LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL
28 FEB 2026 | FROM 12PM – 9PM |
HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR
Welcome
The City of Ryde is sending Lunar New Year greetings as we welcome the Year of the Horse!
Held annually in Eastwood, Lunar New Year celebrates the over 4,000 year tradition which is celebrated within many Asian cultures and is based on the cycles of the moon. There are four elements to the New Year festivities, starting a week out with Little Year, followed by a day of memorial and prayer, then New Year’s Eve itself, and concluding with a day of reuniting and gift giving.
This year, the Festival is getting even bigger! We’re bringing Railway Parade in Koreatown to life from 12 noon to 5pm. This expansion is made possible with the support of the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW. Eastwood Oval will be buzzing from 4pm to 9pm finishing with a fireworks spectacular!
Year of the Horse
This year we celebrate the Fire Horse. Zodiac animals get an element because they are part of the Chinese astrological system, which combines a 12‑year animal cycle with a 60‑year cycle of the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). Characteristics of the Fire Horse include being confident, independent, enthusiastic and ambitious.
Plan your Trip
Parking is limited during the Festival – consider leaving the car at home and use public transport. Plan your trip at transportnsw.info or ryde.events/GettingtoLNY
Visit our information stalls or St John tent (see Festival map locations) to collect a free lost child wristband.
Accessible Drop-off Zone
If you have a mobility parking permit and require close access to the Festival, use our Drop ‑ off zone on Hillview Road. Enter via West Parade, located on the map. Limited mobility parking also located at Eastwood Shopping Centre, Glen Street carpark and Rowe Street East carpark.
Contact events@ryde.nsw.gov.au if you require further accessibility assistance or information.
Food Hubs and Seating
SCAN QR Code for more information
At Koreatown you can enjoy a quick snack from our food stalls or get lunch from one of our many fantastic local food shops! There is a wide range of Asian cuisines on offer at our food hubs, located on Eastwood Oval and along West Parade.
Grab a tasty bite to eat or enjoy some refreshing drinks and take a seat at the allocated seating areas. This is also a great spot to meet and catch up with family and friends.
Look out for the food hub icon located on the Festival map.
Waste Wise Event
The City of Ryde is committed to creating a sustainable environment and the Lunar New Year Festival is designated a ‘Waste Wise Event’. No single use plastics will be sold on the day so remember to bring your own water bottle and fill up at our free water refill stations located at the Festival site. We encourage festivalgoers to also BYO re useable bags and coffee cups.
LEGEND
545 TEMPORARY BUS STOP POLICE BUS STOP
TRAIN STATION
ACCESSIBLE DROP-OFF ROAD CLOSURE
ST JOHN FIRST AID / LOST CHILDREN
BOTTLE AND REFILL BUBBLER STATION
WALKWAY
FOOD TRUCK
SEATING FOOD HUB
FESTIVAL INFORMATION / LOST CHILDREN STALLS
ACCESSIBLE TOILETS
FESTIVAL OPERATING HOURS
Railway Parade, KoreaTown 12 noon – 5pm
Eastwood Oval and West Parade 4pm – 9pm
545 TEMPORARY BUS STOP
HILLVIEWROAD
LIBRARY
RIDES
RAILWAY PARADE
A SMALL SECTION OF RAILWAY PARADE AND ROWE LANE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 6AM – 11.30PM
LION HIGH POLE DANCE from 5PM
LAKESIDEROAD
FIREWORKS DISPLAY (9PM)
WEST PARADE
MARKET LANE 521 TEMPORARY BUS STOP 515
A SMALL SECTION OF WEST PARADE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 10AM – 11PM
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Koreatown Railway Parade
12 noon – 5pm
There is so much to explore in Koreatown to celebrate the Lunar New Year!
Get into the spirit of the Year of the Horse where kids can enjoy a ride on the ponies,* get your face painted for free with a Lunar New Year inspired design and enjoy a free cookie decorating workshop.
Receive your New Year good fortune from our traditional calligraphers, immerse yourself in the Korean Culture by dressing in a traditional Hanbok outfit and take a snapshot to capture the moment at our free photobooth. Bring out your artistic flare in our interactive mural or create your own lantern.
Eastwood Oval and West Parade
4pm – 9pm
The festivities will continue as you make your way to Eastwood Oval for a carnival experience, packed with rides and games. Take a ride on the giant slide, drive a dodgem car or grab a showbag. There is something for everyone! Grab your ride coupons from the ticket booths.*
Have your face painted by one of our fabulous artists and get creative and decorate your own free lantern. If you missed out in Koreatown don’t stress you can still receive your New Year good fortune from our traditional calligraphers.
Take a look at our selection of unique market stalls, food stalls and trucks at this year’s Festival. With such a large array of options of food, knickknacks and everything in between, you will not want to miss out!
*Additional costs apply
STAGE HIGHLIGHTS
SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
Proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program in association with City of Ryde.
Thank you to our Emergency Services
A big thank you to our emergency services from St John Ambulance, SES, Fire & Rescue and NSW Police for contributing to the success of the Lunar New Year Festival.
For more information about our emergency services on the day visit ryde.events/LNYEmergencyServices
