Beyond the streets and stages: 12 essential experiences at the 2026 National Multicultural Festival

Posted on 4 February, 2026

This year, the excitement of the National Multicultural Festival is spilling into city shops, restaurants, bars, and all the way up to Braddon and City West.

The National Multicultural Festival is back this weekend, and we’re officially counting down the days to the celebration of music, dance, food and culture. This year, local businesses are officially part of this year’s program, and they’re amplifying your festival experience through hands-on activities, late-night parties, and foodie experiences inspired by local and global cultures.

From a Mooseheads K-Pop Pop-Up to a night in New Orleans with Molly, this year’s National Multicultural Festival isn’t only on the streets or stages – it’s also inside some of the city’s best-loved (and new favourite) places.

Here are 12 experiences you won’t want to miss.

Amici del Vino

Can’t resist Italian food and wine? Amici is hosting a special evening you’ll want to book a ticket to. Celebrating the National Multicultural Festival weekend with Amici del Vino, during this event you’ll be treated to Italian-style music, a selection of Italian-inspired spritzes and wines and a complimentary tiramisu dessert. Bookings are essential.

Thursday, 5 February, 6 pm–10.30 pm | Amici, 27 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City |  inthecity.com.au

‘Around The World’ Wine Tasting Night

Calling all foodies, this one is for you! On Thursday 5 February, VICE will take you around the world with this guided food and wine tasting evening. For $130 per person, your ticket will include a set menu, paired with five wines from Italy, Australia and Spain – think Karman Tinto Rioja Tempranillo, Frogmore Creek Iced Riesling and Lark Hill Regional Riesling. Hosted by Mark Davis of Joval Wines Australia, there will also be live music following the tasting.

Thursday, 5 February, 6 pm–10 pm | VICE, Odgers Lane, Canberra City | inthecity.com.au

Mooseheads K-Pop Pop-Up

K-Pop fans, this one is for you. On Friday 6 February, Mooseheads is turning the volume all the way up with a high-energy K-Pop Pop-Up Party – and the best part is, it’s free to attend.

Transforming the iconic Canberra nightclub into a vibrant showcase of Korean pop sound and style, Mooseheads will bring Seoul-level energy straight to the city’s nightlife scene. Expect slick, choreography-ready beats and sing-along anthems as dedicated K-Pop DJs spin crowd favourites designed to keep the dance floor packed. Don’t forget your lightstick!

Friday 6 February, 9 pm –11.59 pm | Mooseheads, Canberra City | inthecity.com.au

WUA1CO: The Ultimate Latin Night

Live Latin orchestra, top Latin DJs, and a full evening of dance, music and cultural celebration – what’s not to love? WUA1CO is the ultimate celebration of Latin America, taking over Luna Bar on Friday 6 February.

Experience genres including salsa, bachata, reggaeton and merengue, brought to life by Canberra’s leading Latin performers and DJs. The night also features a live Latin orchestra, open salsa and bachata dance classes (no partner required), curated cocktails and a ‘dress to impress’ dress code. You know you’re in for a good time.

Friday 6 February, 9 pm – 11.59 | Luna Bar, London Circuit, Canberra City | inthecity.com.au

Taste of Asian Bakery at Bite & Savor

Can’t resist Asian baking? Neither can we. Across the three days, head to Bite & Savor to experience a curated selection of freshly made bakery items inspired by flavours from East Asia.

From classic pastries to modern favourites, you’ll enjoy a variety of baked goods prepared in-house, learn about the cultural stories behind them, and soak up the vibrant festival atmosphere.

Friday 6 until Sunday 8 February, 8 am–8 pm | Bite & Savor, 45 East Row, Unit 1, Canberra City | inthecity.com.au

Wurrumay Collective First Nations Food Tastings

This 100 percent Aboriginal owned and operated retail store is hosting a special First Nations event during the festival, which will celebrate the richness of Aboriginal food knowledge and highlight native ingredients that have been cultivated, harvested, and respected for tens of thousands of years.

