Released 10/06/2025
Canberra’s city centre will once again come alive with colour, culture and community when the National Multicultural Festival returns from 6 to 8 February 2026.
As one of the ACT’s most anticipated annual events, the festival draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to experience a vibrant celebration of diversity through global cuisine, music, dance and storytelling. It’s a unique opportunity for communities across the ACT—and beyond—to come together and share their cultural heritage.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Mr Michael Pettersson MLA, said the festival is a cornerstone of Canberra’s cultural calendar.
“The National Multicultural Festival is a powerful expression of who we are as a community—diverse, inclusive, and proud. We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back in 2026 for another unforgettable weekend of cultural exchange and connection.”
In 2025, the National Multicultural Festival featured more than 300 performance groups, and hosted 282 stalls, making it one of the most vibrant and diverse celebrations in the country. Building on that success, applications for performers, program participants, stallholders, cultural showcases, and community grants for the 2026 festival will open later this month. More information will be available on the festival website.
“The festival thrives on community participation. Whether you’re a performer, a food vendor, or a cultural group, we want to hear from you,” Minister Pettersson said. “We’re always looking for new ways to make the festival more inclusive, welcoming, and exciting.”
The 2026 festival will bring the community together in the heart of the city, offering a diverse program of performances, local food and market stalls, cultural activities, and inclusive events for people of all ages across various neighbourhood spaces.
More details about the 2026 program will be announced in the lead-up to the event.
Minister Pettersson encouraged Canberrans to save the date and sign up for festival updates at: www.multiculturalfestival.com.au.
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Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases