Victoria Street Lunar Festival

Join us as we welcome the Year of the Snake at one of Victoria’s most celebrated Lunar New Year events! The Victoria Street Lunar Festival is back, bringing a vibrant atmosphere and mouthwatering street food to the heart of Richmond.

Explore Victoria Street as it transforms into a lively hub of cultural festivities. Local Vietnamese restaurants will take to the streets, offering an array of delicious dishes that showcase the richness of their culinary heritage. It’s a day to celebrate community, culture, and the new year together.

Here’s what to expect:

• Cultural Performances: Enjoy live music, traditional dances, and entertaining performances throughout the day.

• Street Food Galore: Savor delicious offerings from your favorite local restaurants.

• Firecrackers & Festive Fun: Kick off the new year with excitement and joy.

Event Details:

• When: Sunday, from 12 PM to 10 PM.

• Where: Victoria Street, between Church Street and Hoddle Street in Richmond/Abbotsford.

Important Road Information:

• Road Closures:

• Victoria Street (between Hoddle and Church Streets) will be closed to traffic from 11:59 PM on Saturday and will reopen by 5 AM on Monday.

• Tow-Away Zone:

• To ensure smooth traffic flow, Victoria Street (between Hoddle and Church Streets) will be a tow-away area starting at 4 PM on Saturday until 5 AM on Monday. Plan ahead to avoid disruptions.

Don’t miss this cultural extravaganza! Mark your calendars and join us for a day filled with food, music, and festive celebrations. See you at the Victoria Street Lunar Festival! 🎉

Your Guide to the Victoria Street Lunar Festival 2025

Get ready for a vibrant and festive celebration at the Victoria Street Lunar Festival, happening on Sunday, February 2, 2025! From mouthwatering culinary experiences to captivating performances, here's everything you need to know to make the most of your day.

Program Highlights

1. Authentic Street Food Selection

• Discover over 50 food stalls along Victoria Street.

• Savor dishes from a variety of cuisines brought to you by local traders.

• A true paradise for food lovers that guarantees you won't leave hungry!

2. Multicultural Performances & Entertainment

• Stage at (Nicholson and Victoria Streets): Enjoy live performances showcasing multicultural music, dance, and art.

• Lion Dance & Firecrackers (1 PM - 3 PM): Don’t miss the electrifying Lion Dance and firecracker display along Nicholson and Albert Streets to kick off the festival.

3. Banh Chung Workshop

• Time: 2 PM - 4:30 PM.

• Location: 389 Victoria Street, Abbotsford.

• Try your hand at making traditional Vietnamese sticky rice cakes (Banh Chung & Banh Tet) in this interactive workshop. Learn the authentic folding and cooking techniques and take home your handmade creation!

Book your spot.

4. Banh Mi Eating Competition

• Two Rounds:

• Round 1 at 3 PM (12 places), $20 entry fee.

• Round 2 at 5 PM (12 places), $20 entry fee.

• Location: Main Stage on Nicholson & Victoria Streets.

• Test your skills in an exciting Banh Mi eating competition. Compete for ultimate food-lover bragging rights!

Sign up now.

5. Victoria Street Businesses

• Explore the local bars, pubs, and cafes. Some top recommendations include:

• Bars & Pubs: The Vic Bar, Terminus Hotel Abbotsford, and Two Hands Rooftop Bar.

• Cafes: Victoria Lounge Coffee, Holla Coffee Roasters, and Miss Amie Bakery.

• Check out the full list of businesses here.

Event Day Details

• Time: 12 PM - 10 PM.

• Location: Victoria Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067.

• Follow Victoria Street for live updates on the day.

Plan Your Visit

Join us for a day of community, culture, and celebration. Whether you're here for the food, entertainment, or the opportunity to learn something new, the Victoria Street Lunar Festival promises an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Mark your calendar and come celebrate with us!

Directions to the Festival

Public Transport

• We recommend using public transport for convenience.

• Check Public Transport Victoria (www.ptv.vic.gov.au or call 1800 800 007) for train and tram timetables.

