Sydney Lunar Festival is back to welcome the Year of the Horse, and it’s bursting with colour, culture and family-friendly fun across the city. If you’re looking for exciting ways to celebrate Lunar New Year with the kids, there are plenty of free and low-cost events happening throughout February that are perfect for families.
Here’s your guide to the best Sydney Lunar Festival events for kids in 2026.
Lunar New Year Festival on Kensington Street, Chippendale
If you love the energy of a bustling street festival but can’t make it to Sydney Lunar Streets, head to Kensington Street in Chippendale for this vibrant, family-friendly celebration.
Expect traditional lion dances, face painting, red envelope giveaways, fortune telling and plenty of festive atmosphere. It’s a fantastic way to introduce children to Lunar New Year traditions in a fun and accessible setting.
When: Saturday 21 February, 2pm to 7pm
Cost: Free
Lunar New Year at the Australian National Maritime Museum
Celebrate Lunar New Year by the harbour at the Australian National Maritime Museum with a full day of cultural activities for the whole family.
Kids can try their hand at traditional calligraphy, enjoy colourful lion and dragon dance performances, and get creative with face painting and art workshops. It’s an engaging mix of learning and play in a beautiful waterfront setting.
When: Sunday 22 February, 10am to 4pm
Horsing Around! Free Family Games Weekend
Looking for something relaxed and playful? Head to Hay Street for a weekend of giant outdoor games.
Families can enjoy oversized Jenga, Connect 4 and Snakes and Ladders, making it an easy and fun outing before heading off to explore more Lunar Festival activities. It’s a great option for younger kids who just want to run around and play.
When: Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March, 11am to 4pm
Cost: Free
Horse Power: Year of the Horse Children’s Workshops
Celebrate the zodiac animal of 2026 at the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney.
These creative children’s workshops explore the fascinating role of horses in human history, culture and art. Kids can create and decorate their own horse-themed artwork while learning about the animal at the heart of the Chinese zodiac.
When: Saturday 28 February, 12pm to 4pm
See a Lion Dance in Sydney
No Sydney Lunar Festival is complete without a traditional lion dance performance. These loud, lively and colourful displays pop up all across the city, from the steps of Sydney Town Hall to the high poles at Market City.
Lion dances are always a highlight for children, with energetic drumming, vibrant costumes and the excitement of the lion interacting with the crowd.
Plan Your Sydney Lunar Festival Family Outing
With workshops, performances, street festivals and free outdoor games, Sydney Lunar Festival offers countless ways to celebrate the Year of the Horse with kids. Whether you’re heading into the city for a full day of activities or just popping in for a lion dance, it’s a wonderful opportunity to share culture, tradition and community with your family.
For the full program of events, workshops and performances, explore the official Sydney Lunar Festival schedule and start planning your family adventure.
