Celebrate the Year of the Horse with cultural performances, workshops, and family-friendly activities at the Maritime Museum.
Tuesday 16 February 2027
to Sunday 22 February 2026
10:00am - 4:00pm
2 Murray St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Free with museum admission
Celebrate the vibrant Lunar New Year with a full day of captivating cultural performances and creative workshops designed for families. Experience traditional Chinese arts such as knot-making, calligraphy, and fan painting alongside tea tasting and Mandarin language tours. The festival offers a rich blend of music, dance, and roving performances that bring the heritage of Tianjin to life.
Enjoy interactive demonstrations by experienced artists and immerse yourself in the delights of traditional culinary treats like Chinese pancakes, Twisted Dough, and steamed buns. Children will love the face painting and glitter tattoos inspired by Lunar animals, making it a fun and educational outing for all ages.
This event is presented in partnership with the China Cultural Centre and the Tianjin Regional Department of Culture and Tourism, ensuring an authentic and engaging cultural experience.
The festival runs from 10:00 to 16:00 daily from February 16 to February 22, 2026. Highlights include Lunar Performances at 11:00, 14:00, and 15:30 featuring traditional music, dance, and acrobatics. At 15:00, enjoy martial arts demonstrations and the spectacular Lion and Dragon Dance.
Family workshops run from 11:00 to 15:00, offering activities like model dragon boat making, shadow puppets, block printing, and fan painting. Specialty art-making activities and souvenir prizes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mandarin language tours of the museum’s maritime collections are held daily at 12:00, providing a unique bilingual experience. The Lunar Seas Treasure Map encourages exploration of zodiac-inspired treasures throughout the museum, with prizes for participants.
The festival takes place at the Australian National Maritime Museum, located at 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000, on Gadigal land. The Terrace Room hosts the Tianjin Cultural Fair.
The museum is accessible by public transport, with nearby train and bus services, and offers family-friendly facilities. Parking is available but limited, so public transport is recommended.
Specialty art activities and souvenir prizes are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so early arrival is advised to secure participation.
The event is family-friendly and suitable for school-aged children, offering a safe and engaging environment to learn about Chinese culture and heritage.
Please note that some activities may vary in availability throughout the day. Face painting and glitter tattoos are included as part of the Lunar Maker Space activities.
Entry to the Lunar Sea Festival is free with museum admission. No prior booking is required for most activities, but early arrival is recommended for specialty workshops.
For more information and updates, visitors can check the Australian National Maritime Museum’s website or social media channels.