• Nearest Train Station: North Richmond Station.

• Tram Routes:

• Route 109 (Box Hill to Port Melbourne) and Route 12 (St Kilda to Victoria Gardens) run along Victoria Street.

• Route 78 (Prahran to Richmond) stops at the corner of Church and Victoria Streets.

• Note: Bus replacements operate for trams between Hoddle Street and Church Street.

Parking

• Street Parking:

• Limited availability on Victoria Street East and surrounding streets with 1-2 hour limits—free on Sunday in some areas. Always check parking signs.

• Street parking may vary by day and time, so plan accordingly.

• Shopping Center Parking:

• Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre (8-minute walk to the festival).

• Hive Shopping Center (1-minute walk to the festival).

• Longer-duration parking available at reasonable rates.

Cycling

• Secure bicycle parking is available along the street.

• Please ensure your valuables are safely stored.

Plan ahead to ensure a smooth and hassle-free visit to the festival!

Visitor Information for the Victoria Street Lunar Festival

Is the event suitable for young children or dogs?

• Children: Older children are welcome at the festival. However, younger children might find the fireworks in the afternoon distressing—consider avoiding that part of the event if they’re sensitive to loud noises.

• Dogs: While dogs are better suited to quieter times earlier in the day, the large crowds may be overwhelming for most pets.

Will there be toilets?

• Yes, there will be plenty of toilets available, including accessible facilities.

• Toilets will be located near the stage and along Church Street. Look for signposts or ask event staff or vendors if you need assistance.

Will there be food and drinks for sale?

• Absolutely! Enjoy food and drinks from various stalls and nearby cafes or restaurants.

• Alcohol will only be available for purchase at permanent, licensed premises.

Can I bring my own food and drink (including alcohol)?

• You are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks.

• Alcohol is not allowed in event areas, and police may issue fines for violations. However we have plenty of restaurants, bars and cafe - you can enjoy the a glass of wine or a beer there.

• Drinks should be in cans or plastic containers—glass is prohibited.

• A Abbots Yard beer garden is available if you’d like to enjoy alcoholic beverages responsibly.

Is there a covered area if it rains or is too hot?

• Yes, there are covered areas available.

• With over 50 restaurants and eateries nearby, you can also take a break indoors or visit the Hive Shopping Centre for more shelter.

Is there first aid available?

• Yes, St John Ambulance will be on-site. First aid points are located on Nicholson Street.

• Event staff can guide you to the nearest first aid station. For emergencies, please call 000.

Are there special meeting points in case of emergencies?

• Follow instructions from security staff and police in case of emergencies. Designated meeting points will be clearly identified.

Will there be Wi-Fi available in the area?

• Limited Wi-Fi access may be available at some participating restaurants for their guests.

Who is managing security at the event?

• Security is a top priority. The event is managed in collaboration with Police, PTV, Yarra Trams, Ambulance, and Fire Services.

• Trained security staff will be working alongside event coordinators on the day. Report any concerns to security personnel or police officers.

• Important: No backpacks or suitcases are allowed. Please leave them at home to ensure a smooth entry.

Can I bring a drone?

• No, drones are strictly prohibited for security reasons. Violators may face legal action, and drones could be confiscated or destroyed.

Still have questions?

• Contact us at hello@victoriastreet.org.au for additional information.

• Alternatively, ask security staff for directions to the event control center.

We look forward to celebrating the Lunar Festival with you!

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday 2nd February 2025

• Time: 12PM - 10PM

As a stallholder, you will be provided with a 3m x 3m marquee, unless specified in your approval letter.

Important Information:

• Stall setup and pack down: Please park your vehicle as close to your marquee as possible.

• Health and Safety: Please be sure to review and follow all health and safety guidelines

• Parking: Find your own parking around the sites. Be mindful of the restriction.

• Stallholder entering site: Please print and display your Vehicle Pass.

All of the key information for this event including,  stall set up and pack down, health and safety, parking, map and  vehicle  access details/pass  can be found in the event induction pack which can be accessed using the button below or by going to https://form.jotform.com/250258500143850