Where To Celebrate Lunar New Year 2026 In Brisbane
Eloise Luke
Contributor | Urban List
The Year of the Horse is officially upon us, which traditionally brings a year of momentum, fresh opportunities and forward movement (sounds alright!). If you’re all about attracting good luck and fortune by celebrating the Lunar New Year, it doesn't hurt to squeeze in some food and fun while you are at it.
These are Urban List's picks for the best Lunar New Year events and dining for 2026.
BrisAsia Festival
Various Locations Across Brisbane | 13–22 February
Image credit: BrisAsia Festival | Supplied
Brisbane’s biggest celebration of Asian culture is back for 2026, and this year it’s rolling out its most expansive program yet. Across 10 days, BrisAsia will take over 17 suburbs with 28 vibrant events spanning music, comedy, food, dance and street culture — all designed to bring the city together for Lunar New Year.
New additions for 2026 include the soulful Lunar Soul Party at the Thomas Dixon Centre, the inaugural BrisAsia Comedy Gala at Brisbane Powerhouse, market pop-ups and live DJs at Southside Restaurant in Fish Lane, plus a youth-focused BrisAsia Sk8 Zone with skate workshops for kids at Bracken Ridge. Festival favourites like the Sunnybank Rooftop Lunar Party and BrisAsia Dance Battles are also returning, so you can expect the same electric energy across the city.
Insider Intel
- There's more than 350 artists involved, and many free or low-cost experiences on the lineup.
Lunar New Year Celebrations At Stanley
5 Boundary Street, Brisbane City | 17–22 February
Image credit: Stanley Restaurant | Instagram
Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse waterfront-style at Stanley, where Head Chef Louis Tikaram is rolling out a limited-edition Lunar New Year menu alongside traditional lion dances, live seafood and signature banquets.
Running from 17 to 22 February, the festivities centre on a special selection of seasonal dishes curated to mark the occasion, served alongside Stanley’s full à la carte menu and banquet offerings. Expect vibrant flavours, premium ingredients and plenty of celebratory plates designed for sharing.
Each evening, traditional lion dance performances will light up the dining room, bringing energy, symbolism and good fortune to the table. Performances take place nightly at 6:30pm and 8:30pm, with an additional 1pm daytime performance on Sunday.
Insider Intel
- Book an early dinner seating to catch the first lion dance, then head upstairs for drinks at Stan’s Lounge while the waterfront lights up.
Fat Noodle Lunar New Year Feast
The Star Brisbane | Saturday 21 February, 12pm–3pm
Image credit: The Star | Instagram
Celebrate Lunar New Year in Brisbane with a one-off feast at Fat Noodle, hosted by celebrity chef Luke Nguyen. Taking place on Saturday 21 February, this lunchtime celebration brings modern flair to classic Vietnamese flavours, set inside Fat Noodle’s vibrant, polished dining room at The Star.
Guests will tuck into a bespoke menu curated by Luke Nguyen himself, spotlighting Vietnamese favourites alongside a festive Prosperity Noodle Salad Toss—a Lunar New Year tradition symbolising abundance and good fortune. The experience includes a three-hour beverage package featuring premium wines, imported beers, juices and soft drinks, making it a proper settle-in-and-celebrate affair.
Insider Intel
- This is a shared-table experience with limited seats, so you might be sitting with people you don't know.
Lunar New Year at Fish Lane Arts Precinct
59 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane | Saturday 21 February, 6pm–9pm
Image credit: Explore Fish Lane | Instagram
From daylight to lantern light, Fish Lane Arts Precinct is lighting up for Lunar New Year with an evening celebration welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse—a symbol of passion, momentum and forward motion. Presented in partnership with Fish Lane Arts Precinct, this free, all-ages event brings culture, food and live entertainment together on the street.
Expect traditional lion dance performances, vibrant cultural programming and a special market-style pop-up from Southside Restaurant, led by renowned chef Benny Lam. Bold, authentic flavours will fuel the festivities as DJs, street performers and live music keep the energy flowing well into the night.
Insider Intel
- Arrive early to catch the lion dancers, then linger as the live music and DJs take over the precinct.
Main image credit: Stanley Restaurant | Instagram
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