Bankstown Lunar New Year 2026

Get ready for a big day of colour, culture and celebration on the Main Stage, hosted by our energetic emcees Davy and Maria!

The program kicks off with joyful Vietnamese welcome songs and beautiful traditional dances by both children and adults.

You’ll be treated to stunning live music, from nostalgic Vietnamese string instruments to impressive clarinet and saxophone solos performed by talented young stars.

The celebrations continue with meaningful moments including a Chinese blessing, a special welcome from the Mayor and the Australian National Anthem.

Enjoy elegant Chinese cultural performances featuring flowing silk fan dances, calming Tai Chi, vibrant ethnic minority dances and colourful folk routines that bring the stage to life.

Expect powerful drum performances, traditional instruments like the pipa, dulcimer and gourd flute, plus award-winning vocals to keep the energy high.

As the crowd warms up, sing and dance along to feel-good favourites before an epic Lion Dance finale takes over the stage – complete with pounding drums, audience interaction and a thrilling firecracker finish.

Fun, festive and full of Lunar New Year spirit – don’t miss it!

Head to Griffith Park for hands-on fun, roaming entertainment and plenty of photo-worthy moments throughout the evening.

Be wowed as the colourful Lion and Dragon Dance roves through the park, with loud drums, high energy and crowd interaction that brings the space to life.

Families will love the free face painting and body art, with cute, quick designs perfect for kids (and adults too!), plus a New Year craft station where little ones can decorate their own Year of the Horse artwork to take home. Right next to the face painting and arts and crafts, Garden Games will be available for adults and children to jump in and play — fun, interactive and suitable for all skill levels.

Feeling strategic? Sit back or jump in on a game of giant Chinese Xiangqi chess or try your luck at Lucky 8 Putt Putt for some playful competition.

Don’t forget the Where Interesting Happens Lucky Spin and snap a pic at festive Lunar New Year backdrops around the park.

Step into the Zen Zone for a relaxed but lively space filled with colour, treats and feel-good moments.

Adding to the fun, our partners the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs will bring the energy with interactive activities, roving mascots and crowd-pleasing giveaways for kids (and big kids alike). Don’t forget to stop by Western Union for awesome giveaways.

Surrounding it all are stallholders offering a mix of food and non-food treats, including colourful desserts that make this zone extra sweet.

Keep an eye out for the joyful God and Goddess of Fortune, brought to you by Western Union, strolling around in traditional costume, handing out lucky red envelopes and spreading New Year cheer.

Make your way along Olympic Parade and discover a couple of easy, engaging stops while you enjoy the festivities.

Chat with the friendly CBC Community Engagement team and take part in a quick event survey for your chance to win a prize. It’s a simple way to share your thoughts and have a bit of fun along the way.

You can also pause for a calming Tai Chi demo with Bankstown Tai Chi, running from 5.30–6.30pm. This welcoming group meets in the park six days a week and brings together mostly Chinese seniors who enjoy gentle movement, staying active and socialising in the community.

You can also visit the CBC Pets Information stall, where the Animal Control team will share helpful tips on responsible pet ownership and keeping pets safe and happy.

Library staff will also be on hand to chat about library services, programs, events and collections.

Wander into the Lunar Garden and immerse yourself in a beautiful, cultural pocket of the festival led by the Vietnamese Community.

Visit the charming Vietnamese Cultural Hut, where you can learn more about the community while enjoying gentle traditional music playing in the background.

Nearby, admire a stunning bonsai display, featuring carefully nurtured trees that reflect patience, balance and harmony.

One of the highlights is Lunar New Year Calligraphy (Thư Pháp Ngày Xuân), where a skilled calligraphy master will write and gift auspicious characters such as Phúc (Happiness), Lộc (Prosperity) and Thọ (Longevity), or meaningful New Year wishes created just for you (paid activity).

The space comes alive with vibrant decorations – colourful hanging hats, flowers, drums, baskets of fruit and festive props perfect for photos.

Created by dedicated community volunteers, the Lunar Garden is full of warmth, tradition and joyful energy.