A sneak peak of what's to come
Exciting things are on the horizon! As we curate an incredible program for the 2025 National Multicultural Festival, dedicated community groups, performers and stallholders are hard at work preparing their vibrant performances, unique showcases and delicious treats.
Get a glimpse of what’s in store for the 2025 festival! Stay tuned for exciting updates on performers, stalls, and must-see festival highlights.
Entry to the festival is free and open during these times:
· Friday, 7 February 5pm – 11pm
· Saturday, 8 February 10am – 11pm
· Sunday, 9 February 10am – 5pm
Smartraveller parade
Witness the vibrant festival parade, where over 50 cultures come alive in a spectacular display of national costumes, music, and dance. Starting at Canberra Museum and Gallery, the parade weaves its way along London Circuit and down Akuna Street, culminating in Glebe Park. Be captivated as performers play traditional instruments and dance to delight crowds along the route. Arrive early to secure the best viewing spot for this unmissable celebration of diversity!
Saturday 8 February at 4pm
The 2025 performance line-up promises a mix of festival favourites and fresh acts from cultures across the globe. From ancient traditions to contemporary artistry, expect a diverse range from First Nations, Middle Eastern, African, Latin American, Pacific Island, European, and more artists. With eight stages and over 200 performance groups, the festival features a dynamic blend of professional and community talent.
Full program to be announced.
Stalls
Explore a world of flavour, culture, and creativity at the festival stalls! Indulge in authentic international cuisine, browse handmade crafts, and visit cultural information booths to learn about traditions from across the globe. Savour delicious dishes, discover unique treasures, and connect with the stories behind the art and food. With so much to see, taste, and experience, it’s a celebration of diversity you won’t want to miss!
Full stall list to be announced.
Workshops
Dive into the art of cultural sharing at the festival workshops! These hands-on sessions offer a unique opportunity to engage with community groups, artists, and performers, exploring the rich traditions and vibrant cultures of our diverse world. From arts and crafts to music, dance, language, costumes, customs, and interactive games, there’s something for everyone. Join us to learn, create, and connect in a truly immersive cultural experience!
Full schedule to be announced.
Cooking demonstrations
Immerse yourself in the flavours of the world at our cooking demonstrations! Watch talented chefs prepare delicious dishes live, sharing the history and significance behind each recipe. Get inspired as they reveal cooking techniques, tips, and tricks, and enjoy the opportunity to interact and ask questions. Don’t miss your chance to learn new skills, discover unique flavours, and celebrate the art of cooking at the festival!
Full schedule to be announced.
Multicultural film festival
We are excited to bring back a refreshed Multicultural Film Festival to the 2025 festival program. The film festival brings iconic films from France, China, the Pacific, First Nations and more. Pop into Elise's Film House next to Canberra Museum + Gallery, Civic Square, for a cool drink and free short film screening each day of the National Multicultural Festival. The movie-fest continues into the evening with a selection of feature-length films celebrating the vibrancy of multicultural Australia.
Full schedule to be announced.
Bilingual story time
Relax in the shade around the Glebe Park Rotunda and enjoy global stories read in First Nations' and international languages, and English. Stories suitable for children and families will be read on Saturday morning. Bilingual story time for an adult audience will be held on Friday night.
Friday 7 February, 6- 7pm (adults)
Saturday 8 Feb, 10 - 11am (families & children)
Seniors chill zone
ACT Libraries is offering a quiet space for older festival-goers at the Civic Library. Guests can enjoy a cool drink and take a break from the festival vibe in the seniors' chill zone operated by COTA. The Civic Library is located in Civic Square, next to the Canberra Theatre
Saturday 8 February 10am - 4pm
Sunday 9 February 12 - 4pm
Family sanctuary
The Canberra Museum + Gallery (CMAG) will host the festival's Family Sanctuary. This space offers families a break from the bustle of the city and includes an infants nursing and changing space. Children's activities include an instrument petting zoo, performances from members of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and facepainting. CMAG is located in Civic Square.
Saturday 8 February 10am - 4pm
Sunday 9 February 10am - 4pm