By Christina Browning
Melbourne’s West is in the midst of a spectacular start to 2026 as communities come together to celebrate the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse. From lion dances and live music to vibrant food markets and fireworks, the region’s festivals showcase the rich cultural diversity that makes the West so unique.
In January we saw the St Albans Lunar Festival kick off the celebrations. First held in 1998, this is Melbourne’s largest and longest-running Lunar New Year event, with streets transformed in colour, music, and movement. But we’ve also enjoyed the East Meets West Festival in Footscray which celebrates Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, Cambodian, and Lao traditions, and the Williamstown Lunar New Year at Commonwealth Reserve where locals delighted in guzheng music, Chinese opera, dance performances, and a special visit from the God of Wealth.
But there’s still plenty of fun to be had across February.
- Sunshine Lunar Festival, Sunday 8 February, 12pm to 10pm, Hampshire Road. Join Diana Nguyen for the Fastest Pho Eating Challenge, live music, lion dances, rides, and family workshops.
- Quang Minh Tet Festival (Braybrook), Monday 16 February, 6pm to 1am. Cultural performances, firecrackers, vegetarian feasts, and midnight fireworks.
- Vietnamese Tet Festival (Footscray Park), 28 February and 1 March, 11am to 9pm. A weekend of music, food, exhibits, performances, and fireworks.
- Wyndham Multicultural Lunar Festival (Point Cook), Sunday 1 March, 11am to 7pm. Nearly 400 performers celebrate multiculturalism with music, acrobatics, workshops, and international folk dances.
From lion dances to lanterns, live music to family fun, and even a Fastest Pho Eating Challenge, Melbourne’s West is buzzing with culture, colour, and excitement this Lunar New Year. All events are free to attend.
For full details on all Lunar New Year events, visit lovewestside.com.au and follow @lovewestsidemelbourne on social media.
