Free Lion Jetpack Shows, Dragon Boats & Lion Dancing ring in the Lunar New Year at Darling Harbour
Publicity Media release posted 05 February,2026
-Darling Harbour’s Lunar New Year lineup is here with beats, eats and entertainment for the Year of the Horse.
Darling Harbour is set to be Sydney’s home of Lunar New Year, transforming the waterfront into a celebration of culture, colour and community.
Renowned for hosting some of the city’s most vibrant festivities, the precinct will host a dynamic program of traditional performances and experiences, inviting visitors to welcome the Year of the Horse in style.
There will be a one-night only party at the Chinese Garden of Friendship, jetpack lion dancers flying across the harbour and dragon boats thundering through Cockle Bay, this year’s Lunar New Year celebrations promise a treat for the senses. Here’s the full line-up of festivities to enjoy:
What’s on:
- The Chinese Garden of Friendship – Varied dates & times starting from Tuesday 17 February
- Across the week, visitors can enjoy kids’ craft workshops, Chinese zodiac readings, live music and cultural performances, all set within the Garden’s peaceful pavilions and lantern-lit surrounds. This is a standout moment in the Garden’s annual calendar.
- Jet Pack Performances – Saturday 21 February, 4.00pm & 8.45pm
- Watch high-energy jetpack lion dance performers take over the harbour, soaring above the water in a spectacular display of light, movement and precision, ending with a fireworks finale.
- Lion and Dragon Dance performances
- Chinese Garden of Friendship:
- Tues 17 February: 10.30am – 11.00am (Lion Dance)
- Sun 1 March: 4.00pm – 4.30pm (Closing Dragon Dance – requires entry fee)
- Darling Harbour:
- Sun 22 February: 10.30am – 10.50am (Lion Dance)
- Sun 1 March: 4.00pm – 4.30pm (Dragon Dance)
- Traditional lion and dragon dances will bring colour, sound and symbolism to the celebrations. Accompanied by drums and cymbals, the performances are believed to bring good fortune, prosperity, and positive energy for the year ahead.
- Chinese Garden of Friendship:
- Twilight Garden Party – Friday 20 February, 5.00pm – 9.00pm
- For one night only embark on an exciting twilight journey at the Chinese Garden of Friendship. There will be traditional festive games and Kung Fu culture, fusing heritage with contemporary energy, live music, a bracelet making workshop and spectacular street and fan dances.
- Community Performances – Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 February, 10.30am-11.30am
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Lunar New Year with performances from local cultural groups, including Lion Dances, Chinese folk dance, K-Pop, and more.
- Dragon Boat Races – Saturday 28 February – Sunday 1 March
- Cockle Bay comes alive as ornately decorated, 12-metre-long dragon boats take to the water. Watch over 3,000 paddlers battle it out in a high-energy showcase of teamwork, competition and cultural heritage, celebrating the traditions of many Sydneysiders as teams race to the finish line.
- Mahjong Garden – Sunday 22 February 10.00am – 12.00pm & 1.00pm – 3.00pm
- Beautifully styled tables are set up in the garden setting and Mahjong master Eric Wan is on hand to guide beginners and offer tips for experienced players. Whether you already know the game or want to learn, this event is a fun way to embrace an ancient Chinese tradition and connect with others in a festive atmosphere
- Lunar New Year Celebrations at the Maritime Museum – Sunday 22 February, 10.00am-4:00pm
- Join in art-making activities including traditional knot-making, calligraphy and fan painting. Also experience tea tasting, Mandarin language tours, treasure trails, face painting, music, dance and roving performances.
- Darling Square Celebrations– Varied dates & times starting from Saturday 14 February
- Explore an illuminated lantern installation, LED lion dancing performances and live calligraphy as Darling Square transforms into a vibrant celebration of light, movement and Lunar New Year traditions.
Food lovers can also explore a range of Lunar New Year-inspired eats, with standout dining at Vogue Café, One Dining and XOPP by Golden Century, or relaxed café bites to classic Yum Cha and Cantonese favourites, it is the perfect way to share a meal with family and friends.
Of course, our spectacular fireworks will light up the night this Lunar New Year with displays – running every Saturday at 9.00pm through February.
For the full program and event details, visit the Darling Harbour website.
