Moon Lantern Festival 2026 | Tết Trung Thu | Sunday 20 September

There is a moment near the end of every Moon Lantern Festival that is worth the whole day. The sun has gone, the stage lights come down, and a few hundred children start walking with paper lanterns they made themselves that afternoon. Some of the lanterns are lopsided. Most of them are held very carefully. Parents walk behind with phones out. That is the parade, and it is the reason we run this festival.

Tết Trung Thu is the mid-autumn festival, held on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. In Vietnam it is a children's festival. Families gather, mooncakes are shared, lion dancers move through the streets, and children carry lanterns after dark. The stories told on the night belong to the moon: Chị Hằng, the moon lady, and Chú Cuội, the boy who held onto a banyan tree as it floated up into the sky and has been sitting under it ever since.

Victoria Street has been marking Tết Trung Thu for a long time, in shopfronts, in homes, and in the back rooms of restaurants. This year we are doing it together, in one place, in public.

What is on

The festival runs from 2:00pm to 7:00pm at Abbots Yard, 329 Victoria Street, Abbotsford. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.

Gates open at 2:00pm with stalls, lantern making, face painting and live music from Finbar. From 3:30pm the stage program starts with storytelling and prizes, then the Moonlight Dance, the AVWA traditional lantern dance, and a second storytelling session. Welcome and speeches are at 5:00pm, followed by show bags and a mini game called Pass the Moon.

The back half of the afternoon belongs to the lion dance at 6:00pm, Cool Kids entertainment at 6:20pm, and the lantern parade at 6:40pm. We close at 7:00pm.

There is also a youth activation at the Richmond end of the street, at the corner of Lennox and Victoria Street. Program and times will be confirmed closer to the day.

Come early if your child wants to be in the parade

This is the one thing worth planning around. Lantern making runs through the afternoon, and children carry the lanterns they make in the 6:40pm parade. If you arrive at six, there will not be time. Come in the afternoon, make a lantern, eat something, and stay for the walk.

Eat something you have not eaten before

Victoria Street is one of the great eating streets in Melbourne, and the stalls at this festival are run by the traders who make it that way. Bring cash, because some stalls do not take cards. Bring a jacket too. It gets cold on Victoria Street once the sun goes down, every year, and every year people are surprised.

If you would like to give a red envelope to the lion dancers, bring one. It is not expected and it is always welcome.

Why we do it

The Victoria Street Business Association runs two festivals a year. The Lunar New Year Festival in February is the big one, tens of thousands of people, the whole street closed. Tết Trung Thu is smaller and quieter and in some ways more important, because it is aimed at the children who will inherit this precinct and the elders who built it.

It has been a hard year on Victoria Street. Coming together in public, with food and lanterns and lion dancers, is not a small thing.

Bring your family. We will see you there.

Sunday 20 September 2026, 2:00pm to 7:00pm Abbots Yard, 

329 Victoria Street, Abbotsford 

Free entry, all ages, undercover venue hello@victoriastreet.org.au | 0475 833 595 | victoriastreet.org.au

Trăng Về Trên Phố Victoria

Lễ hội Lồng Đèn 2026 | Tết Trung Thu | Chủ Nhật 20 tháng 9

Có một khoảnh khắc gần cuối mỗi mùa lễ hội đáng giá cả ngày hôm đó. Mặt trời đã lặn, đèn sân khấu hạ xuống, và vài trăm em nhỏ bắt đầu bước đi với chiếc lồng đèn giấy các em tự làm buổi chiều. Có cái méo mó. Hầu hết được cầm rất cẩn thận. Cha mẹ đi phía sau với điện thoại trên tay. Đó là buổi rước đèn, và đó là lý do chúng tôi tổ chức lễ hội này.

Tết Trung Thu rơi vào ngày rằm tháng Tám âm lịch, khi trăng tròn và sáng nhất. Ở Việt Nam đây là tết của thiếu nhi. Gia đình quây quần, chia nhau bánh trung thu, đội lân đi qua các con phố, và trẻ em rước đèn khi trời tối. Những câu chuyện kể trong đêm đều thuộc về mặt trăng: Chị Hằng, và Chú Cuội ngồi dưới gốc cây đa.

Phố Victoria đã đón Trung Thu từ lâu, trong các cửa tiệm, trong nhà, trong bếp các nhà hàng. Năm nay chúng ta làm cùng nhau, ở một nơi, giữa cộng đồng.

Chương trình

Lễ hội diễn ra từ 2:00 chiều đến 7:00 tối tại Abbots Yard, 329 Victoria Street, Abbotsford. Vào cửa miễn phí, chào đón tất cả mọi người.

