Big Festival Sunday: St Kilda Festival and Lunar New Year Take Over Melbourne Today

A Super Sunday in the City

Melbourne is bursting with energy this Sunday, 15 February 2026. From the iconic shores of St Kilda to the cultural heart of Springvale, today offers a rare alignment of massive community festivals, world-class theater, and beloved local markets. Whether you are looking for live music, artisan crafts, or high fashion, there is something happening in every corner of the city.

Major Festivals and Cultural Celebrations

The highlight of the day is undoubtedly St Kilda Festival’s Big Festival Sunday. As Australia’s largest free music festival, the St Kilda foreshore has been transformed into a multi-stage playground. Today's lineup features some of the country's biggest names, headlined by Jessica Mauboy. Expect a day filled with sunshine, street performers, and a vibrant community atmosphere that usually draws hundreds of thousands to the bay.

Simultaneously, the Springvale Lunar New Year Festival is in full swing from 10 am to 10 pm. To celebrate the Year of the Horse, the Springvale Shopping Precinct is hosting lion dances, firecrackers, and over 70,000 visitors. It is the perfect spot to enjoy diverse Asian street food, carnival rides, and cultural performances culminating in a spectacular fireworks display tonight.

Theater and Exhibitions

For those seeking indoor entertainment, Melbourne’s East End Theatre District is glowing. Anastasia the Musical continues its magical run at the Regent Theatre, with both matinee and evening performances today. Meanwhile, at the Southbank Theatre, the Melbourne Theatre Company presents a high-energy musical adaptation of My Brilliant Career, alongside the gripping new play Do Not Pass Go.

Art lovers should head to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International). Today is a perfect opportunity to view the summer blockbuster exhibition, Westwood | Kawakubo, which explores the radical fashion of Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo. Also showing is the Women Photographers 1900–1975 exhibition, offering a deep dive into the historical impact of female artists in the medium.

Sunday Markets and Community Picks

No Sunday in Melbourne is complete without a market stroll. The St Kilda Esplanade Market is open today right alongside the festival action, featuring over 100 stalls of handcrafted jewelry and art. In the CBD, the Queen Victoria Market remains a staple for fresh produce and specialty finds, including the curated Melbourne Book Market in A Shed. For a more historic backdrop, the Makers Market at Pentridge is also welcoming visitors today, showcasing local artisans within the converted prison grounds.