The Fortitude Valley Lunar New Year celebration is the headline event, transforming the inner city into a vibrant cultural festival. For families wanting to get active, the YMCA Gymnastics Open Days across multiple suburbs offer a great way to burn off energy, while the Queensland Museum has a STEM workshop for the little ones on Friday.
Lunar New Year in Fortitude Valley
21 – 22 February 2026 | Chinatown Mall & Surrounds, Fortitude Valley
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The heart of Brisbane’s Lunar New Year celebrations beats in the Valley. Expect the Chinatown Mall to come alive with traditional lion and dragon dances, firecrackers, cultural performances, and workshops. It’s a sensory feast perfect for introducing children to the traditions of the Lunar New Year.
The Y Gymnastics Open Day
22 February 2026 | Various Locations
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If your kids have energy to burn, head to your local Y. Four locations—Bowen Hills, Acacia Ridge, Stafford, and Jamboree Heights—are opening their doors for families to tour the facilities, meet the coaches, and let the kids try out the gymnastics circuits for free.
Little Sparks
20 February 2026 | Queensland Museum Kurilpa, South Brisbane
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It’s the final day of this engaging STEM program for young children (aged 3–5). Little Sparks encourages curiosity through play-based learning, experiments, and discovery in the museum environment.
Maal (One Spirit) Connection through the Senses
21 February 2026 | Chermside Library, Chermside
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Part of the BrisAsia Festival, this unique workshop invites children to connect with culture through sensory experiences. It’s a calming, educational session designed to foster understanding and mindfulness through traditional storytelling and activities.
Lighting New Beginnings
21 February 2026 | Multicultural Community Centre, Newmarket
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A family-friendly multicultural festival celebrating the start of the year. Expect food stalls, cultural performances, and activities that highlight the diverse heritage of the local community.
Lunar New Year Portrait Studio
17 – 22 February 2026 | Wentworth Galleries, Brisbane City
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Capture a memory of the festive season. This pop-up portrait studio offers a beautifully styled backdrop for family photos, celebrating the Year of the Horse in style.
Weekend Markets
21 & 22 February 2026 | Various Locations
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Enjoy fresh produce, food trucks, and a family-friendly atmosphere at Brisbane’s best markets.
- Powerhouse Farmers Markets (Sat): New Farm.
- West End Markets (Sat): Davies Park.
- Milton Markets (Sun): Milton Green.
Sunnybank Hills Lunar New Year
Until 1 March 2026 | Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown
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If you want a lower-key celebration while you shop, Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown is running festive activities and displays throughout the weekend to mark the Lunar New Year.
This weekend is vibrant with cultural celebrations, particularly in Fortitude Valley. It’s a fantastic opportunity to take the kids to see the lion dances and soak up the atmosphere. For a more active Sunday, the Y’s open days across the city are a great option for burning off energy before the school week starts.
