Photo courtesy of Wayne Chao, President of Chinatown Adelaide.
It’s nearly time to celebrate the Year of the Horse! Chinese Lunar New Year is one of the most important traditional festivals for Chinese communities worldwide, and in 2026, the Year of the Horse marks the beginning of a particularly positive and fruitful year.
The Chinese Lunar New Year begins on Tuesday, 17 February and ends on Tuesday, 3 March, with the Horse ranking seventh among the animals of the Chinese Zodiac.
Check out some of the exciting celebrations happening below, listed in order of event date.
Lunar New Year at Magill Estate
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Magill Estate: four-course menu by acclaimed Lee Ho Fook chef Victor Liong, Penfolds pairings, and luxury take-home keepsakes.
What: Lunar New Year at Magill Estate
When: Wednesday 25 February from 6pm
Price: $395 pp
Where: Magill, South Australia
For more information, click here.
DISCOVER LUNAR NEW YEAR
Hosted by the multi-talented Xueqian (Chien) Zhang, a singer-songwriter, storyteller and cultural ambassador, you can kickstart your Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations with the Discover Lunar New Year evening at the Burnside Library, for only $5 per person. You can expect some live entertainment from Zhao Liang from the School of Chinese Music & Arts, who will captivate the crowd with a performance on the guzheng – a traditional Chinese instrument – and while you’re there, you can learn to create some Chinese calligraphy and indulge in mouth-watering festive treats.
What: Discover Lunar New Year
When: Thursday 5 February from 6pm – 7.15pm
Price: $5 pp
Where: Burnside Library, Tusmore, SA
For more information, click here.
CHINATOWN’S LUNAR NEW YEAR STREET PARTY
You can expect the vibe to be wild and colourful at Chinatown’s Lunar New Year street party, returning to the heart of the Chinatown Adelaide Precinct for the 23rd edition of South Australia’s most iconic Lunar New Year community celebration. The event is entirely community-driven and free to attend, and promises an abundance of live entertainment and amazing Chinese cuisine.
Wayne Chao, President of Chinatown Adelaide SA, says: “The event brings together exhibitors and performers from a wide variety of Asian and other multicultural groups, creating a welcoming space where the broader South Australian community can celebrate, connect and experience traditions through art, music, dance and food.”
“Lunar New Year is a time of renewal and togetherness,” says Wayne. “Our Street Party is about bringing people together, new migrants, long-term residents and visitors alike, to share in the traditions, the energy and the incredible food and culture that make Chinatown such a special part of Adelaide.”
What: Chinatown Adelaide’s Lunar New Year street party
When: Saturday 21 February from 1pm – 9.30pm
Where: Chinatown Adelaide Precinct, Moonta Street and Gouger Street
Price: Free
For more information, click here.
MALAYSIA CLUB SA CHINESE NEW YEAR DINNER
For the past 15 years, Malaysia Club SA has hosted a traditional Chinese New Year dinner at various locations, this year being held at the San Giorgio La Molara Club in Payneham. This event showcases an authentic 8-course banquet and includes cultural performances – including a lion dance! – and games for families.
What: Malaysia Club SA Chinese New Year Dinner
When: Saturday 21 February at 6pm
Where: San Giorgio La Molara Club at 11 Henry Street, Payneham, SA
Price: from $68 – $128
For more information, click here.
ACMA (SA) CHINESE NEW YEAR DINNER
Treat yourself to the ultimate banquet and taste of China with the AMCA (SA) Chinese New Year Dinner. More than just a meal, the night promises an abundance of live entertainment, including a DJ and traditional lion dance, and the cost includes a large banquet, your choice of beverages from either the coffee van or the venue’s soft drinks, and of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without some celebratory firecrackers.
What: ACMA (SA) Chinese New Year Dinner
When: Saturday 28 February at 6.30pm (arrival), and 7pm (dinner)
Where: Adelaide BMW, West Terrace, Adelaide (ENTRY VIA PHILIP STREET ONLY)
Price: $200 (members), $250 (non-members)
For more information, click here.
HKABA SA LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION DINNER
Indulge in a tantalising Chinese banquet at CitiZen restaurant, and complement your meal with a selection of perfectly curated South Australian wines. A true culinary adventure that will pique your interest in the rich history and tradition of the Chinese Lunar New Year, and find a new appreciation for this wonderfully rich culture.
What: HKABA SA Lunar New Year Celebration Dinner
When: Wednesday 4 March from 6pm – 10.30pm
Where: CitiZen Restaurant at 401 King William St, Adelaide, SA
Price: $80 – $130 pp
For more information, click here.
Looking for more? Check out what’s on, here!
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