The SCSA-ASCC performers bring a captivating fusion of modern Chinese culture and traditional artistry to the stage. Featuring talented school-aged and adult students alongside experienced teachers, this showcase celebrates the richness and diversity of Chinese performance. Audiences will enjoy an…
Placing children at the centre of this engaginginteractive experience,Glow & Tell blends the magic oflight and the simplicity of storytelling.Using UV light in a custom-built tent, the classroom istransformed into a magical performance space wherestories and imagined worlds come alive…
Taste Jamaica brings the bold flavours of the Caribbean to Canberra with a sizzling live demonstration of authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken. Blending cultural storytelling with hands‑on cooking, this session explores the rich history of jerk seasoning and the iconic ingredients…
Colour, energy and tradition take centre stage as WIELKOPOLSKA celebrates the rich beauty of Polish folk culture. With dancers aged 7 to 26, the group brings national and regional Polish styles to life through elegant, lively choreography and stunning hand‑crafted…
The Australian Girls Choir is one of Australia’s most celebrated youth choirs, known for uplifting, polished performances on stages at home and around the world. Founded in 1984, the choir now includes thousands of young singers in training across Australia.…
Discover the timeless beauty traditions of Myanmar with Heart Beams Rising. This interactive workshop introduces Thanaka, a natural tree bark paste cherished for over 600 years for its cooling, protective, and cosmetic qualities. Learn how Thanaka is prepared, explore its…
Kung Fu Wushu ACT invites you to experience the power and grace of Chinese martial arts through dynamic workshops led by expert masters. Learn Tai Chi with Shr Fu Dapeng Wang and Mary O’Sullivan. This interactive sessions are perfect for…
The Celtic Tattoo celebrates the rich musical traditions of the early Celtic settlers who helped shape the ACT region. Featuring the powerful sounds of pipes and drums, lively ceilidh music and the artistry of Scottish, Irish and Welsh dance, this…
Step into a colourful journey through music, dance and storytelling as the Australian Multicultural Action Network A(AMAN) presents Echoes from the Delta: A Cultural Odyssey. This vibrant showcase celebrates the rich artistic traditions of delta regions across the world, blending…
CMAG invites festival‑goers to step out of the crowds and into a world of art, history and creativity with a range of free exhibitions. Explore Canberra/Kamberri: Place & People, dive into the tender imagery of Loving: Photographs of Men in…
CMAG invites little festival‑goers (and the young at heart!) to enjoy FREE face painting by Funny Fantasy Entertainment. Register on the day for a splash of colour, sparkle and creativity — all part of the festival fun.
CMAG’s Maker Space invites festival‑goers to get hands‑on and creative in a vibrant, multicultural studio. Visitors can layer words, colours and patterns from around the world to craft their own textured artwork, inspired by global stories and traditions. After creating…
Cool off in Civic Square and unleash your creativity with CMAG’s Rain Painting experience. Under the misting fans, visitors can watch colours swirl and drip to create unique, weather‑made masterpieces — the perfect way to stay refreshed and make a…
CMAG offers a calm retreat for families needing a breather from the festival buzz. The boardroom transforms into a dedicated feeding and relaxation space, giving parents and bubs a comfortable spot to rest and recharge. Toddlers can enjoy gentle sensory…
Get hands‑on in the CMAG studio and explore printmaking with a multicultural twist. Layer words, symbols and patterns from cultures around the world to create a vibrant, textured design using mixed media techniques. This creative session invites all ages to…
Need a breather between festival fun? Take time out in the air‑conditioned COTA ACT Senior Lounge, with comfortable seating and complimentary tea and coffee. While you’re there, drop by the Libraries ACT stall to chat with the friendly team, sign…
Experience the rich and diverse sounds of China with the ANU Chinese Classical Music Ensemble. Formed in 2006 at the ANU School of Music, this talented group of 18 musicians brings centuries of tradition to life. Their repertoire spans elegant…
Council of Italo Australian Organizations (CIAO) Italian Flag Throwers return to the National Multicultural Festival with a dazzling display that always stops crowds in their tracks. Their vibrant, traditional flag‑throwing performance transforms the fountain precinct into a burst of colour,…
