LOCAL LIFE
Celebrate the Year of the Horse at Nurragingy Reserve
Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens at Nurragingy Reserve will come alive with colour, culture and celebration on Friday, 20 February 2026, as the community comes together to welcome the Year of the Horse with a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration.
Running from 4pm to 9pm, the gardens will be beautifully decorated in the spirit of Lunar New Year, creating a stunning backdrop for an evening packed with traditional performances, family-friendly activities and entertainment for all ages.
The program includes a range of cultural highlights, with the official opening and Lion Dance at 7pm, accompanied by the excitement of firecrackers. This will be followed by the spectacular Dragon Dance at 7.55pm, before the night concludes with a dazzling fireworks display at 9pm.
Families will find plenty to keep children entertained throughout the afternoon and evening, with free kids’ activities including oriental hat making, drum taking, fan painting and Year of the Horse origami. Additional attractions include kids’ rides, dough sculptures, calligraphy, kite painting, face painting, a Lantern Lady, Chinese fortune telling and appearances by the God of Wealth.
The event site offers accessible parking, with clearly marked directions on arrival, as well as accessible toilets throughout the area. While Nurragingy Reserve features many wheelchair-friendly pathways, visitors are advised that some areas may become muddy in wet weather.
Please note this is a lively event with loud amplification and fireworks, and there is no dedicated quiet sensory space.
With its mix of tradition, colour and community spirit, the 2026 Lunar New Year celebrations promise a memorable evening for the whole family.
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BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 59 // FEBRUARY 2026 11