Want to celebrate your culture, share your organisation's valuable work, or take the stage at one of Canberra's most beloved events? Applications are now open for performers and stallholders wishing to participate in the 2026 National Multicultural Festival, which will return from 6 – 8 February 2026.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Michael Pettersson MLA, encouraged members of the community who are interested in being involved in the festival to participate in the open application process.
"Canberra's diverse community is the heartbeat of the National Multicultural Festival. I encourage individuals and organisations who want to help celebrate the ACT's inclusiveness to apply to be part of the festivities," Minister Pettersson said.
"The fact that the National Multicultural Festival is community-led is what makes it such a vibrant and unique event, one that attracts hundreds of thousands of people to Canberra City each year," Minister Pettersson said.
"Participating in the National Multicultural Festival is a fantastic way to reach new audiences and make new community connections. In 2025, more households than ever attended the festival, with 83,420 - or 41% - of Canberra households attending."
The National Multicultural Festival promotes equality, social cohesion and the sharing of culture through music, dance, language, cultural displays, food, learning, and interaction.
Stallholder applicants can apply under four different categories:
- Community (Food and Beverage; Retail Cultural Market Items; or Club - Food and Beverage)
- Information (Multicultural; Diplomatic; or General)
- Commercial (Food and Drink; or Retail Market Items)
- Market Stalls (Community; or Commercial)
The festival team, which sits within the ACT Government's Health and Community Services Directorate, will hold information sessions over the coming weeks to help prospective applicants.
The festival also welcomes local, national and international performer applications from a wide range of genres, including music, dance, song, spoken word, performance art, roving performers and ceremonies. Community Groups, professional and volunteer performers are encouraged to apply in the following categories:
- Cultural showcase
- Stage performance
- Community workshop
- Cooking demonstration
- Parade participation
Minister Pettersson said non-profit community organisations could apply for grants ranging from $100 to $10,000 for projects that promote community participation, inclusion and cultural diversity at the festival. The ACT Government's National Multicultural Festival Grant Program is available for community organisations to assist with performance costs, materials, costumes, performer and rehearsal fees, travel expenses and Public Liability Insurance.
Applications to participate as a stallholder or performer at the festival close on 26 August.
