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 national costumes, 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 and plan your spot!
Saturday 8 February at 4pm.
The 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.
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
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!
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!
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.
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