Mở cửa lúc 2:00 chiều với gian hàng, làm lồng đèn, vẽ mặt và nhạc sống của Finbar. Từ 3:30 chiều chương trình sân khấu bắt đầu với kể chuyện và phát thưởng, tiếp theo là múa dưới trăng, múa lồng đèn truyền thống của AVWA, và phần kể chuyện thứ hai. Chào mừng và phát biểu lúc 5:00 chiều, sau đó phát túi quà và trò chơi Chuyền Trăng.

Nửa sau buổi chiều dành cho múa lân lúc 6:00, Cool Kids biểu diễn lúc 6:20, và rước đèn lúc 6:40. Kết thúc lúc 7:00 tối.

Ngoài ra còn có hoạt động dành cho giới trẻ ở đầu Richmond, góc Lennox và Victoria Street. Chương trình và giờ giấc sẽ thông báo sau.

Đến sớm nếu con muốn rước đèn

Đây là điều đáng lưu ý nhất. Làm lồng đèn diễn ra suốt buổi chiều, và các em cầm chính chiếc đèn mình làm đi rước lúc 6:40. Nếu đến lúc sáu giờ thì sẽ không kịp. Hãy đến từ chiều, làm lồng đèn, ăn uống, rồi ở lại rước đèn.

Thử món chưa từng ăn

Phố Victoria là một trong những con phố ẩm thực lớn của Melbourne, và các gian hàng tại lễ hội do chính những tiểu thương đó đứng bán. Mang theo tiền mặt, vì một số gian hàng không nhận thẻ. Mang theo áo khoác nữa. Phố Victoria lạnh khi mặt trời lặn, năm nào cũng vậy, và năm nào cũng có người bất ngờ.

Nếu muốn tặng bao lì xì cho đội lân, hãy mang theo. Không bắt buộc, nhưng luôn được đón nhận.

Vì sao chúng tôi làm

Hiệp hội Doanh nghiệp Victoria Street tổ chức hai lễ hội mỗi năm. Lễ hội Tết Nguyên Đán tháng Hai là lễ hội lớn, hàng chục ngàn người, đóng cả con đường. Tết Trung Thu nhỏ hơn, yên hơn, và theo một cách nào đó quan trọng hơn, vì nó dành cho những đứa trẻ sẽ kế thừa khu phố này và những người lớn tuổi đã dựng nên nó.

Đây là một năm khó khăn với phố Victoria. Cùng nhau đứng giữa cộng đồng, với đồ ăn, lồng đèn và đội lân, không phải chuyện nhỏ.

Hãy đưa cả gia đình đến. Hẹn gặp mọi người.

Chủ Nhật 20 tháng 9 năm 2026, 2:00 chiều đến 7:00 tối Abbots Yard, 329 Victoria Street, Abbotsford Miễn phí, mọi lứa tuổi, có mái che hello@victoriastreet.org.au | 0475 833 595 | victoriastreet.org.au

At its meeting on Tuesday 11 August 2026, Council adopted the Victoria Street Revitalisation Plan. It runs for four years and covers safety, cleanliness, vacant shops, greening and the street's multicultural identity.

More than 580 people took part in the consultation between 14 May and 7 June. Two things stood out. Safety was the one issue almost everyone agreed on. And the in person conversations, which reached more traders and more Vietnamese community members than the online survey did, put more weight on food, identity and greening.

Year one commitments include visible safety improvements at Lennox Square by February 2027, amenity and safety works in Butler Park, an Identity Study, a trial roller door removal program, and advocacy to the State Government.

VSBA supports the Plan. Our job now is to hold the dates. Adopting a plan and delivering it are different things, and Council heard clearly during consultation that trust depends on follow through. We will report to traders on what actually gets delivered, and we will keep pushing the State Government items, particularly safety infrastructure and support for the businesses affected by the July fire.

If something in the Plan affects your shop, or you want to know what year one means for your block, 

contact us on 0475 833 595 or hello@victoriastreet.org.au

Few dishes are as loved as a steaming bowl of phở. Rich, aromatic broth, silky rice noodles, fresh herbs and tender slices of beef have made this Vietnamese classic one of Melbourne's favourite comfort foods.

And when it comes to authentic pho, there is no better place to explore than Victoria Street Richmond.

Known as Melbourne's Vietnamese food capital, Victoria Street has been serving generations of locals, visitors and food lovers since Vietnamese families began establishing businesses in the area during the late 1970s and 1980s. Today, the street remains one of Australia's most celebrated destinations for Vietnamese cuisine.

Image by Otao Kitchen

Why Victoria Street?

What makes Victoria Street special is the concentration of family-owned restaurants, each with its own unique broth recipe and style.

Some restaurants simmer their broth for more than 12 hours. Others focus on traditional Southern Vietnamese flavours, while some specialise in lighter Northern-style pho. Every bowl tells a story of family, migration and culinary tradition.

