Ring in the Year of the Goat at one of Victoria’s most iconic Lunar New Year celebrations! The Victoria Street Lunar Festival returns with an explosion of colour, flavour, and festive spirit in the heart of Richmond.

Experience Victoria Street like never before as it comes alive with the sights, sounds, and tastes of Lunar New Year. Celebrate with friends and family as local Vietnamese restaurants and street vendors serve up mouthwatering dishes that reflect a rich cultural heritage.

🌟 What’s On:

• Cultural Performances: Enjoy traditional lion dances, live music, and stage performances throughout the day.

• Street Food Delights: Feast on authentic Vietnamese and Asian cuisine from your favourite local eateries.

• Festive Fun: Firecrackers, family-friendly activities, and more to start the new year with joy and good fortune!

📍 Festival Location:

Victoria Street, between Hoddle Street and Church Street, Richmond/Abbotsford.

🚧 Road Closures & Traffic Info:

• Full Road Closure:
  Victoria Street (between Hoddle and Church Streets) will be closed to traffic from 11:59 PM Saturday and will reopen by 5 AM Monday.

• Tow-Away Zone:
  From 4 PM Saturday to 5 AM Monday, this section of Victoria Street will be a tow-away zone. Please plan ahead and move vehicles to avoid fines or disruptions.

🎊 Mark your calendar and be part of this unforgettable celebration of culture, community, and cuisine. See you at the Victoria Street Lunar Festival!

Your Guide to the Victoria Street Lunar Festival

(Last year program)

Celebrate Lunar New Year as Victoria Street comes alive with food, culture, and entertainment.

Highlights

Street Food: Explore 50+ stalls from local Vietnamese and Asian eateries—perfect for grazing all day.

Live Performances & Lion Dance: Enjoy multicultural performances on the Main Stage (Nicholson & Victoria St), plus high-energy Lion Dance & Firecrackers along Nicholson, Shelley, and Albert Streets.

Bánh Mì Eating Competition (Main Stage): Session 1: 3:00 PM and Session 2: 4:30 PM
10- 12 competitors per session · $20 entry · Limited spots

Day Program – Main Stage

• 12:00 PM Opening Ceremony & VIP Program

• 1:30 PM Live Entertainment

• 2:30 PM Finbar Strummers Ukulele

• 3:30 PM Cultural Performance

• 5:00 PM Local Community Performance

• 6:00 PM Fashion Show

• 7:00 PM Golden Hour: Local Artist & Live Band

Lion Dance & Firecrackers

• 2:00 PM Nicholson St

• 5:00 PM Shelley St

• 8:00 PM Albert St

Event Info

• Location: Victoria Street (Hoddle St to Church St), Abbotsford VIC

• Facilities: First Aid, Water Stations, Toilets, Kids Zone, Rides & Games

• Road Closure: Victoria St closed late Saturday to early Monday (tow-away zone applies)

Come for the food, stay for the culture—see you at the Victoria Street Lunar Festival!

Getting to the Festival

Public Transport

For the easiest and most stress-free journey, we recommend using public transport.

• Train:
  The nearest train station is North Richmond Station, just a short walk from the festival area.

• Tram: Route 109 (Box Hill – Port Melbourne) and Route 12 (St Kilda – Victoria Gardens) run along Victoria Street. Route 78 (Prahran – Richmond) stops at Church Street, right near the action.

🚧 Note: Tram services are currently replaced by buses between Hoddle Street and Church Street. Please allow extra travel time.

For real-time updates and timetables, visit Public Transport Victoria or call 1800 800 007.

Parking

• Street Parking:
  Limited short-term parking is available on Victoria Street East and nearby streets.
  Some areas offer free Sunday parking, but always check signage for time limits and restrictions.

• Shopping Centre Parking: Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre – Approximately 8-minute walk. The Hive Shopping Centre – Just a 1-minute walk. Both centres offer longer-duration parking at reasonable rates.

Cycling

Cycling to the festival is a great option!
Secure bicycle parking is available along Victoria Street.
Remember to lock your bike and store valuables safely.

Visitor Information for the Victoria Street Lunar Festival

Is the event suitable for young children or dogs?

• Children: Older children are welcome at the festival. However, younger children might find the fireworks in the afternoon distressing—consider avoiding that part of the event if they’re sensitive to loud noises.

• Dogs: While dogs are better suited to quieter times earlier in the day, the large crowds may be overwhelming for most pets.

Will there be toilets?

• Yes, there will be plenty of toilets available, including accessible facilities.

• Toilets will be located near the stage and along Church Street. Look for signposts or ask event staff or vendors if you need assistance.

Will there be food and drinks for sale?

• Absolutely! Enjoy food and drinks from various stalls and nearby cafes or restaurants.

• Alcohol will only be available for purchase at permanent, licensed premises.

Can I bring my own food and drink (including alcohol)?

• You are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks.

• Alcohol is not allowed in event areas, and police may issue fines for violations. However we have plenty of restaurants, bars and cafe - you can enjoy the a glass of wine or a beer there.

• Drinks should be in cans or plastic containers—glass is prohibited.

• A Abbots Yard beer garden is available if you’d like to enjoy alcoholic beverages responsibly.

Is there a covered area if it rains or is too hot?

• Yes, there are covered areas available.

• With over 50 restaurants and eateries nearby, you can also take a break indoors or visit the Hive Shopping Centre for more shelter.

Is there first aid available?

• Yes, St John Ambulance will be on-site. First aid points are located on Nicholson Street.

• Event staff can guide you to the nearest first aid station. For emergencies, please call 000.

Are there special meeting points in case of emergencies?

• Follow instructions from security staff and police in case of emergencies. Designated meeting points will be clearly identified.

Will there be Wi-Fi available in the area?

• Limited Wi-Fi access may be available at some participating restaurants for their guests.

Who is managing security at the event?

• Security is a top priority. The event is managed in collaboration with Police, PTV, Yarra Trams, Ambulance, and Fire Services.

• Trained security staff will be working alongside event coordinators on the day. Report any concerns to security personnel or police officers.

• Important: No backpacks or suitcases are allowed. Please leave them at home to ensure a smooth entry.

Can I bring a drone?

• No, drones are strictly prohibited for security reasons. Violators may face legal action, and drones could be confiscated or destroyed.

Still have questions?

• Contact us at hello@victoriastreet.org.au for additional information.

• Alternatively, ask security staff for directions to the event control center.

We look forward to celebrating the Lunar Festival with you!