MELBOURNE – Crowds gathered at Grazeland in Spotswood as the Victorian Multicultural Festival returned from 27 to 29 March 2026, marking the final weekend of Cultural Diversity Week.
Presented by the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) in partnership with Grazeland and the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, the three-day event served as the flagship celebration of the week, themed “Our Past. Our Future: Celebrating and reflecting on the contributions of Victoria’s multicultural communities.”
From Friday evening through to Sunday night, the venue filled with people drawn by international cuisines and a full entertainment program. The atmosphere shifted throughout the day – relaxed and family-friendly in the afternoons, building into a lively evening crowd as music and performances took over.
A global feast
Food remained central to the experience. With more than 50 vendors across Grazeland, visitors sampled a wide range of dishes – from smoky barbecue and fragrant curries to European favourites and Latin American specialties.
Among the food stalls at the festival was Inasal Express, which served Filipino grilled favourites, including chicken inasal, pork ribs, and other familiar street food offerings.
Cultural showcases
On stage and across the grounds, performances reflected the diversity of cultures in Victoria. Festival-goers watched Vietnamese lion dancing, Polynesian drumming, and Irish dance performances, alongside a standout appearance by Japanese shamisen artist Noriko Tadano.
African drumming, Latin and European bands, Turkish belly dancing, and Cuban rhythms also featured across the weekend, while Brazilian performers moved through the crowd, adding colour and movement beyond the stage.
Strengthening community ties
Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen said the event reflects the state’s identity and provides a space for communities to connect.
“As part of Cultural Diversity Week, the VMC Victorian Multicultural Festival – in partnership with Grazeland – highlights the dynamic cultures that shape Victoria’s identity,” Ms Nguyen said. “The festival creates space for communities to be seen, heard and celebrated, while encouraging intercultural exchange. Events like this remind us that when cultures connect, communities thrive.”
Speaking at the event on 28 March, Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt emphasised the importance of connection across communities.
“Our diversity makes us stronger, kinder, and better,” she said.
She encouraged attendees to speak with people from different cultural backgrounds and learn about their journeys, noting that shared experiences help strengthen communities across the state.
The event marked the close of Cultural Diversity Week 2026, highlighting the role of community events in bringing people together across cultures.
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