Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is a festival celebrating the start of the new year. This begins on the second new moon after the summer solstice in Australia and ends on the full moon fifteen days later. It is a time to see family and friends, and to enjoy special meals, fireworks and gift giving. This guide covers family-friendly Chinese New Year events around Perth for 2026, the Year of the Horse.
Lunar New Year Markets at Elizabeth Quay
Visitors can wander through artisan market stalls offering everything from unique handmade treasures and one-of-a-kind finds to mouth-watering street eats and seasonal delights. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the lively atmosphere along the beautiful Derbal Yerrigan.
When: February 14, 2026
From 6.45pm, guests can enjoy traditional performances that bring the energy of Lunar New Year to Elizabeth Quay. Lion dancing and powerful battle drum performances will captivate with their rhythm, colour and storytelling – celebrating luck, prosperity, and new beginnings.
Attendees can add their hopes for the year ahead to the Lunar New Year Wishing Tree, a much-loved tradition symbolising good fortune and positive energy. Fortune cookie giveaways will also be distributed – some may contain an Elizabeth Quay gift card.
Free lawn games, face painting and plenty of splashing fun at the Elizabeth Quay Water Park will keep the kids entertained. Families can make an evening of it by grabbing something delicious at one of the food trucks or enjoying a relaxed meal at one of the restaurants nearby.
Perth Festival’s Under the Red Lanterns: A Lunar New Year Celebration at East Perth Power Station
Families can celebrate Lunar New Year under the glow of the red lanterns at Casa Musica with lion dancers, live music and more at this free family-friendly event.
When: February 14, 2026
Guests are encouraged to wear red – a colour symbolising luck, happiness and prosperity – and join in an unforgettable night of music, tradition and celebration.
Under the Red Lanterns brings together Perth’s largest Southeast Asian line-up for a night that honours tradition while celebrating contemporary talent. The evening opens with Linh & William Acoustic Duo, setting a warm and soulful tone with their heartfelt acoustic set. Flying Kik follows, blending smooth vocals and rhythmic grooves that capture the pulse of modern Asian-Australian sound.
As night falls, Kurt Carrera and his band takes the stage with their signature energy and charisma, igniting the crowd with powerful vocals and infectious beats.
The evening crescendos with the Yaolin Kung Fu Dragon & Lion Dance Association – a spectacular fusion of drums, cymbals, acrobatics and colour – embodying the spirit, strength and good fortune of Lunar New Year.
Guests are invited to take part in this tradition by gifting a red packet (provided on the night, please add your money donation inside) – a small envelope symbolising prosperity and good luck – to the lions during the performance.
2026 Lunar New Year Festival at Village Green – City of South Perth
Families are welcome to visit the Village Green on Saturday, 7 March 2026, from 4pm to 8pm to celebrate the Year of the Horse. The festivities begin between 4pm and 6pm with a variety of children’s activities, including a themed craft station, balloon giveaways, face painting, and a Gowrie WA themed sensory play area. Throughout the entire event from 4pm to 8pm, visitors can browse artisan market stalls curated by Coterie Circle, while live music sets the atmosphere from 5pm to 8pm. The cultural highlights start at 5.30pm with roaming lions meeting local retailers, followed by a spectacular hour of entertainment from 6pm to 7pm featuring a dragon dance, aerial pole dance, traditional lion dance, and a special lion meet-and-greet performed by the Yaolin Kung Fu Association.
Lunar New Year in the Square at Yagan Square
Families can welcome in the Year of the Fire Horse at Yagan Square as the precinct comes to life with colourful lanterns, festive decorations and spectacular cultural performances.
When: February 21, 2026
Visitors can immerse themselves in the energy of Lunar New Year with the iconic lion dance – a traditional cultural performance symbolising good fortune, community and fresh beginnings.
Keeping the energy high, Diversity Perth will delight and entertain crowds with an electrifying K-Pop performance – a showcase of creativity, community and local talent.
When it’s time to refuel, Yagan Square is the perfect spot to savour the flavours of Lunar New Year. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal or drink at one of the many restaurants and bars.
Performance times:
- Lion dance performance
- K-pop performance
Lunar New Year at The Marina, Mindarie
Visitors can celebrate the Year of the Horse with a range of festivities happening at The Marina, Mindarie, proudly supported by Discover Wanneroo. A range of specialty dishes will be available, along with Chinese lantern making and face painting for kids at Life Boat, plus a performance from the Yaolin Roaming Dragon dancers on the boardwalk from 4.30pm.
Lunar New Year Craft Activity at Winthrop Village
Families can bring their little ones to Winthrop Village for a free February craft activity where children can unleash their creativity making Lunar New Year themed crafts.
