Published 4 February 2026
Where to see lion dances during Sydney Lunar Festival
They bring good luck and chase away evil spirits for the year ahead.
Sydney Town Hall steps
They’re loud, they’re lively and they’re like nothing else you’ll see on your lunch break. Lion dancers and accompanying musicians draw crowds outside Sydney Town Hall with a traditional performance to bring good luck and chase away evil spirits for the year ahead.
Performances are on Tuesdays, 17 and 24 February, 1pm to 1:10pm and 1:30pm to 1:40pm.
- Credit: Katherine Griffiths / City of Sydney
On the streets
Walk through the streets of Haymarket and a lion dance could be right around the corner.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings during the festival, lion dancers and community performers bring colour, music and movement to our streets.
Performances are at 2 locations:
- Hay Street, corner of Harbour Street 6pm to 6:45pm, Friday 20 to Sunday 22 February
- Campbell Street, near George Street 6pm to 6:45pm, Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March
- Credit: Phoebe Pratt / City of Sydney
Leaping from high poles
The renowned Jin Wu Koon dancers leap and balance across towering poles in this thrilling display that blends traditional lion dancing with acrobatics, strength and precision.
Performances are on level 1 at Market City Shopping Centre, Haymarket:
- Saturday 14 February at 2pm and 4pm
- Sunday 15 February at 2pm
- Credit: Anna Kucera, image supplied by Market City
Flying through the air on jetpacks
Lion dancers fly high over Cockle Bay as they perform breathtaking aerial manoeuvres at these jet pack shows.
Performances are at Darling Harbour on Saturday 21 February. There are 2 shows, 4pm and 8:45pm. The evening performance will be followed by fireworks at 9pm.
- Credit: Image supplied by Darling Harbour
By your table as you feast
You’ll find front row seats to a lion dance at many restaurants across Sydney as you share a banquet with family and friends.
Celebrate with south-east Asian cuisine and a lion dance at The Malaya. Performances will start around 8:30pm on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 February.
Order your favourite dumplings for lunch at New Shanghai Westfield Sydney on Saturday 21 February. It’ll fuel you up for when the lion visits at 2pm.
Find more restaurant offerings and performances on What’s On.
- Credit: Image supplied by The Malaya restaurant
