to Sunday 22^nd February

Sunnybank Plaza

Lunar New Year at Queen’s Wharf

Queen’s Wharf is a good time on an average day, so expect something rather special when Lunar New Year rolls around.

Each evening throughout the festival, visitors will be able to enjoy a nightly show in which a five-metre steel Fire Horse sculpture erupts into flames, alongside an iconic symphonic score by Australian-Chinese composer Ray Lin.

Continue the celebrations at one of Queen’s Wharf’s pop-up bars, enjoying roving performance, immersive illuminated installs and dragon and lion dancers. Limited-edition menus will be popping up across the precinct, so be sure to book ahead if you fancy a feast.

Tuesday 17^th February to Sunday 22^nd February

Queen’s Wharf

Banquet at Donna Chang

One of Brisbane’s finest Cantonese restaurants, Donna Chang will be serving an exclusive menu for three nights only. The Golden Stallion Banquet will feature auspicious ingredients in combination with seasonal Australian favourites. Think roast Chinese duck with Davidson plum sauce, biang biang mien and raw honey bug with persimmon vinegar and fingerlime. Guests will also be treated to colourful dragon performances that will weave throughout the venue.  

Tuesday 17th February, Friday 20th February and Saturday 21st February

171 George Street, Brisbane City

Lunar New Year in the Valley

Celebrate the year to be with lion and dragon dances, fire crackers, live music and cultural markets, woven throughout the Chinatown Mall and Fortitude Valley precincts.

Plenty of the city’s finest restaurants will be offering Lunar New Year banquets, so be sure to book ahead if you want in.

You can find all details and timings for the weekend’s events here.

Saturday 21st February to Sunday 22nd February

Duncan Street, Fortitude Valley

BrisAsia

Back for another cracking year, BrisAsia will be taking over the city for two weeks, celebrating the year of the fire horse. As the biggest showcase of Asian culture, cuisine and music in Brisbane, you can expect a jam-packed schedule of feasts, creative workshops, performances, dance battles, parties and more.

This year, a couple of extra special events will be making a debut, including a comedy gala and a K-pop showcase.

We recommend taking a peek at the full schedule here before planning out your month.

Friday 13th February to Sunday 22nd February

Loved this edit of things to do this Lunar New Year in Brisbane? Find more of what’s on via our weekend and monthly events guides.

Writer

Olivia Storrie

11 February 2026

Armed with an Arts Degree in History and Psychology from the University of Sydney, a natural curiosity and a ravenous appetite, Olivia is your go-to for restaurant recommendations across the city. She also has a keen interest in hiking, patting other people’s dogs, travelling, curating her maximalist home and reading every book she can get her hands on.