When: Saturday, 7 February | 10am – 1pm
Where: Winthrop Village, 131 Somerville Blvd, Winthrop – Outside Specsavers
Lunar New Year Craft Activity at The Vale Aveley Shopping Centre
Kids can join in a free February craft activity at The Vale Town Centre, where they’ll get creative with Lunar New Year themed crafts.
When: Saturday, 7 February | 10am – 1pm
Where: The Vale Town Centre, 77 Swanleigh Pde, Aveley – Outside IGA
Lunar New Year 2026 – Free Community Event at Yangebup Family Centre
Attendees can get ready for a day of fun, culture and community spirit with Yangebup Family Centre and the Cockburn Chinese Community Association as they welcome the Year of the Horse.
When: February 9, 2026
Guests are encouraged to bring a plate of food to share and wear their favourite red outfit or cultural dress. The Cockburn Chinese Community Association will be performing and there will be themed crafts and activities for children to enjoy.
This free community event requires booking.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Safety Bay Library
Visitors can join a vibrant celebration welcoming the Year of the Horse and immerse themselves in the rich traditions, performances and crafts that bring this festive season to life.
When: February 14, 2026
Activities (9.30am – 11.30am)
- Create your own delicate, handcrafted paper lantern
- Dress up in traditional outfits at the photo booth
- Have a go at classic games such as throw pot, Chinese football, table tennis and chopsticks
Performances
- 10.15am: Traditional dance performance
- 11.15am: Traditional dance performance
This is a free event for all ages. No bookings required.
More information
Lunar New Year Craft Workshop at Craigie Plaza Shopping Centre
Kids can join in a free February craft activity at Craigie Plaza where they’ll get creative with Lunar New Year themed crafts.
When: Saturday, 14 February | 10am – 1pm
Where: Craigie Plaza, 15 Perilya Rd, Craigie – Outside IGA
Lunar New Year Performances in Murray Street Mall
Visitors can celebrate the Lunar New Year in the City with Lion Dance performances taking place in Murray Street Mall from midday every day from 17 to 20 February.
When: February 17, 2026
Red lanterns will also adorn city malls and the streets of Northbridge throughout the month.
Lunar New Year 2026 at City of Vincent Community Centre – Dumpling Making Workshop
Participants can celebrate Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse with an interactive dumpling making workshop.
When: Thursday 19 February | 5.30-7.30pm
Where: Community Centre, 99 Loftus Street, Leederville (Kambarang Room)
Cost: Free
Attendees will get ready to roll, fill, and fold as they learn how to make delicious Chinese dumplings from scratch while discovering the techniques, cultural traditions and meaning behind this iconic dish. Due to capacity, priority is given to City of Vincent residents.
Lunar New Year Lunch Buffet at DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Northbridge
Guests can step into the spirit of the Lunar New Year and celebrate the Year of the Horse with an unforgettable buffet experience featuring auspicious flavours, traditional favourites, and modern delights – perfect for sharing with family and friends.
When: February 21, 2026
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Northbridge
Entertainment: Lion Dancing
Lunar New Year 2026 at City of Vincent Community Centre – Chinese Tea Workshop
Participants can immerse themselves in the beauty and tradition with a Traditional Chinese Tea Experience in celebration of Lunar New Year.
When: Saturday 21 February | 2.30-3.30pm
Where: Community Centre, 99 Loftus Street, Leederville (Kambarang Room)
Cost: Free
Attendees will enjoy a live demonstration by a professional tea master, complete with insightful commentary on the history, meaning and techniques behind ceremonial tea-making. Then, participants will take part in a hands-on tea brewing session, where they’ll have the chance to try making their own cup using traditional methods. Due to capacity, priority is given to City of Vincent residents.
Whether you are looking to engage in traditional cultural workshops, enjoy vibrant street performances, or simply spend a festive day out with the family, Perth offers a wealth of opportunities to welcome the Year of the Horse. These community events provide a wonderful way to celebrate new beginnings while creating lasting memories with your loved ones. Be sure to check the specific event details and booking requirements to make the most of these Lunar New Year celebrations across the city.
For more events throughout the month of February, check out our Family Friendly Events for February list here. Just because school holidays are over, that doesn’t mean the fun has to end!
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Holly Clark is mum of one, a self-confessed coffee addict and a baker of sweet treats. She studied Professional Writing and Editing, is a published author, and currently works in customer service when she’s not wrangling kids.
Thank you for this, such an extensive and informative list! 🙂
Thank you! We aim to include as many relevant events as we can 🙂
Great post! I’m excited to check out the Chinese New Year events in Perth this year. The guide is super helpful for planning our celebrations. Thanks for sharing all the details!