Released 23/12/2025
One of Australia’s most celebrated country music artists, Troy Cassar-Daley, will perform at the 2026 National Multicultural Festival. The multi-award-winning artist is known for his heartfelt musical style that explores “the everyday triumphs, struggles, and joys of Australians from the city to the outback.” A proud Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung man, Cassar-Daley has released numerous gold and platinum records, while 31 of his songs have reached number one on the charts.
Also performing at the festival will be the Australian hip-hop phenomenon, L-FRESH the Lion, who has toured with Nas and shared stages with the likes of Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, Hilltop Hoods, and Sir Elton John. Born to Punjabi-Sikh parents in Sydney, L-FRESH the Lion’s innovative music draws on his heritage while pushing the boundaries of hip-hop to create a raw, uplifting sound.
The National Multicultural Festival will transform Canberra City into a vibrant and dynamic celebration of Australia’s rich multicultural heritage from February 6-8, 2026.
With hundreds of stallholders and performers participating, visitors will be able to enjoy amazing food from around the world, along with an abundance of free entertainment, including music, dance, comedy, family activities, and workshops.
Festival highlights include:
- Fields of Belonging: Celebrating Multiculturalism in Sports: An inspiring panel discussion that highlights the power of sport to unite communities across cultures, featuring players from the Raiders, the Brumbies, and Cricket Australia.
- Queen of Hearts: a showstopping, all-female Mariachi band known for its contemporary take on traditional Mexican Mariachi music.
- MusicACT Takeover: Highlighting contemporary local artists from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, this program blends tradition with innovation to create fresh sounds that reflect today’s multicultural voices.
There will also be plenty of fun experiences for children and families, including:
- Glow and Tell: An enchanting, light-filled experience from South Australia’s Patch Theatre that explores themes of family and culture through interactive performance, storytelling, and glowing UV-light. Patch Theatre creates visually captivating performances for children aged 4–8, placing them at the heart of the experience to inspire imagination, wonder, and discovery.
- Rice and Peas Jamaican Dancehall Party: Culture Queenz invite kids aged 4–12 to groove, learn iconic moves, and celebrate community through rhythm and energy.
- CMAG Family Sanctuary: A welcoming, relaxing space at the Canberra Museum & Gallery, where families can escape the hustle and bustle of the festival while enjoying Mexican puppetry shows, creative crafts, face-painting, and more.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Michael Pettersson MLA, encouraged people to mark their calendars.
“The 2026 National Multicultural Festival will be unmissable. In its 28th year, the festival is all about discovery, where beloved favourites meet fresh experiences that surprise and delight. We’re inviting everyone to rediscover the magic - because even after almost three decades, there’s always something new to experience at the National Multicultural Festival,” Minister Pettersson said.
“Canberrans will be able to enjoy free performances from iconic country star Troy Cassar-Daley and hip-hop dynamo L-FRESH the Lion, along with dozens of local, national and international artists. Excitingly, Canberra’s own Tahalianna Soward-Mahanga – a proud Wiradjuri and Tongan artist who is known for her extraordinary performances on The Voice – will be supporting Troy."
“No matter what your passion is, you’ll find something to delight in at the festival. Foodies will love the cooking demonstrations from passionate home cooks and some of Canberra’s most prestigious chefs. If you’re into comedy, you’ll want to check out the Lip Syncs and Laughs comedy and drag show. There will also be incredible dance performances from K-Pop sensation Serendipity Dance Crew, as well as Latin acts Mi Peru, and Manquehue Chilean Folk Dance Group.”
“The National Multicultural Festival is one of Canberra’s most cherished occasions. It’s a joyous, community-led celebration of Australia’s diversity and inclusive spirit, with more than 150 cultures represented.”
L-Fresh the Lion will perform on Friday 6 February 2026 from 10pm – 11pm
Troy Cassar-Daley will perform on Sunday 8 February 2026 from 4pm – 5pm
The full lineup of performers and stallholders will be announced in January 2026. For more information about the festival, go to multiculturalfestival.com.au/
Quote attributable to Troy Cassar-Daley:
“I love this festival, it always makes me feel very proud to play as a person who is a product of multiculturalism, being Indigenous and Maltese means bringing different worlds together, and doing that with music makes it very special. Come along with us as we celebrate Unity in a country built on multiculturalism. So proud to play this one next year."
Quote attributable to L-Fresh the Lion:
“I’m really looking forward to returning to the Canberra Multicultural Festival. It’s been a long time since I last performed there, and coming back to share this moment with the community means a lot. I can’t wait to put on a special show for everyone.”
- Statement ends -
Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases