The National Multicultural Festival will return to Canberra from February 6-8, transforming the city into a vibrant street party celebrating our diverse heritage.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Michael Pettersson, encouraged all Canberrans to visit the festival and enjoy the plethora of free entertainment on offer, with an interactive map and program available at multiculturalfestival.com.au/festival-map to make planning your trip easier.
"The National Multicultural Festival can take you anywhere you want to go. In just one weekend, you can see the country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley live, try mouthwatering global delicacies, attend a pisco sour masterclass, learn how to make Tibetan Momos, or celebrate Swedish Midsummer around the maypole – there are so many possibilities," Minister Pettersson said.
"Whether you've been attending the festival for years or it's your first time, the National Multicultural Festival has plenty of amazing new experiences in store for you. With more than 250 performances and activities and 260 stalls, there's something for everyone."
Some festival highlights include:
- Worldclass entertainment: enjoy music performances from country icon Troy Cassar-Daley, hip-hop phenomenon L-FRESH the Lion, the all-female Mexican Mariachi band Queen of Hearts, and the extraordinary Solomon Islands singer Charles Maimarosia, to name just a few. Prepare for unstoppable giggles with comedians Katrin Praseli, Michael Hing, and Anisa Nandaula.
- MusicACT Takeover, featuring Setwun, Citizen Kay, and SAMATAR: This program spotlights contemporary local artists from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, blending tradition with innovation to create fresh sounds that reflect today's multicultural voices.
- Embassy Villages: learn about different cultures at diplomatic stalls, sample global delicacies, and take part in fun games and activities.
- The National Multicultural Festival Parade: Held on Saturday from 4-5pm, the parade is a vibrant procession of music, dance and traditional dress celebrating diversity and unity.
- World on a Plate Chef Demonstrations, featuring Pilot's Mal Hanslow, Lunetta's Will Moyle and Zoe Scott, and celebrity cookbook author Karima Hazim: From passionate home cooks to chefs from renowned local restaurants – and a special celebrity guest – this program brings together diverse culinary voices. Enjoy live demonstrations, inspiring talks, and a feast of ideas that highlight the richness of cultures through cuisine.
The National Multicultural Festival is an inclusive and accessible event, with specially designated spaces available for people who need to take a break from the buzz of the festivities. Older visitors who want to relax can do so at the Seniors Lounge at the Civic Library, hosted by COTA, while Canberra Museum & Gallery will be home to the Sunflower Space – a sensory-friendly area where people of all ages can recharge in comfort.
There is also a Families Sanctuary at CMAG with nursing and changing areas, where kids can take part in fun activities, including Mexican puppetry shows, creative crafts, and more.
Minister Pettersson said that to support local businesses during the festival weekend, 14 businesses had been awarded Business Activation Grants to deliver multicultural-themed activities. Recipients include Highball Bar, which will host a late-night Latin party after the festival; and Landspeed Records, which will hold a world music day, with DJs spinning global sounds outside the store.
The National Multicultural Festival has also been declared a special event under the Liquor Act 2010. On Friday to Sunday inclusive, Canberra venues which hold a liquor licence will be able to automatically extend their licensed hours and supply liquor in open containers at the premises until 2am.
Minister Pettersson encouraged festival-goers to catch public transport to the festival, with free services available on the Friday and Saturday evening from 6.00 pm until last service.
Visitors to the festival will also be able to take advantage of free shuttle services around the City and National Triangle on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as between CIT Bruce and Stadium carparks and the City. This will make it easier for people to get to the festival and is also a great option for people who want to park and ride.
