Hop right into the Year of the Dragon with these events happening across Melbourne.
Make way, Year of the Rabbit, 2024 marks the Chinese Year of the Dragon this February 10. Traditionally celebrated across most East Asian countries, the beginning of the lunar calendar year is marked with festivities all across the world.
There are tons of events happening across Melbourne to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Read on to check out Beat’s recommendations to celebrate the Lunar New Year 2024 in style.
Lunar New Year 2024
- The Lunar New Year 2024 will take place on January 22 this year
- It marks the end of the zodiac Year of the Rabbit and the beginning of the Year of the Dragon
- There are tons of events happening across Melbourne in celebration
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
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Melbourne Museum
All taking place on Saturday, January 21, the Melbourne Museum has a full day of festivities planned for the Lunar New Year. Kicking off at 10 am, there will be a Lunar New Year Lion and Dragon dance at the Melbourne Museum to welcome in the new year.
From 11 am until 3 pm, create your own Dragon for the Lunar New Year of the Dragon, drawing inspiration from Dragon Lizards such as the Frilled Neck Lizard, Thorny Devil and Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon. Forget Buzzfeed quizzes – they’ll also be hosting a Which Zodiac Animal Are You? event. There will also be a talk from Museums Victoria Research Associate of Herpetology Rocio Aguilar as he shares knowledge on Australia’s Dragon Lizards.
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Chinese Lunar New Year Dragon Festival
Held in Chinatown in the CBD on Sunday, February 11, this celebration is going to be one of the biggest. On the main stage, see lion dance performances, a Dai Loong Dragon Parade and other cultural displays.
There will be a massive dragon sculpture installation at the site, as well as world-class dining options. Wear or rent traditional hanfu outfits and take in the jovial atmosphere.
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House of the Heart
Ring in the Lunar New Year in style from the Museum of Chinese Australian History’s Dragon Gallery. This spectacular cabaret performance brings together opera, storytelling and dance into a dazzling “intercultural celebration of home, ancestors and how we got here”.
There will be dragons, delectable cocktails and 13 talented performers, including Indigenous jazz legends and multi-awarded Chinese indie-pop stars.
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Chinese New Year With the MSO
The MSO are welcoming in the Year of the Dragon with their 11th annual Chinese New Year Concert. Bringing together Eastern and Western sonic flavours, this transportive two-hour performance takes place at Hamer Hall on Saturday, February 17.
Featuring superstar Chinese soprano Hui He and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Xu Zhong, it’s no wonder that the tickets are selling so fast.
Victoria Street Lunar New Year Festival
On Sunday, February 4, Richmond will come alive with this free Victoria Street festival. The event will feature street food offerings from Korean BBQ to traditional Chinese dumplings, performances from modern music to traditional dances and children’s activities including face painting and arts and crafts.
Of course, the lion dancing and firecrackers will be the stars of the show, scaring away the evil spirits for the rest of the year.
Still hungry for more? Check out where to find the best cheap dumplings in Melbourne.
