Southport saddles up for Year of the Horse

Published on 19 February 2026

The City’s annual Lunar New Year celebration returns to Chinatown on Saturday 21 February, featuring free entertainment, amazing food deals, kids’ activities and fireworks.

Acting Mayor Mark Hammel said the Southport CBD will transform into a colourful hive of activity to welcome 2026 on the traditional lunisolar calendar.

“There’ll be lion and dragon dancers, an interactive wishing tree, Kizuna drummers, food trucks, market stalls and a fireworks finale,” Acting Mayor Hammel said.

2026 is the Year of the Horse, representing vitality and perseverance.

“The popular $5 Food Safari offer is back, giving people the chance to gallop around Chinatown feasting on the best deals Southport has to offer,” he said.

“There are also plenty of free activities for kids, including lotus origami, Chinese stamp making, woodblock printing and more.”

Event details

When: Saturday 21 February, 3pm to 7:30pm. Fireworks from approximately 7:30pm  

Where: Chinatown, Davenport Street and Young Street, Southport, 4215.

Catch the G:link to Southport or make your journey active and walk, ride, scoot or skate to the event.

Make sure to download the $5 Food Safari map. For more information search 2026 Lunar New Year on Facebook. 

City of Gold Coast’s 2026 Lunar New Year is supported by the Queensland Government, SOPO and Australia Fair Metro.