Sydney Lunar Festival 2025

Sydney Lunar Festival is set to provide thousands of residents and visitors with 2 weeks of family-friendly music, feasts and performances to welcome the Year of the Snake.

Sydney Lunar Festival runs from 29 January to 16 February, with program highlights including:

  • Sydney Lunar Streets, 1 February 5pm-10pm
    The first major event of the festival. Expect mouthwatering food along with traditional and contemporary cultural performances featuring the always popular lion dancing. This event has become so popular, it has been expanded with road closures on Ultimo Road and Thomas, Sussex and Harbour streets to accommodate more Haymarket businesses and growing audiences.
  • Lunar Lanterns
    Illuminated zodiac artworks designed by Erika Zhu snake their way along George Street, Haymarket showcasing the story of how 12 animals competed to come first in the Great Race.
  • Lion dancing
    Vibrant and colourful performances come to the streets during the festival.
  • Street performances in Haymarket, Thaitown and Darling Quarter
    Free pop-up cultural entertainment every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6pm.
  • Lunar Spectacular, 8 February 2pm and 5pm
    Free event at Sydney Town Hall celebrating Chinese, Korean, Thai, Malaysian and Vietnamese cultures through music and dance.
  • Dragon Boat Festival, 7-9 February
    As many as 3,500 paddlers take over Cockle Bay with dragon boats churning through the water. Enjoy food, performances and family-friendly events on the shore, presented by Dragon Boats NSW.

Associated events include art exhibitions, performances, food and drink offerings, talks, seminars, tours and workshops put on by a variety of organisations and businesses. Visit sydneylunarfestival.com for more information.

Upcoming Events Submit an Event

January

One of the industries largest food and beverage sourcing and innovation shows is kicking off the year. Gulfood 2026 is taking place in Dubai, UAE at Expo City Dubai – with country partner, India, supporting the event.

February

ISM 2026, organised by Koelnmesse, is returning in 2026 – scheduled in Cologne 1-4 February. The trade fair brings together companies across the entire value chain of the confectionery and snacks sector, with attendees from 71 countries already confirmed for 2026.

May

Food & Drink Business presents The Hive Awards, an annual celebration of innovation and excellence in the Australian food and beverage manufacturing sector.

Bringing together chefs, operators, buyers, suppliers, and innovators for three jam-packed days of action across industry trade shows, culinary competitions, free conference streams, awards, and the best hospitality party of the year.

Melbourne’s tastiest day out will be back in 2026! Watch top chefs and your favourite food heroes live on stage as they cook up a storm and meet the makers to sip, sample and shop their produce.

June

Sydney’s tastiest day out will be back in 2026! From the hottest chilli sauces to the smelliest cheese, the Margaret River to the Barossa, we scour the nation to find the most delicious and exciting products around and bring them all together in one place.

July

Welcome to Australia’s favourite destination for food and wine experiences. The Good Food & Wine Show returns to Perth for 2026, taking place at PCEC from 17-19 July. Are you ready for the ultimate foodie day out?

After a three year break, foodpro is returning in 2026, featuring cutting-edge processing technology, world-class packaging, breakthrough ingredients and sustainable solutions – all under one roof.

October

Brisbane’s tastiest day out will be back in 2026! Watch top chefs and your favourite food heroes live on stage as they cook up a storm and meet the makers to sip, sample and shop their produce.