Lunar New Year in the Square! | Sunday, 25 Feb, 10am-7pm
Bring the whole whānau down and be immersed in the vibrant pulse of pan-Asian communities as they come alive to celebrate new beginnings at Lunar New Year in the Square.
Experience the electrifying energy of street dance crews going toe-to-toe in an epic battle. Let your taste buds dance too, as you indulge in mouthwatering delights from an array of food trucks. Get hands-on at craft workshops that promise to unleash your creative spirit.
But that's not all – strut your stuff for a chance to win the coveted prize for the best dressed New Year outfit. And for those who harbour dreams of being the next karaoke sensation, step up to the mic and belt out your favourite tunes in the Karaoke competition – get ready to sing your heart out as if the entire world is cheering you on!
What's on?
- Food Stalls will be open from 10am – 7pm
- Lion & Dragon Dance
- Karaoke Competition (Quarter Finals, Wild Cards, Semi-Finals, Finals)
- The Mooncake and the Kūmara by Mei-Lin Hansen: A Retrospective
- Sam Low Cooks Modern Chinese with David Correos
- Pop, Lock & Break-it Street Dance Battles
Street Talk NZ - With Pan-Asian short films, games, food and more across the day – not to mention Silent Disco!
Pan-Asian musical performances:
- Ersha Island 二沙岛: Back To Our Roots EP
Proudly supported by Auckland Council and the City Centre Targeted Rate.
Pride Whanau Day – Full Moon edition | Saturday 24 Feb, 11am-2pm
A day for the whole family, celebrating Pride and welcoming in the Lunar new year! There will be activations for all, big and small.
Give circus tricks a go with master circus performers in the square, there will be ribbons, flower sticks, hula hoops and juggling equipment to try out. Get creating at the activity table, have your face painted or dream up a balloon twisted treasure to be brought to life. Join a dumpling making demonstration from foodie extraordinaire Connie Clarkson followed by dumpling tasting sessions. Take in the young city illustrators and pick up one-off drawings and creations at the pop up market. Sit in on a live panel discussion on leadership, creativity, and self-love from four prominent queer Asian creatives, including MasterChef winner Sam Low.
With something for all ages, come be part of the fun to connect, share, and celebrate the beautiful diversity of our city.
Asian in Aotearoa podcast - panel discussion | Pioneer Women's Hall, Ellen Melville Centre | 24 Feb, 1pm-2.30pm
Asian in Aotearoa are hosting their first-ever live panel event in celebration of Lunar New Year and Pride Month! Expect dynamic dialogue featuring four brilliant queer Asian creatives. The panel will delve into the podcast’s thematic exploration of Leadership, Creativity and Self-Love, alongside the quintessential Year of the Dragon virtues - Reinvention, Courage and Success. Proudly supported by Auckland Council and the City Centre Targeted Rate.
More free performances to check out
Contemporary performances | SkyCity | 23 & 24 Feb, 5pm-8pm
Enjoy performances from talented contemporary musicians of Asian descent at SkyCity. Check out the schedule here.
Lion dancing | Commercial Bay | 22 Feb, 3pm
In celebration of Chinese New Year, Commercial Bay have invited the talented Lion Dancers to roam the retail centre.
Celebrate with delicious eats
Lincoln's Table Lunar New Year walking food tours | 23 & 24 Feb 4pm-6.30pm
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with Lincoln’s Table and embark on an inner-city culinary adventure led by knowledgeable guides. Experience the joy of tossing for prosperity with the traditional lo hei at Huami, savor a Vietnamese New Year platter at Jungle 8, and delight in diverse flavors from Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese restaurants across the city. Usher in the Year of the Dragon with Sky City’s lion dance, dragon dance, and a spectacular firecracker display at the tour's end (9 & 10 Feb). Proudly supported by Heart of the City.
Honey, Let's Celebrate Lunar New Year high tea | Bellini Bar | From 1 Feb
From 1 February, Bellini’s Honey, Let’s Celebrate Afternoon Tea will feature elements to celebrate the Lunar New Year - think new handcrafted pastries and sweet gifts from Comvita Honey!
Special Lunar New Year bao buns & drinks | Andy's Burgers & Bar | During Feb
Head in and say hi to Andy's service robots Buzz and Bella this February and while your there grab the new Lunar New Year inspired cocktails and bao bun.
- Crispy pork bao bun ($17.50 for 2pc) - pickled cabbage, cucumber and spicy jalapeno hoisin sauce
- Year of Dragon cocktail ($18.88) - tequila, dragonfruit, lime juice, agave syrup
- New Year Sunset cocktail ($20) - toasted rice infused rum, Campari, Cointreau, orange and pineapple juice, gingerale