Don’t leave Civic Library empty‑handed! Drop in and decorate your very own library bag in this fun, creative activity for all ages. Use colours, designs and a bit of imagination to make a bag that’s uniquely yours — perfect for…
Sprigulitis, Canberra’s Latvian Folk Dancing Group, has been keeping Latvian traditions alive since 1953. Dance is at the heart of Latvian culture—celebrating life, connecting communities, and marking the seasons. Sprigulitis will showcase authentic folk dances passed down through generations, performed…
Step into the elegance of ancient China with this captivating costume showcase by the ACT Overseas Chinese Student Care Centre. Featuring graceful movement, refined gestures, and traditional attire, the performance offers a glimpse into the social customs and cultural values…
Prosperous Mountain Lion Dance, Canberra’s premier lion and dragon dance team, joins forces with Melbourne’s Soaring Dragon to deliver an unforgettable cultural spectacle. Across the festival weekend, audiences will experience authentic, high-energy performances featuring vibrant costumes, rhythmic drumming and breathtaking…
Placing children at the centre of this engaginginteractive experience,Glow & Tell blends the magic oflight and the simplicity of storytelling.Using UV light in a custom-built tent, the classroom istransformed into a magical performance space wherestories and imagined worlds come alive…
Renowned for its rich four-part harmonies, the Australian Rugby Choir brings a powerful male voice ensemble to the stage. Fresh from performances at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Sydney Opera House, the choir will share favourites from its diverse repertoire—spanning…
Canberra’s own Mal Hanslow brings his sharp skills and love of local produce to a fully electric festival kitchen powered entirely by induction cooking. As Executive Chef and co‑owner of Pilot and Such and Such, Mal will create a kingfish…
Kung Fu Wushu ACT invites you to experience the power and grace of Chinese martial arts through dynamic workshops led by expert masters. Explore Kung Fu basics with Fire Dragon’s Grand Master. This interactive sessions are perfect for all ages…
Since 1981, Wielkopolska has proudly shared the beauty of Polish folk culture with audiences across Australia. This vibrant group performs a stunning repertoire of national and regional dances, from lively, energetic steps to elegant, graceful movements—all in richly detailed, colourful…
Discover the art of snow-skin mooncakes with AAYA, led by a seasoned community educator passionate about sharing Chinese culinary traditions. These no-bake, chilled pastries feature a soft, mochi-like skin and are filled with lotus seed, red bean, black sesame, or…
Grace Community Group brings the elegance of Chinese folk traditions to the stage with a vibrant fan dance, featuring flowing costumes and colourful fans set to rhythmic music. Adding to the cultural showcase, renowned artist Ms Xiong demonstrates the intricate…
Canberra’s Limestone Morris brings the lively tradition of Cotswold Morris dancing from the villages of southern England to the festival stage. This centuries-old folk dance is closely tied to spring and summer celebrations, featuring dancers in flowery hats and bells,…
Council of Italo Australian Organizations (CIAO) Italian Flag Throwers return to the National Multicultural Festival with a dazzling display that always stops crowds in their tracks. Their vibrant, traditional flag‑throwing performance transforms the fountain precinct into a burst of colour,…
Journey across the vast Mongolian steppe with this breathtaking showcase of traditional Mongol dance. The Mongolian Association of Canberra brings centuries of culture to life through graceful hand movements, powerful warrior‑inspired choreography and vibrant traditional costumes. Each dance honours Mongolia’s…
Canberra Mandolin Orchestra invites you on A Mediterranean Musical Holiday with the shimmering sounds of mandolin, mandola, mandocello, guitar, and bass. Formed in 2003, the orchestra performs under the baton of conductor Michael Hardy, blending world music, folk, light jazz,…
Formed in 2006 as a PhD project at the ANU School of Music, the ANU Chinese Classical Music Ensemble has grown into a vibrant collective of 18 musicians. Their repertoire spans centuries and regions—from Jiangnan silk-and-bamboo traditions to folk tunes…
