Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
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Released 16/07/2025
Want to celebrate your culture, share your organisation’s valuable work, or take the stage at one of Canberra’s most beloved events? Applications are now open for performers and stallholders wishing to participate in the 2026 National Multicultural Festival, which will return from 6 – 8 February 2026.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Michael Pettersson MLA, encouraged members of the community who are interested in being involved in the festival to participate in the open application process.
“Canberra’s diverse community is the heartbeat of the National Multicultural Festival. I encourage individuals and organisations who want to help celebrate the ACT’s inclusiveness to apply to be part of the festivities,” Minister Pettersson said.
“The fact that the National Multicultural Festival is community-led is what makes it such a vibrant and unique event, one that attracts hundreds of thousands of people to Canberra City each year,” Minister Pettersson said.
“Participating in the National Multicultural Festival is a fantastic way to reach new audiences and make new community connections. In 2025, more households than ever attended the festival, with 83,420 – or 41% – of Canberra households attending.”
The National Multicultural Festival promotes equality, social cohesion and the sharing of culture through music, dance, language, cultural displays, food, learning, and interaction.
Stallholder applicants can apply under four different categories:
- Community (Food and Beverage; Retail Cultural Market Items; or Club – Food and Beverage)
- Information (Multicultural; Diplomatic; or General)
- Commercial (Food and Drink; or Retail Market Items)
- Market Stalls (Community; or Commercial)
The festival team, which sits within the ACT Government’s Health and Community Services Directorate, will hold information sessions over the coming weeks to help prospective applicants.
The festival also welcomes local, national and international performer applications from a wide range of genres, including music, dance, song, spoken word, performance art, roving performers and ceremonies. Community Groups, professional and volunteer performers are encouraged to apply in the following categories:
- Cultural showcase
- Stage performance
- Community workshop
- Cooking demonstration
- Parade participation
Minister Pettersson said non-profit community organisations could apply for grants ranging from $100 to $10,000 for projects that promote community participation, inclusion and cultural diversity at the festival. The ACT Government’s National Multicultural Festival Grant Program is available for community organisations to assist with performance costs, materials, costumes, performer and rehearsal fees, travel expenses and Public Liability Insurance.
Applications to participate as a stallholder or performer at the festival close on 26 August.
More information on the application process and information sessions is available at www.multiculturalfestival.com.au.
For more information about the ACT Government’s National Multicultural Festival, go to www.multiculturalfestival.com.au and subscribe to the newsletter.
Quote attributable to Canberra Juventus Football Club:
“As a first-time entrant to the 2025 National Multicultural Festival, the experience of the many volunteers of the Canberra Juventus Football Club was both a memorable and special time for the club. The festival provided the opportunity and surroundings that brought together so many families and friends, as well as both past and present members and players of the long-established Italian based heritage of the Canberra football club. This coming together is what the club believes in and shows the true essence of the ‘community of Canberra Juventus’. The opportunity allowed us to showcase our Italian heritage and passion, through our specialty food and sweets, our famous Aperol Spritz with fun Italian music. Importantly, we were able to express our passion for family and football which encapsulates the club’s objectives in strengthening community. We certainly hope to do it all again in 2026!”
Quote attributable to Robin Zirwanda, Founder of the Assyrian Australian band Azadoota:
“The vibe of the National Multicultural Festival is really welcoming. The festival audience is really responsive and eager to experience the culture we share through our music. And because the festival attracts people from so many different cultures, there is a real sense of collaboration and sharing between the audience and the performers. It’s a great energy.”
– Statement ends –
Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases