The Lunar New Year is officially in full swing as Melbourne comes alive to honour The Year of the Tiger. Melbourne is not only home to the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the western world, but also to a strong community of Chinese migrants, international students, and people of Chinese descent.
For this reason, our city is a pretty amazing place to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Whether you’re heading over to Chinatown for a taste of delicious New Year food or to Crown to see the spectacular displays, there are plenty of fun events on offer all around the city.
Crown Melbourne
In celebration of the Year of the Tiger, The Atrium at Crown has been transformed with a remarkable display cascading the grand staircase. The three-week installation represents all twelve of the Chinese zodiac signs and includes a brand-new aerial structure of 60 illuminated lanterns. To top it off, from 31 Jan to 6 Feb watch the Lion Dancers perform a special Lunar New Year show on The Atrium staircase daily at 7pm and 9pm to celebrate the New Year.
Dragon Boat Festival
Keen on sticking to the outdoor events this year? Come down to Dockland’s Victoria Harbour for an exciting dragon boat race and festival on 20 Feb from 9am to 6pm. The festival will start with a traditional eye dotting ceremony to wake the dragons and bless the boats before the dragon boat race across Victoria Harbour with the beat of the drums. With cultural performances, lion dances and food trucks on offer for spectators, you won’t want to miss your chance to see the sporting event in action.
National Gallery of Victoria
On Saturday February 5, NGV is celebrating the Year of the Tiger with a day of art, food, and a live DJ set. There will be a Dragon Dance Performance by Hong De Lion Dance Association at 1:30 and 2:15, as well as free activities for kids to try. Click here to see the full schedule.
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
A true blend of traditions to ring in the Lunar New Year, The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is putting on a special Lunar New Year performance that blends together the traditions of western opera and Chinese masterworks. This unique musical celebration features an all-star cast and is perfect for the whole family to enjoy while anticipating a prosperous Year of the Tiger. This year, the event will take place at Hamer Hall on February 5.
Fed Square
Over one weekend in February, Fed Square and PR Asia, as co-organizer, will host a free, outdoor screening of classic Asian films to celebrate the Lunar New Year – Year of the Tiger. There will be two screenings on Saturday and Sunday; one aimed at Families and the other for mature audiences. Click here to see their full schedule.