Placing children at the centre of this engaginginteractive experience,Glow & Tell blends the magic oflight and the simplicity of storytelling.Using UV light in a custom-built tent, the classroom istransformed into a magical performance space wherestories and imagined worlds come alive…
Lunetta’s Head Chef Will Moyle and Chef Zoe Scott fire up the induction burners for a high‑energy, all‑electric cooking session that celebrates Italian technique, seasonality and big flavour. With experience across top kitchens, Will and Zoe will showcase how induction…
Kung Fu Wushu ACT invites you to experience the power and grace of Chinese martial arts through dynamic workshops led by expert masters. Gain practical skills in women’s self-defence with Shr Fu Ingrid Bean. These interactive sessions are perfect for…
Prosperous Mountain Lion Dance, Canberra’s premier lion and dragon dance team, joins forces with Melbourne’s Soaring Dragon to deliver an unforgettable cultural spectacle. Across the festival weekend, audiences will experience authentic, high-energy performances featuring vibrant costumes, rhythmic drumming and breathtaking…
Council of Italo Australian Organizations (CIAO) Italian Flag Throwers return to the National Multicultural Festival with a dazzling display that always stops crowds in their tracks. Their vibrant, traditional flag‑throwing performance transforms the fountain precinct into a burst of colour,…
Step into a whirl of colour, culture and community with Folk Dance Canberra’s World Dance Workshop. Led by the vibrant Polish folkloric group WIELKOPOLSKA, this workshop celebrates the elegance, energy and charm of traditional Polish folk dance. Dancers aged 7…
Explore Russian culture in this hands‑on creative workshop, combining abstract art with the beauty of Cyrillic script. Experiment with shapes, symbols and lettering as you create a unique artwork inspired by language, culture and personal expression. This relaxed session invites…
Falun Dafa Association of Australia presents a stunning showcase of classical Chinese dance, featuring the Ribbon Dance, Fan Dance, and Lotus Dance—three timeless art forms that embody grace, harmony, and cultural depth. Flowing silk ribbons create mesmerising patterns symbolising wind…
Russian Folklore Ensemble Kalinka from Sydney brings the vibrant spirit of Russia to the festival with a dynamic program of traditional dance and song. Audiences will be captivated by energetic Cossack dances, lyrical folk choreography, and the grace and emotion…
Karima Hazim is the founder of Sunday Kitchen, where Lebanese food, culture and storytelling come together around the table. Drawing on her heritage and background in design and entrepreneurship, Karima creates immersive cooking experiences that celebrate tradition, connection and shared…
Canberra City Band is back in 2026, bringing over a century of musical tradition — and more than 100 passionate musicians — to the festival stage. Audiences can expect a world tour of toe‑tapping symphonic wind pieces, from familiar favourites…
Kung Fu Wushu ACT invites you to experience the power and grace of Chinese martial arts through dynamic workshops led by expert masters. Enjoy the rhythm and energy of a Lion Dance drumming workshop with Shr Fu Wilson Lo. These…
The Greek Glendi Showcase brings the vibrant spirit of Greece to the festival with colourful, high‑energy performances from the Canberra Hellenic Dancers. Having performed across Australia and in Greece, the troupe shares Greek culture through traditional music, lively folk dances…
The Scotsman brings the warmth, wit and spirit of Scotland to the festival stage. With rousing folk ballads, lively ceilidh‑style tunes and heartfelt storytelling, Graeme McColgan transports audiences straight to the highlands and lochs of his homeland. His soaring vocals,…
Created from materials rescued from the recycling bin, Journey to Mictlan is a magical shadow puppetry show inspired by a 600‑year‑old Mexican legend still shared through families today. Watch discarded treasures transform into expressive puppets under lamplight as the story…
Placing children at the centre of this engaginginteractive experience,Glow & Tell blends the magic oflight and the simplicity of storytelling.Using UV light in a custom-built tent, the classroom istransformed into a magical performance space wherestories and imagined worlds come alive…
Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of Chile with Baila Chile Folk Dances Inc., a Canberra-based group dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Chile through dance. Their performance takes audiences on a captivating journey across the country’s diverse…
