The Year of the Fire Horse kicks off tomorrow with Chinese New Year events marking the first new moon of the lunar calendar across Brisbane and South-East Queensland.
The 16-day event runs until March 3, 2026, and in Brisbane it’s headlined by the BrisAsia festival which culminates in lion dances, live music, and cultural markets in Chinatown; and the Sunnybank Rooftop Party with fireworks; both on February 22. For more information on the BrisAsia festival highlights, click here.
Queen’s Wharf Brisbane is also hosting a nightly show featuring a five-metre steel Fire Horse sculpture that erupts in flames and choreographed to an original symphonic score by award-winning Australian Chinese composer Ray Lin. Entry to the show on the Leisure deck is free and includes dragon and lion dances, roving acrobatics, and interactive wishing trees. Until February 22. For times and more information click here.
Chinese cinema favourites Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Turning Red will be shown at Queen’s Wharf’s Skyline Cinema on Wednesday February 25 and Thursday February 26 from 5.30pm. Tickets $5.
The Mount Gravatt Showgrounds will play host to a celebration of Asian street food and roving performers. No pets. Saturday February 21 from 4pm to 9pm. Entry $4 (16 and under free).
Ipswich Services Club will hold an evening of cultural immersion with traditional lion dancers and a full percussion team. On Tuesday, February 17 from 5pm.
Southport’s famous Chinatown celebrations include market stalls, food trucks, kid-friendly origami workshops, an interactive wishing tree, Chinese calligraphy workshops, Kinzuna drummers, fan dancing, and a dragon dance. On Saturday February 21, from 3pm at Davenport and Young Streets. Fireworks at 7.30pm. Entry is free.
On the Sunshine Coast, catch the Lantern Festival at Aussie World, Palmview organised by the Sunshine Coast Chinese Association on Saturday, February 28 from 5pm-9pm. Entry is $11 for the Festival only.
If it’s a traditional banquet you’re after, try one of the following Brisbane restaurants: Annamese, Brisbane Phoenix, Central, Donna Chang, Fat Noodle, Knowhere, Luc Lac, Sokyo, Stanley, and Superbowl.