Whether you prefer:

• Phở Tái (rare beef)
• Phở Đặc Biệt (combination beef)
• Phở Gà (chicken pho)
• Vegetarian pho

you'll find plenty of options along Victoria Street.

Local Favourites

Victoria Street is home to several long-standing restaurants that have built loyal followings over many years.

Some of the names regularly recommended by locals and visitors include:

Pho Hung Vuong Saigon

One of the best-known pho destinations on the street, famous for generous portions and a rich beef broth.

I Love Pho 264

Popular with younger diners and families looking for a modern take on Vietnamese classics.

Pho Chu The

Known for authentic flavours and a loyal local customer base.

Pho Nho

A Victoria Street institution serving Vietnamese pho loved by many Richmond locals.

The Great Pho Debate

Ask ten locals where to find the best pho and you'll probably get ten different answers.

That's part of the fun.

The best way to experience Victoria Street is to explore, compare broths and discover your own favourite. Some people love a clear and delicate broth, while others prefer something richer and more robust.

There is no wrong answer.

More Than Just Pho

While pho is often the star attraction, Victoria Street also offers:

• Crispy bánh mì
• Bún bò Huế
• Broken rice dishes
• Fresh rice paper rolls
• Vietnamese desserts
• Vietnamese coffee
• Asian grocery shopping

Many visitors spend an entire afternoon exploring the restaurants, cafés and specialty stores that make the precinct unique.

Plan Your Visit

Located just minutes from Melbourne's CBD, Victoria Street Richmond is easily accessible by tram, train, bicycle or car.

Whether you're a pho enthusiast or trying Vietnamese food for the first time, Victoria Street offers one of Australia's most authentic Vietnamese dining experiences.

Come hungry, bring friends and discover why Victoria Street remains Melbourne's home of pho.

Have a Favourite?

Tell us which restaurant serves your favourite bowl of pho and help others discover the flavours that make Victoria Street one of Melbourne's great food destinations.

19 February

For many years, Victoria Street Richmond faced significant challenges. Despite its rich multicultural heritage, renowned food culture and strategic location close to Melbourne's CBD, the precinct struggled with public safety concerns, declining confidence, vacant shops and fragmented responses from different levels of government.

Today, Victoria Street is demonstrating that decline is not inevitable. Through collaboration between traders, community organisations, the City of Yarra, the Victorian Government and Victoria Police, the precinct is beginning a new chapter focused on safety, investment and revitalisation.

Safety First

One of the most important lessons from Victoria Street's experience is that safety is the foundation of economic recovery.

Improved police visibility, targeted enforcement, better lighting, CCTV investment and stronger coordination between agencies have helped improve confidence for traders, residents and visitors. When people feel safe, they are more likely to visit, shop, dine and spend time in the precinct.

Investing in Place

Revitalisation is about more than addressing challenges. It is also about creating reasons for people to return.

Recent and proposed improvements include streetscape upgrades, greening projects, public space improvements, better pedestrian connections, community facilities and support for new investment. These initiatives help reinforce Victoria Street as a destination for dining, shopping, culture and community life.

Bringing People Back

Events, festivals and community activations have played a critical role in rebuilding foot traffic and strengthening local identity.

From the Lunar Festival and Moon Lantern Festival to trader promotions, cultural events and community projects, Victoria Street continues to celebrate the multicultural character that has made it one of Melbourne's most unique shopping and dining precincts.

Strong Leadership Matters

Successful revitalisation requires clear leadership and ongoing collaboration.

The Victoria Street Business Association continues to work with traders, residents, Council, government agencies and community partners to advocate for practical solutions that improve safety, support businesses and enhance the visitor experience.

Looking Ahead

Victoria Street's experience shows that recovery happens when safety, investment, activation and leadership work together.

The precinct is far from finished, but positive progress is being made. With continued collaboration and commitment, Victoria Street can continue evolving into a safer, greener and more vibrant destination for residents, visitors and businesses alike.

As we look to the next fifty years, Victoria Street remains a powerful example of how multicultural communities, local businesses and government can work together to create lasting change.

The Victoria Street Business Association strongly supports the City of Yarra's Victoria Street Revitalisation Project and the long-term vision to strengthen one of Melbourne's most important multicultural precincts.

The revitalisation strategy recognises what traders, residents and visitors have known for years: Victoria Street has enormous potential. It is a culturally significant destination, home to generations of migrant-owned businesses, a thriving food culture and an important gateway between Richmond, Abbotsford and Melbourne's inner north.

We support Council's commitment to improving public spaces, encouraging investment, attracting visitors and creating a more vibrant and welcoming street.

