Mark your calendars for a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of our region's rich diversity. On Saturday, 21 March 2026, the Queenstown Events Centre will transform into a global village for the 2026 Queenstown Multicultural Festival.

Presented by the Queenstown Multicultural Festival Trust, this event isn't a "polished, corporate" affair; it is a real, heartfelt gathering made by the community, for the community. From 10:00am to 5:00pm, locals and visitors alike are invited to come with an open heart to meet their neighbours and experience the heritage of over 25 local ethnic groups.

What to Expect on the Day

The festival offers a feast for the senses, designed to ensure every culture in Queenstown is seen, valued, and celebrated.

• Global Cuisine: Enjoy a wide array of flavors from community food vendors and local food trucks.
• Live Performances: A continuous showcase of music and dance from around the world.
• Interactive Booths: Engage with hands-on activities and cultural displays.
• Community Mural: Attendees of all ages can contribute to the "Leave Your Mark" mural, a legacy art piece that creates an evolving record of the community.

The Pride of the Parade

A major highlight for 2026 is the expanded Cultural Costume Parade. Families and community groups are encouraged to wear their traditional dress and walk with their national flags. This longer, more prominent parade serves as a visual testament to the festival's vision: creating a space where everyone feels a true sense of belonging.

A Labour of Love

Founded in 2022, the Queenstown Multicultural Festival is timed to align with Race Relations Day (21 March), which coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It's an important observance in Aotearoa New Zealand.- a day to celebrate and acknowledge the rich multicultural and racial diversity within our country.

Bringing such a massive community event to life is a year-round "labour of love," powered by a dedicated volunteer Trust Board and dozens of passionate community volunteers.

The festival is made possible through deep collaboration with a wide range of funders and partners, including:

• Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC)
• Welcoming Communities
• Three Lakes Cultural Trust
• Central Lakes Trust
• Department of Internal Affairs
• Community Organisation Grants Scheme (COGS)
• & Ethnic Communities Development Fund (ECDF).

The Trust Board might do the planning, but the heartbeat of this festival? That's all the performers, the food makers, the cultural groups who show up year after year to share who they are. We're just grateful to be part of their story.

Event Details

• When: Saturday, 21 March 2026, 10 am – 5 pm.
• Where: Queenstown Events Centre
• Entry: By donation (gold coin appreciated), making the day accessible for all.

 
Get Involved:

The Trust is always looking for passionate volunteers. You can reach out at [email protected] or find them on Facebook.