The Victoria Street Lunar Festival

Sunday 2th February 2025 | 12-10pm

Welcome to Victoria Street, home to the annual Lunar Festival, where we celebrate the beginning of a new lunar year. This year, we are excited to welcome the Year of the Dragon with all its power and auspiciousness.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant surroundings of street food and eateries as you explore the different flavours and cuisines from various cultures. From traditional Chinese dumplings to Korean BBQ, there is something for everyone to enjoy with our street foods.

But the Lunar Festival is not just about food. It's a celebration of diversity and multiculturalism, reflected in the diverse performances and entertainment that will take place throughout the day. From traditional dances to modern music, you'll be amazed by the talent and energy on display.

Don't forget to bring your little ones along, as there will be plenty of children's activities to keep them entertained. From face painting to arts and crafts, they'll have a blast while learning about different cultures.

And of course, the Lunar Festival would not be complete without the iconic lion dancing and firecrackers. So make sure to come early and secure a good spot to witness this traditional Vietnamese ritual that brings good luck and scares away evil spirits.

The festival will take place on the bustling strip of Victoria Street, in Richmond.

Lunar Festival Information

  • Victoria Street Lunar Festival

    Celebrate the start of the Year of the Dragon at one of Victoria's most popular Lunar New Year celebrations! The Victoria Street Lunar Festival will be returning to Victoria Street, bringing back its festive atmosphere and delicious street food. Immerse yourself in the lively Vietnamese heart of Richmond as local restaurants extend their trade to offer street food options.

    The Victoria Street Lunar Festival welcomes people of all cultural backgrounds to join in on the celebrations. It's an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate the start of the Lunar New Year with music, food, firecrackers, and more.

    Event Details

    The event will be on Sunday from 12pm to 10pm. The festival will take place on Victoria Street between Church Street and Hoddle Street in Richmond/ Abbotsford.

    Road Closures

    Please note that Victoria Street (between Hoddle and Church Streets) will be temporarily closed starting at 11:59pm on Saturday and is expected to re-open at approximately 5am on Monday.

    Tow Away Area

    To ensure smooth traffic management for the festival, Victoria Street (between Hoddle and Church Streets) in Richmond will be a tow-away area from 4pm on Saturday until 5am on Monday. Please plan accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.

    Don't miss out on this exciting celebration of the Lunar New Year! Mark your calendars and join us at the Victoria Street Lunar Festival for a day filled with delicious food, cultural performances, and festive fun

  • Authentic Street Food Selection

    Street level stages with Multicultural Performances and Entertainment

    Lion Dance and Fire Crackers

    Food and beverage stations presented primarily by local restaurants

    The official program details will be released 2 weeks before the event.

  • We encourage you to travel on public transport. Please check with Public Transport Victoria (www.ptv.vic.gov.au or 1800 800 007) for train and tram timetables.

    The festival is accessible via train to North Richmond Station and/or tram; route 109 (Box Hill to Port Melbourne) and route 12 (St Kilda to Victoria Gardens) go along Victoria Street . Route 78 (Prahran to Richmond) stops at the corner of Church and Victoria Streets. Please note there will be bus replacement for trams from Hoddle street and Church Street.

    There is limited street parking available during the day on Victoria and surrounding streets, but most have a 1-2 hour parking limit. Sunday is free in some places. Please check the sign. Parking can also be limited depending on the day and time, so plan carefully.

    Alternatively, you can park your vehicle in Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre and walk 8 minutes to the festival or Hive Shopping Center 1 minutes walk to the festival. Two hours and more parking is available at reasonable rates.

    Bicycles can be securely locked along the street. Please take care of your valuables and belongings

  • Is this event suitable for young children or dogs?

    * If you children is older than mostly welcome. If they are too young then avoid the fireworks in the afternoon as it may scare them.

    * For dogs, the large crowd may not be good for them. However earlier in the day should be fine.

    Will there be toilets?

    * Yes, there’ll be enough toilets for everyone at the event, including accessible toilets in each area. These will be signposted on the night.Toilet location is near the stage or toward church street. There should be signage for you to find or you can ask some of the vendor of security staff.

    Will there be food and drinks for sale?

    * Yes, food and drink will be available, both from stalls and from local cafes and restaurants. These will vary from viewing area to viewing area. You’ll only be able to buy alcohol from permanent licensed premises.

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

    * Yes, you can bring your own food and drink. However, you can not bring alcohol into the event areas. Police will be present on the day and may fine you. We will have a beer garden for you to enjoy the drink there.

    * Don’t bring any glass into the viewing areas. All drinks should be in cans or plastic bottles.

    Is there a covered area if it rains or hot?

    * Yes we do have covered areas. Remember we have over 50 restaurants and eateries you can go or alternatively visit Hive shopping centre.

    Is there first aid?

    * Yes. St John Ambulance will be at the event. Anyone needing medical help should go to a first aid point on Nicholsol Street. Event staff can show you to the nearest one. Call 000 in the case of emergency.

    Are there special meeting points?

    * Incase of emergency please follow instruction from security staff and the police.

    Will there be Wi-Fi in the area?

    * You might be able to use some of the restaurant wifi if you are their guest

    Who is managing security at the event?

    * We work closely with the Police, PTV, Yarra trams, Ambulance and Fire services to plan for security and safety at the event.

    * On the day, event security will be managed by trained staff working with the Police, Event Coordinators and other agencies.

    * We encourage everyone coming to the event to be vigilant, and to report anything of concern to a security or police officer.

    * No backpacks or suitcases will be allowed into the event this year, do remember this to avoid being turned away at the entrance.

    Can I bring a drone?

    * No. For security reasons, drones are strictly prohibited in and around the event. Any drones found will be destroyed and owners may be prosecuted, so leave them at home.

    Still have a question that needs answering?

    * If we haven't answered your question above, get in touch with us at hello@victoriastreet.org.au or visit our event control centre by asking one of the security staff.

    * Are you interested in becoming part of the exciting retail mix at Victoria Street? We can refer you to one of the agents on the street.

    About Victoria Street Richmond

    * Victoria Street Richmond features over 300 businesses including modern and Asian restaurants, grocers, homewares and lifestyle brands and professional services. With a proud multicultural history of having many ethnic restaurants.

    ongterm Leasing* Victoria Street Richmond also boasts a thriving fresh food market including a Woolworth and Aldi, fresh fruit and vegetable market, butcher, deli, fish monger and more!

    * A destination for quality entertainment, catch a movie at Victoria Gardern, enjoy the fun of Otao kitchen cooking and or grab a bite to eat at any of the delicious Victoria Street restaurants.

    * Victoria Street Business Association is a trader association.

  • Please book your stall from the link. We will be intouch 4 weeks before the festival to confirm.

    We are a trader association without a full time staff so we are able to answer your question closer to the time or email us hello@victoriastreet.org.au