However, revitalisation must be measured not only by plans and consultation, but by visible outcomes that people can see and feel.

Safety Must Be the First Priority

The business community consistently identifies safety and public amenity as the most significant barriers to growth and investment.

Customers need to feel safe visiting the precinct. Staff need to feel safe travelling to and from work. Traders need confidence to invest, extend trading hours and grow their businesses.

Without a visible improvement in safety, many of the benefits of revitalisation will be difficult to achieve.

This requires a coordinated response involving:

• Victoria Police
• City of Yarra
• Victorian Government
• Health and social service providers
• Local businesses and community organisations

A cleaner, safer and better-managed public environment will encourage visitation, support local businesses and build community confidence.

Supporting Local Business Growth

The Victoria Street revitalisation vision aligns closely with what local traders have been advocating for:

• More visitors and foot traffic
• Better public spaces and streetscapes
• Improved lighting and cleanliness
• Stronger support for multicultural businesses
• Events and cultural activations
• Investment attraction and business growth

Victoria Street businesses are already investing in the future of the precinct. What is needed now is ongoing support that helps traders succeed and encourages new businesses to establish themselves in the area.

A Precinct Worth Investing In

Victoria Street is not simply a shopping strip. It is one of Victoria's most recognised multicultural destinations and an important economic and cultural asset.

With the right support, Victoria Street can become:

• A leading multicultural dining destination
• A vibrant community and tourism precinct
• A place for new investment and jobs
• A welcoming gateway to Richmond and Abbotsford
• A model for main street revitalisation across Melbourne

Working Together

The Victoria Street Business Association is committed to working with the City of Yarra, Victorian Government, traders, residents and community partners to help deliver this vision.

We support the revitalisation project and welcome the investment already committed.

At the same time, we encourage all levels of government to continue prioritising safety, public amenity and visible improvements on the ground.

When people can see cleaner streets, safer public spaces, thriving businesses and more visitors, confidence returns.

Victoria Street's future is bright. Together we can ensure revitalisation delivers lasting benefits for businesses, residents, visitors and the broader community.

Together We Thrive.

No Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebration is complete without Bánh Chưng, the traditional sticky rice cake that has been enjoyed for generations. Wrapped in banana leaves and filled with glutinous rice, mung beans and pork, Bánh Chưng is more than just a festive dish — it is a symbol of family, gratitude and Vietnamese heritage.

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The Story Behind Bánh Chưng

According to Vietnamese legend, Bánh Chưng was created to represent the earth, while Bánh Dày represented the sky. The square shape reflects harmony, prosperity and respect for ancestors, making it a centrepiece of Tết celebrations across Vietnam.

Families often gather before Lunar New Year to prepare and cook Bánh Chưng together, passing down traditions and stories from one generation to the next.

Ingredients

For the Rice

• 3 cups glutinous rice
• 2 teaspoons salt

For the Pork Filling

• 500g pork belly, sliced
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pinch of sugar
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 5 shallots, sliced

For the Mung Bean Filling

• 1 cup split mung beans
• 1¼ teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 6 shallots, sliced

To Assemble

• Banana leaves
• Cooking string
• Square mould (optional)

Preparation

1. Soak Overnight

Wash and soak the glutinous rice and mung beans separately overnight.

Marinate the pork belly with fish sauce, salt, sugar, pepper and shallots, then refrigerate overnight.

2. Prepare the Filling

Cook the mung beans until soft, then mash them. Sauté shallots until golden and mix through the mung beans with seasoning.

3. Assemble the Cake

Line a square mould with banana leaves.

Layer:

• Sticky rice
• Mung bean mixture
• Pork belly
• Mung bean mixture
• Sticky rice

Fold the banana leaves tightly around the filling and secure with string.

4. Cook

Place the cakes into a large pot and cover completely with water.

Simmer gently for approximately 6–8 hours, topping up with hot water as required.

5. Cool and Serve

Allow the cakes to cool before slicing.

Traditionally, Bánh Chưng is served with:

• Chả lụa (Vietnamese pork roll)
• Pickled vegetables
• Dưa món
• Vietnamese tea

Storage

• Refrigerate for up to one week.
• Freeze for up to three months.

Leftover Bánh Chưng

One of the best ways to enjoy leftover Bánh Chưng is to pan-fry slices until golden and crispy on both sides. The crunchy exterior and soft savoury filling make it a favourite Tết snack.

Celebrate Tết on Victoria Street

Every Lunar New Year, Victoria Street Richmond comes alive with food, culture and community celebrations. Whether you're enjoying traditional Bánh Chưng at home or discovering Vietnamese cuisine for the first time, this iconic dish remains a delicious reminder of family, heritage and the spirit of Tết.

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới — Happy Lunar New Year!