2026 National Multicultural Festival dancers from local studio Kokoloco. Photo: James Coleman.
More than 250 performances and 260 stalls will take over the heart of Civic next weekend for the 2026 National Multicultural Festival – and the ACT Government is confident light-rail construction won’t spoil what’s shaping up to be a bumper year.
Now in its 28th year, the festival will run from 6 to 8 February, spreading across City Walk and Glebe Park, with organisers promising a packed program, smoother access and plenty of space to move.
What’s on – and how big is it?
This year’s festival will feature more than 250 performances and activities across six stages, alongside 260 food and cultural stalls.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Michael Pettersson said the scale alone made it a standout.
“This is going to be a really big show. I predict this is going to be the best festival yet.”
The National Multicultural Festival’s gateway to Glebe Park. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Big-name acts include Troy Cassar-Daley, L-FRESH the Lion, Mexican mariachi group Queen of Hearts and Solomon Islands singer Charles Maimarosia. There’s also a strong comedy lineup, with Katrin Praseli, Michael Hing and Anisa Nandaula.
Local talent will be front and centre through the MusicACT Takeover, showcasing artists from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including Setwun, Citizen Kay and SAMATAR.
The Borobudur Dance Troupe in Glebe Park. Photo: James Coleman.
Unlike last year, Mr Pettersson doesn’t expect the weather to get in the way either.
“I don’t wanna jinx anything, but the weather worked against us last year with a bit of risk of thunderstorm, which scared some people off,” he added.
“But I’ve had a quick look at the weather, and it’s looking promising. So, touch wood, it continues to look like a wonderful weekend.”
Food, culture and hands-on experiences
As always, food is a major drawcard.
Festival-goers can try dishes from around the world, watch chef demonstrations through the ‘World on a Plate’ program, or roll up their sleeves for cooking and cocktail classes.
“In just one weekend, you can see the country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley live, try mouth-watering global delicacies, attend a pisco sour masterclass, learn how to make Tibetan Momos, or celebrate Swedish Midsummer around the maypole,” Mr Pettersson said.
Iranian kebabs are just some of the items on the menu at the festival. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Chef demonstrations will feature Pilot’s Mal Hanslow, Lunetta’s Will Moyle and Zoe Scott, and cookbook author Karima Hazim.
Embassy Villages will also return, offering food, games and cultural activities hosted by various diplomatic missions.
New programs – and familiar favourites
Festival director Petra Rutledge said 2026 would bring several new programs, especially for families and young people.
Patch Theatre from South Australia will present ‘Glow and Tell’, an “immersive experience” for children on Akuna Street, combining storytelling, play and interactive light displays.
There’s also a new drag program, a sports-focused program with the Raiders, Brumbies and Cricket ACT, and player meet-and-greets alongside panel discussions. The Cricket World Cup trophy will also be on display.
The Kokoloco Dance Studio on the stage at the 2026 National Multicultural Festival media preview. Photo: James Coleman.
At the same time, long-running cultural showcases remain at the heart of the festival.
Latin Carnival, African showcases, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander showcase are all returning.
“These are programs which are created by and presented by community,” Ms Rutledge said.
“They are at the heart and soul of what we do.”
Getting there – and getting home
With light-rail construction continuing around Civic, organisers are again urging people to plan ahead.
The festival footprint has increasingly shifted into Glebe Park in recent years to avoid construction zones, a trend the government says will continue in 2026.
“I don’t think [construction] will affect crowd numbers,” Mr Pettersson said.
“Most Canberrans are aware of the construction activity … and they’re able to make appropriate plans.”
Free public transport will be available on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 pm until last service, alongside free shuttle buses running around the City, the National Triangle, and between CIT Bruce, Stadium carparks and the City.
The festival has also been declared a special event under the Liquor Act, allowing licensed venues in the city to extend trading hours and serve alcohol in open containers at premises until 2 am from Friday to Sunday.
A festival that keeps growing
The 2023 festival attracted about 380,000 visitors and delivered an economic benefit of more than $20 million. In 2024, attendance climbed to more than 417,000.
The government says economic analysis suggests the festival will again inject around $20 million into the local economy this year, with about 10 per cent of attendees visiting from interstate or further afield.
Volunteers will be on hand to help direct visitors. Photo: ACT National Multicultural Festival.
“I think it’s really important that we have a festival that takes place here in the city centre, and it says loud and proud that we support diversity,” Ms Rutledge said.
“It’s truly a festival for everyone, from young people to old people, from all walks of life, from everywhere in the world. And to have this as one of Canberra’s biggest festivals is so important, and such an incredible thing for our community.”
Visit the Multicultural Festival for more information, including about travel and parking.
