The full festival experience
The 2025 National Multicultural Festival is set to be our biggest celebration yet! With the program now live, you can explore an extraordinary line-up of cultural performances, interactive experiences, and culinary delights.
From unforgettable stage shows to hands-on workshops, this year’s festival offers something for everyone.
Entry to the festival is free, and the event will be open during the following hours:
· Friday, 7 February: 5pm – 11pm
· Saturday, 8 February: 10am – 11pm
· Sunday, 9 February: 10am – 5pm
Here’s a selection of festival highlights you won’t want to miss!
Smartraveller parade
Experience the vibrant festival parade, featuring over 50 cultures brought to life through stunning traditional and national dress, lively music, and energetic dance.
Starting at the Canberra Museum and Gallery, the parade winds its way along London Circuit and Akuna Street, before concluding in the Glebe Park.
Check out the festival map to follow the parade route.
Saturday 8 February at 4pm
The festival’s performance line-up blends fan favourites with exciting new acts from around the world.
Spanning First Nations, Middle Eastern, African, Latin American, Pacific Island, Asian, European cultures, and more, expect a mix of tradition and contemporary artistry.
With eight stages and 200+ performances, it’s a dynamic blend of professional and community talent.
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!
Workshops
Experience the art of cultural exchange at the festival workshops! These hands-on sessions offer a unique chance to engage with community groups, artists, and performers while exploring the rich traditions and vibrant cultures from around the world.
From arts and crafts to music, dance, language, and interactive games, there's something for everyone. Come join us to learn, create, and connect in this immersive cultural experience!
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!
Sunday 9 February | Glebe Park Rotunda
Multicultural film festival
We are excited to bring back a refreshed Multicultural Film Festival to the 2025 program.
Enjoy iconic films from India, France, China, the Pacific, First Nations, and beyond. Stop by Elise's Film House next to the Canberra Museum + Gallery in Civic Square for daily free short film screenings throughout the National Multicultural Festival. The movie-fest continues into the evening with feature films celebrating the vibrancy of multicultural Australia.
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 and Saturday 8 February
Glebe Park Rotunda
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 and Sunday 9 February
Civic Library
Family sanctuary
The Canberra Museum + Gallery will host the Family Sanctuary, providing families a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle.
This space includes an infants' nursing and changing area. Children's activities feature an instrument petting zoo, performances by members of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, and face painting.
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 February
Canberra Museum + Gallery, Civic Square