Feel the rhythm of Africa in this vibrant drumming workshop presented by Celebration of African Australians Inc. Participants will experience the power of traditional African drums and cultural instruments, accompanied by lively dance and music that bring the heartbeat of…
Created from materials rescued from the recycling bin, Journey to Mictlan is a short shadow puppetry show that tells a Mexican legend dating back approximately 600 years - one that continues to live on in family traditions today. With puppets…
Rio Samba Shows ignites the stage with the vibrant spirit of Latin America, blending dazzling dance performances with interactive workshops that get everyone moving. Inspired by Brazil’s iconic Carnival culture, this talented troupe has wowed audiences at major events including…
Council of Italo Australian Organizations (CIAO) Italian Flag Throwers return to the National Multicultural Festival with a dazzling display that always stops crowds in their tracks. Their vibrant, traditional flag‑throwing performance transforms the fountain precinct into a burst of colour,…
Get ready for an explosion of rhythm and energy as the Australian Tamil Cultural Society brings Tamil dance to the stage! Three dynamic groups will deliver unforgettable performances that fuse modern beats with traditional cultural movements, creating a vibrant celebration…
Tahalianna is a proud Wiradjuri and Tongan artist whose powerhouse voice and heartfelt storytelling have captivated audiences nationwide since she first stepped on stage at six years old. Hailed by industry veteran Gary Pinto as “one of the best unsigned…
Experience the vibrant essence of Mexico with Mexbourne Dance Company’s dynamic showcase of traditional folk dances from Jalisco, Veracruz, Nayarit and Hidalgo. Each performance bursts with colour, rhythm and storytelling, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of these regions. From the…
Kalpana and Abi invite you to discover Kuzhi Paniyaram, a beloved South Indian snack with a crispy shell and soft, fluffy centre. Cooked in a distinctive pan and served with coconut or tomato chutney, these bite-sized delights are made with…
Xtreme Stars burst onto the stage with pure joy, colour and unstoppable energy. This talented troupe of young adults with disabilities celebrates creativity, movement and self‑expression through a mix of dance styles and vibrant costumes. Their performances radiate confidence and…
Placing children at the centre of this engaginginteractive experience,Glow & Tell blends the magic oflight and the simplicity of storytelling.Using UV light in a custom-built tent, the classroom istransformed into a magical performance space wherestories and imagined worlds come alive…
Canberra Kyokushin Karate’s Performance Team brings the power of the “strongest karate style” to the festival with an action‑packed showcase for all ages. Black belts will demonstrate advanced kata, high‑intensity sparring and impressive board‑breaking skills, while students from ages five…
Hear from an inspiring panel of CALD women leaders working across health, earth science and technology as they share their journeys into STEM. This engaging discussion explores how culture, curiosity and lived experience shape careers — and why diversity is…
The Latin American Embassies Opening Ceremony officially launches the Latin American Showcase at the National Multicultural Festival. Join representatives from Latin American embassies as they come together to celebrate shared culture, creativity and community. This short ceremonial moment marks the…
Hit ‘n’ Miss is Canberra’s only all-female drumming group, igniting stages with powerful beats and infectious energy since 2013. United by a passion for traditional West African rhythms, this dynamic ensemble blends cultural diversity with raw percussion power. Their performances…
One man band Tim Scanlan teams up with fiddler Mana Okubo from Japans ‘John John Festival’ and Rhys Crimmin on the didgeridoo, mixing ancient tunes and drones with modern beats and sounds. Equally at home playing a midnight spot in…
Munay Folk brings the vibrant traditions of Peru to life with Valicha, one of the country’s most beloved dances. Originating from Cusco, this lively huayno celebrates love, youth and the rich cultural heritage of the Andes. Dancers wear stunning traditional…
A unique variety of cultural performance with folk music, popular light songs, and songs based on classical Indian tradition. The dance consists of an Indian mythological episode.
Rio Samba Shows ignites the stage with the vibrant spirit of Latin America, blending dazzling dance performances with interactive workshops that get everyone moving. Inspired by Brazil’s iconic Carnival culture, this talented troupe has wowed audiences at major events including…
Prosperous Mountain Lion Dance, Canberra’s premier lion and dragon dance team, joins forces with Melbourne’s Soaring Dragon to deliver an unforgettable cultural spectacle. Across the festival weekend, audiences will experience authentic, high-energy performances featuring vibrant costumes, rhythmic drumming and breathtaking…
Discover the beauty and artistry of the saree in this hands‑on workshop led by Disti, a talented saree draper known for her friendly, practical teaching style. Joined by members of the Sri Lankan community, she’ll guide participants through classic draping…
Heart Beams Rising invites you on a sensory journey through Myanmar’s rich culinary heritage. This live cooking demo showcases four beloved dishes: Laphet Thoke (tea leaf salad), street-style mini pancakes, Nga Pi Yay (fermented fish dip), and a hearty chicken…
Tarpuy Perú brings the vibrant spirit of Peru to life with a performance full of colour, rhythm and joy! Tarpuy means “to sow” in Quechua, and this passionate group’s mission is to plant seeds of culture and connection wherever they…
Giddha is one of Punjab’s most vibrant folk dances, performed by women to celebrate joy, community and tradition. Combining rhythmic clapping with lively steps and expressive gestures, Giddha is as energetic as Bhangra while showcasing feminine grace and elegance. Dancers…
Placing children at the centre of this engaginginteractive experience,Glow & Tell blends the magic oflight and the simplicity of storytelling.Using UV light in a custom-built tent, the classroom istransformed into a magical performance space wherestories and imagined worlds come alive…
Feel the heartbeat of Africa with this joyful Sunday Gospel Showcase, blending powerful vocals, uplifting rhythms and vibrant movement. The Celebration of African Australians brings together traditional drumming, call‑and‑response singing and lively choreography to share stories of community, resilience and…
For over 20 years, Manquehue has proudly showcased the vibrant folkloric dances of Chile at festivals and community events across Australia. Their performances celebrate Chilean heritage through dynamic choreography and colourful costumes, bringing the spirit of central Chile to life.…
Choral Studio Harmony, founded in Melbourne in 2017, is a vibrant community choir of children from Russian-speaking families. Known for its versatility, the choir performs songs in English and Russian across a range of styles, bringing cultural richness and musical…
A true giant of Australian music, Troy Cassar‑Daley brings his heartfelt stories and unmistakable voice to the festival as the 2026 headline act. A proud Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung man, Troy has spent more than three decades capturing the spirit of…
Fire Dragon Australia brings a breathtaking display of traditional Pai Lum (White Dragon) Kung Fu to the festival stage. Featuring performers from brand‑new beginners to Black Belts — and Grand Master Hardy himself, with more than 45 years’ experience and…
Spice up your festival weekend with Thai Media and Cultural of Canberra’s vibrant Thai cooking demonstration! This lively session brings traditional Thai flavours to life with quick, easy recipes anyone can master at home. Audiences will enjoy an interactive experience…
Rio Samba Shows ignites the stage with the vibrant spirit of Latin America, blending dazzling dance performances with interactive workshops that get everyone moving. Inspired by Brazil’s iconic Carnival culture, this talented troupe has wowed audiences at major events including…
Get ready for a high-energy celebration with EKIPA, Canberra’s vibrant five-piece band bringing the heart of Croatia to life! Formed in 2015 by talented musicians from Croatia and Australia, EKIPA blends traditional favourites with modern twists for an unforgettable experience.…
Back to Future is a dazzling fusion of fashion, dance, and storytelling that brings traditional Chinese Hanfu to life. Presented by AAYA, this stage show features dynastic silhouettes, expressive choreography, and theatrical vignettes that reveal the symbolism and etiquette behind…