Make sure to pop in for a First Nations talk and tasting that explores the cultural significance of native foods, their seasonal nature, and the deep relationship between land, people, and nourishment.

Wurrumay Collective also stocks products from over 120 Blak-owned businesses, so why not take some time for some self-care shopping while you’re there?

Saturday 7 February, 10 am–2 pm | 53/30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | inthecity.com.au

Taste of Korea at Status Golf

This unique experience blends Korean sport, cuisine and entertainment. Try your hand at screen golf – a phenomenon enjoyed by millions across Korea – and play on more than 126 real Korean golf courses, including iconic venues such as Woo Jeong Hills Country Club.

But it’s not just about the golf. Alongside the games, the bar will be serving authentic Korean street-style food and drinks, including soju cocktails, pajeon (vegetable pancakes) and mandu (dumplings).

Immersive and energetic, this experience will transport you to Seoul without the plane ticket.

Friday 6 until Sunday 8 February, 10 am–10 pm | Status Golf, Akuna Street, Canberra City | inthecity.com.au

POP Canberra Multicultural Festival Street Celebrations

POP Canberra is transforming into a multicultural hub across the festival weekend – and they had us at dumplings and cocktails.

Hosting a different event each day, Friday kicks off with a relaxed in-store cocktail evening hosted by local maker Poncho Fox, featuring locally made drinks using ingredients handpicked from Pat’s gin herb garden.

On Saturday, enjoy fresh, hot dumplings from DumpLinLins, paired with Lin Lin’s signature artisanal sauces. Sunday rounds out the weekend with a classic sausage sizzle with an international twist, served with Kielty’s Irish Sauces.

If that’s not enough, Allara Creative will showcase a bespoke artwork for sale throughout the weekend. Every dollar raised from the artwork and all Allara Creative products at POP will go directly to refugee initiatives run by their not-for-profit organisation. See you there?

Friday 6 until Sunday 8 February |  POP Canberra, 27 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | inthecity.com.au

A Night in New Orleans at Molly

Travel to New Orleans for one night only and celebrate one of the world’s most influential music cities as Molly hosts an immersive live jazz experience. From 10 pm, you’ll enjoy a live New Orleans-style jazz band, themed cocktails, whisky specials and Creole-inspired bites.

The best part? Entry is free.

Saturday 7 February, 10 pm – 12.30 am | Wooden Door, Odgers Lane, Canberra City | inthecity.com.au

98 Nations Indoor Rowing Cup

Get ready to feel the burn and the buzz at this high-energy rowing event as part of the National Multicultural Festival. Teams from across Canberra are invited to compete in this fun indoor rowing challenge that showcases fitness, teamwork and community spirit. Whether you’re racing or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a great way to celebrate movement and multicultural connection in the heart of the city.

Friday 6, 5.30–6.30 pm and Saturday 7 February, 4–5 pm | 98 Gym Canberra, 131 City Walk, Canberra City | inthecity.com.au

CoCo Bubble Tea Workshop

Dive into the colourful world of bubble tea at this interactive workshop designed for kids and curious sippers alike. Participants will learn about the ingredients that go into crafting their own CoCo Bubble Tea and walk away with tasty, freshly made drinks – blending fun with a taste of Asian beverage culture.

Saturday 7 February, 12–4 pm | CoCo Bubble Tea, 180 City Walk, Canberra City | inthecity.com.au

Barrio Beats at Highball

Cuban and South American-inspired cocktails and bites, live Latin music and free entry – Highball is turning up the heat.

Bringing the energy of Latin America to this one-night-only event, expect everything from two-for-one Daiquiris (from 5 to 6 pm) to DJs, roaming percussion, pop-up dance moments, and live music and performances starting at 10 pm.

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 February, 5 pm until late | Highball, 77 London Circuit, Level 1, Canberra City |  inthecity.com.au