What to expect at the National Multicultural Festival 2023
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It’s back baby—and Australia’s biggest celebration of cultural diversity is more vibrant than ever for its special 25th anniversary.
Experience the world-class National Multicultural Festival from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 February. From cultural performances to foodie feasts, there’s something for everyone! Here, Visit Canberra shares what you can’t miss.
New to the National Multicultural Festival?
It’s a jam-packed three-day festival that celebrates cultures from around the world with an array of cultural showcases and culinary delights. You’ll see Canberra reimagined as the festival takes over the city centre and this year expands to Glebe Park.
Immerse yourself in a reflection of Australia’s multiculturalism as you clog dance, learn Kung Fu, or even write your name using the ancient Egyptian Coptic alphabet.
Each day of the festival, sing and dance along to live performances as you taste your way around hundreds of food stalls, see cooking demonstrations, get involved with workshops, and enjoy the family-friendly entertainment on offer. Entry to the festival is free.
See the full festival program and download a summary of each day’s activities.
Enjoy non-stop live music and dance performances
Be swept away by the festival’s exceptional program that features hundreds of performances from cultures of the world. There’ll be everything from Brazilian Samba and Chinese dragon dancing to Greek dancing, across eight stages. The best news? Enjoy unlimited entertainment at the festival at no cost—simply just show up.
Be there for the unmissable parade
On Saturday 18 February at 3:30 pm witness a sea of local, interstate, and international groups participating in an energetic parade. The beloved parade is a delight to all, featuring everything from magnificent floats to talented dancers and marching bands.
The parade will start at the Canberra Museum and Gallery and will proceed along London Circuit to Akuna Street and then end in Glebe Park.
See the phenomenal headliners
Watch performances from around the world by Mitch Tambo, Lisa Hunt, James Morrison, Jay Laga’aia, Justine Clarke, and Parvyn.
Mitch Tambo is one of Australia’s most unique and electrifying First Nations entertainers who has been hailed as “the new voice of our generation”.
Lisa Hunt has sold more than a million records worldwide and will bring her knock-out African American gospel, Motown, big funk and soul energy to the festival as part of the US Showcase, kindly supported by the Embassy of the United States of America.
James Morrison is a virtuoso in the true sense of the word. James has been appointed a member of The Order of Australia, has won countless awards and has been inducted into the Australian Jazz Hall of Fame.
Jay Laga’aia is a much-loved actor and children’s entertainer. A gifted musician, Jay has written and recorded numerous albums.
Justine Clarke is one of Australia’s most popular and versatile entertainers. A multi-ARIA Award-winning children’s music artist, author and star of stage and screen.
Parvyn is a Punjabi-Australian singer best known for her work with band The Bombay Royale and her father Dya Singh.
Laugh out loud at the Multicultural Comedy Gala
During the festival, the Canberra Theatre will host the Multicultural Comedy Gala (18 February). The Multicultural Comedy Gala will celebrate Australia’s rich cultural diversity, with a selection of the most acclaimed and celebrated comedians in the nation.
This star-studded line-up will shed light on everything that makes us different but so much the same. So, do your soul a favour and treat it to a night of laughter you’ll never forget.
The Multicultural Comedy Gala is a paid event.
Buy tickets here.
Taste your way around an array of cuisines
Join in and celebrate our nation’s wonderful food and drink culture.
Embark on the ultimate international culinary tour from the hundreds of food stalls coming together to prepare their signature foods. The festival is never short of exotic food and beverages for food lovers who are brave enough to try something unique.
Watch passionate chefs at work
After sampling the food, pop into a cooking demonstration. Across the weekend you’ll see chefs sharing their impressive culinary skills and coveted recipes while they talk through the history and significance of their dish.
Keep the kids entertained
For the first time, kids will have their very own headline acts including children’s entertainer, Jay Laga’aia and Play School presenter, Justine Clarke.
The kids will love visiting all the stalls representing different countries—you’ll feel like you’ve travelled across the world without having left the festival.
Sunday 17 February will feature a special program dedicated to family-friendly events complete with multicultural roving acts and circus performances.
Families wanting a break from the hustle and bustle can tuck away to Civic Library which will host bilingual story time or Canberra Museum and Gallery, which will be a dedicated space to provide a quieter family sanctuary. Both venues will be offering a range of fantastic activities for kids.
