General News
10 October, 2026
Festival to celebrate cultural diversity
WARRNAMBOOL will once again gather to celebrate its cultural diversity with the 2026 Multicultural Festival to be held on Saturday, November 7.
This free celebration of the many cultures, stories, traditions and talents that make the region such a vibrant place to live will run from 10am until 3pm at the Civic Green and the nearby Lighthouse Theatre.
The annual festival is the flagship event of the Warrnambool Multicultural Association and is again expected to attract thousands of people for a fun day of music, dance, food, art, cultural activities and community connection.
Now a major event on the south west calendar, the festival welcomes more than 4000 visitors each year from across Victoria and interstate.
The event was also recognised as Warrnambool’s 2023 Community Event of the Year.
“This festival is about much more than celebrating different cultures,” Warrnambool Multicultural Association member Daisy Ye said.
“It’s about bringing people together, creating opportunities to meet new people, sharing our stories and discovering the many things we have in common. Everyone in our community has a place at this festival.”
The 2026 program will showcase an exciting mix of cultural and contemporary performances from Australia and around the world.
Audiences can experience cultural and traditional performances from Warrnambool’s diverse multicultural community, alongside folk-pop, rock, jazz and a surprise act this year – KPOP Party (with a KPOP random dance challenge and the KPOP Demon Hunters cosplay competition for all ages).
Food will once again be a major attraction of the celebration, with local and regional businesses serving up flavours from around the world.
This will include Nepalese momos, dumplings, bao, Balkan food, Indian and Asian flavours as well as woodfired pizza, icecream, donuts and much more.
The festival is designed to be interactive, with hands-on workshops and cultural activities taking place in the Lighthouse Theatre foyer.
More than 40 stalls will feature local makers, artists, small businesses, community organisations and cultural groups.
Handmade crafts, Indigenous art, books, fresh produce, henna and balloon art will be among the many attractions.
Several community groups and service organisations will also be on hand for people to learn more about the many and varied opportunities available across the region.
“Our region is home to people with connections to so many different countries, cultures and communities,” Ms Ye said.
“One in four people in the south west were born overseas or had a parent born overseas.
“The festival gives us an opportunity to celebrate that diversity while building stronger connections between all members of our community.”
Entry to the festival is free and all ages are most welcome.
