One of Wollongong's favourite events is on again in 2026, with the fourth iteration of the much-loved Culture Mix Festival returning to the CBD on 26 September.
The vibrant celebration of our city's diversity has become a highly anticipated day on our social calendar, with the 2025 event attracting more than 20,000 visitors to the Wollongong CBD to experience traditional music, dance, art, and cuisine of the many different cultures that call Wollongong home.
The full program, put together through extensive consultation with the city's multicultural communities, ensures that the celebration is truly reflective of our city's diversity and provides authentic cultural experiences.
There's never been a better time to get involved, with Council now calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) and development grant applications from individuals and groups based in the Wollongong Local Government Area to participate in this year's event.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown says that the close collaboration with the community is what makes Culture Mix such a special and unique event.
"Like anyone who has attended in previous years, I'm absolutely thrilled to see Culture Mix returning in 2026," Cr Brown said.
"We're now delivering this event for a fourth time and our relationships with the community groups and organisations essential to bringing the celebration about have deepened and become stronger with each iteration.
"What really stands out is the opportunity the festival offers for attendees to, not only see and hear what's on offer, but to actually participate through the dance, music and art workshops. It's a celebration of the community, by the community.
"I think its appeal has only grown as performers, stall holders and organisers find new and innovative ways to contribute to the program. I encourage all interested individuals or groups to submit an EOI, particularly those that may not have participated in the festival before and feel they bring something new and exciting.
"It's what makes Culture Mix great and, whether you head out for the first time or the fourth time this September, I'm certain you will see something new and exciting, and experience something memorable."
Interested people or groups can submit an EOI to be part of the festival as a performer, performance group, workshop presenter, or as a cultural or a food stall holder.
There are limited places available within the performance and workshop program, with the EOI process open to both community-based or professional performers and facilitators based in the Wollongong area who can provide an authentic and unique cultural performance or workshop.
With the ever-popular Culture Mix Bazaar and Food Fair also returning this year, EOIs are also open for potential cultural stalls, displays and food stalls at the event. Priority will be given to not-for-profit, community-based Aboriginal or multicultural groups and organisations that operate within the Wollongong area.
All EOIs will be assessed based on how they meet outlined selection criteria and with a view to ensuring the full program provides a diverse and balanced cultural offering that reflects the wide range of cultures Wollongong is home to.
Council also offers Culture Mix development grants that provide one-off funding of up to $3000 for Wollongong-based groups and communities to develop content for the festival.
Assessment for grant funding will prioritise innovative projects that encourage involvement of new participants, demonstrate a sharing of culture across different groups, and help build capacity and experience within community groups and organisations.
Funding can be used for things like workshops and project development sessions, engagement of a creative mentor (e.g. a choreographer, director, artist), rehearsal space hire, costumes and props, equipment and materials, as well as travel and performance costs.
Expressions of interest and development grant applications will be open from Thursday 30 April and close at midnight on Wednesday 27 May. Applicants will be assessed against the selection guidelines, with successful applicants to be notified in June 2026.
wollongong.nsw.gov.au/culture-mix
Funding for Culture Mix has been provided by the NSW Government and administered by Multicultural NSW. Culture Mix is proudly presented and co-funded by Wollongong City Council.
