The Ultimate Guide to the National Multicultural Festival 2025
Updated 31 Jan 2025
Experience the world-class festival from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 February.
Take a journey around the world in just three days as Canberra transforms into a global celebration of culture and cuisine. This year’s event will take over the city centre and expand into Glebe Park. From cultural performances to foodie feasts, there’s something for everyone at the National Multicultural Festival in Canberra.
Here's a glimpse of what's in store.
Dates and Hours
- Friday 7 February: 5pm – 11pm
- Saturday 8 February: 10am – 11pm
- Sunday 9 February: 10am – 5pm
New to the National Multicultural Festival?
Get ready for three days of celebration, as Canberra comes alive with a vibrant cultural showcase of more than 170 multicultural communities.
Immerse yourself in a reflection of Australia’s multiculturalism - try clog dancing, learn Kung Fu, or even write your name in the ancient Egyptian Coptic alphabet. Sing and dance along to live performances, taste your way around hundreds of food stalls, enjoy cooking demonstrations, dive into hands-on workshops, and enjoy plenty of family-friendly entertainment. Best of all, entry to the festival is completely free.
Enjoy non-stop live music and dance performances
Be swept away by the festival's exceptional program that features hundreds of performances from cultures of the world. There'll be everything from Brazilian Samba to Chinese dragon dancing and Greek dancing, across eight stages.
The best news? Enjoy unlimited entertainment at the festival at no cost – simply just show up.
Be there for the unmissable parade
Make sure you’re there on Saturday 8 February at 4pm to experience the Smartraveller Parade. Expect over 50 cultures showcased in a vibrant procession featuring stunning national costumes, music, and dance. Starting at the Canberra Museum and Gallery, the parade will weave through London Circuit and Akuna Street, culminating in Glebe Park.
See the phenomenal headliners
One of the highlights of the festival is its non-stop entertainment lineup. This year, the festival will feature Gamilaraay woman and talented musician, Thelma Plum, as the headline act. You’ll also enjoy performances from:
- Thndo, the Zimbabwean-born, Canberra-raised R&B artist
- Frank Yamma, the Deadly Award-winning Indigenous singer and songwriter
- Black Bird Hum, the energetic big-band reggae group
- The Seben Brothers, a lively Congolese Rumba and Soukous band
…and many more incredible acts, offering a rich and diverse musical experience for everyone.
Image: Our CBR.
Taste your way around an array of cuisines
Feast your way through the festival’s hundreds of food stalls, offering signature dishes from across the globe. From street food to hearty meals, there’s something for everyone.
Watch passionate chefs at work
Once you’ve indulged in the food, head to a cooking demonstration. Across the weekend you'll see chefs sharing their impressive culinary skills and coveted recipes while they talk through the history and significance of their dishes.
Family Sanctuary
The Canberra Museum + Gallery (CMAG) is proud to present the Family Sanctuary, a peaceful haven for families to relax away from the city's hustle and bustle. This space includes an infant nursing and changing area, and fun activities for children such as an instrument petting zoo, performances by members of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, and face painting. CMAG is located in Civic Square. Saturday 8 February: 10am - 4pm Sunday 9 February: 10am - 4pm Seniors Chill ZoneACT Libraries is offering a peaceful retreat for older festival-goers at the Civic Library. Guests can unwind with a refreshing drink and take a break from the festival atmosphere in the Seniors' Chill Zone, hosted by COTA. The Civic Library is conveniently located in Civic Square, next to the Canberra Theatre. Saturday 8 February: 10am - 4pm Sunday 9 February: 12pm - 4pm |
Summer in Canberra is calling
Accommodation deals
