Released 15/01/2025
More than 170 multicultural communities celebrating their heritage. A dazzling lineup of over 270 stalls and 200 performers. The chance to see some of Australia’s most popular musical artists – including chart-topping Gamilaraay singer and songwriter, Thelma Plum, and soul and R&B sensation, Thndo – live on stage. These are just some of the exciting events and activities in store for visitors to the 2025 National Multicultural Festival.
Announcing the Festival’s full three-day program, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Michael Pettersson, said it would be a fun-filled weekend that people from all walks of life could enjoy.
“From February 7-9, Canberra City and Glebe Park will transform into a site of vibrant festivities, where people from across the country can come together to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Australia’s multicultural heritage,” Minister Pettersson said.
“Visitors to the Festival will be spoiled for choice this year, with an array of delicious food stalls and free entertainment on offer, including dance classes, arts and craft workshops, cooking demos, film screenings, literary readings, cultural events, and more.”
Minister Pettersson said that with free public transport available over the festival weekend (from 4.30pm on Friday, February 7, till the end of service on Sunday, February 9), visitors could travel to the event by bus or light rail for a stress-free day out.
“The easiest way to get to the festival is by public transport, and given how popular the event has been in recent years, leaving the car at home will also help to reduce congestion on our roads over the weekend.”
Key highlights of the program include:
Friday, February 7
- Opening Ceremony featuring the Muyngu Koekaper dancers from Saibai Island in the Torres Strait: 5.00pm on the South Glebe Park Stage.
- Bilingual Story Time (adults): 6.00pm-7.00pm at the Glebe Park Rotunda.
- Thndo: 9.15pm-10.15pm on the Akuna Street Stage.
Saturday, February 8
- Smartraveller Parade: 4.00pm, starting at the Canberra Museum and Gallery and culminating in Glebe Park.
- Mini Nepal in Australia Showcase featuring Nepalese Popstar Asmita Adhikari: 5.30 – 10.30pm at the North Glebe Park Stage.
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Showcase featuring Frank Yamma: 7.00pm – 10.45pm at the Civic Square Stage.
Sunday, February 9
- Cowboys & Cowgirls from Around the World Showcase featuring Josh Setterfield: 10.00am – 1.00pm at the South Glebe Park Stage.
- Azerbaijan Dance & Music Workshop lead by Azerbaijan’s State Dance & Music Ensemble: 11.15am – 12.45pm in the Glebe Park Workshop Tent.
- Thelma Plum: 2.00pm-3.00pm on the South Glebe Park Stage.
- Multicultural cooking demonstrations at the Glebe Park Rotunda stage throughout the day.
“It may be in its 27th year, but the National Multicultural Festival continues to stay fresh, relevant and exciting. That’s a testament to the incredible performers, stallholders and volunteers who make the Festival such an extraordinary event and, of course, the Festival organisers who work so hard to pull it all together, year after year,” Minister Pettersson said.
“The program is jam-packed with amazing events and activities, so I encourage people to come along on all three days.
The full Festival program is available at www.multiculturalfestival.com.au
Quote attributable to Thndo
“I’m so excited to come back to my hometown for a special performance at the National Multicultural Festival. My performance is an homage to my experience growing up in Evatt and all the people I encountered that made me who I am today.”
- Statement ends -
Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases