Ring in the Year of the Horse 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

Get ready for a vibrant celebration as Victoria Street transforms into a hub of culture, food, and community for the Lunar New Year. From delicious street food to captivating performances and hands-on workshops, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your festival experience.

Festival Highlights

1. Authentic Street Food

Stroll along Victoria Street and discover over 50 food stalls offering a wide range of dishes from local Vietnamese and Asian eateries.
From sizzling skewers to sweet treats, it’s a paradise for food lovers.

2. Live Multicultural Performances & Lion Dance

Main Stage: Located at Nicholson and Victoria Streets
Enjoy a full day of cultural performances including music, dance, and traditional art.

Lion Dance & Firecrackers: A vibrant display of lion dancing and firecrackers will take place along Nicholson and Albert Streets to kick off the celebrations.

3. Bánh Chưng Workshop

Location: 389 Victoria Street, Abbotsford
Learn how to make traditional Vietnamese sticky rice cakes—Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét—in this hands-on workshop.
Participants will be guided through authentic folding and steaming techniques, and will take home their handmade creation.
Bookings are essential.

4. Bánh Mì Eating Competition

Main Stage: Nicholson and Victoria Streets
Put your appetite to the test in the Bánh Mì eating competition.

• Round 1: 12 competitors, $20 entry fee

• Round 2: 12 competitors, $20 entry fee

Compete for foodie bragging rights and an unforgettable experience.
Spots are limited, so sign up early.

5. Local Businesses & Venues

Explore the best of Victoria Street’s dining and nightlife scene. Highlights include:

• Bars & Pubs: The Vic Bar, Terminus Hotel Abbotsford, Two Hands Rooftop Bar

• Cafes: Victoria Lounge Coffee, Holla Coffee Roasters, Miss Amie Bakery

View the full local business list online.

Event Information

• Location: Victoria Street, between Hoddle Street and Church Street, Abbotsford VIC

• Follow Victoria Street’s official channels for updates, announcements, and highlights throughout the day.

Plan Ahead – Road Closures & Parking

• Road Closure: Victoria Street will be closed between Hoddle and Church Streets from late Saturday night and will reopen early Monday morning.

• Tow-Away Zone: Vehicles parked on Victoria Street during this period will be towed. Please check signage and relocate your vehicle in advance.

Come along and enjoy an unforgettable day of culture, community, and celebration. Whether you’re sampling the street food, enjoying live entertainment, or joining a workshop, the Victoria Street Lunar Festival offers something for everyone.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

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!

Event Details:

• Date: 1 Feb 2026

• Time: 12PM - 10PM

As a stallholder, you will be provided with a 3m x 3m marquee, unless specified in your approval letter.

Important Information:

• Stall setup and pack down: Please park your vehicle as close to your marquee as possible.

• Health and Safety: Please be sure to review and follow all health and safety guidelines

• Parking: Find your own parking around the sites. Be mindful of the restriction.

• Stallholder entering site: Please print and display your Vehicle Pass.

All of the key information for this event including,  stall set up and pack down, health and safety, parking, map and  vehicle  access details/pass  can be found in the event induction pack which can be accessed using the button below or by going to (sample)  https://form.jotform.com/250258500143850