National Multicultural Festival Announces Troy Cassar-Daley as 2026 headliner
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The National Multicultural Festival, a cornerstone of Australia’s cultural calendar, is set to return to Canberra from February 6th to 8th, 2026, with acclaimed country music artist Troy Cassar-Daley announced as its headline performer. The festival promises a vibrant celebration of Australia’s diverse heritage, offering a rich tapestry of food, entertainment, and community engagement.
A Celebration of Australian multiculturalism
The city center will be transformed into a hub of cultural exchange, showcasing the breadth of Australia’s multicultural landscape. Attendees can anticipate a diverse range of experiences, including culinary delights from around the globe, captivating musical and dance performances, engaging comedy shows, interactive workshops, and family-friendly activities.
Troy Cassar-Daley to Headline the 2026 Festival
Troy Cassar-Daley, a celebrated australian country music artist with 31 number-one songs, will take the stage on the final day of the festival, Sunday, February 8th, from 4 pm to 5 pm. cassar-Daley, who identifies as a proud Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung man, expressed his enthusiasm for the event.”I love this festival,” he stated, “it always makes me feel very proud to play as a person who is a product of multiculturalism, being Indigenous and Maltese means bringing different worlds together, and doing that with music makes it very special.”
L-FRESH the Lion to Kick Off the Weekend
The festival’s opening weekend will be ignited by Australian hip-hop artist L-FRESH the lion, who will perform on Friday, February 6th, from 10 pm to 11 pm. The lineup also includes performances from a diverse array of local, national, and international artists, including Canberra’s own Tahalianna Soward-Mahanga, a Wiradjuri and Tongan artist known for her appearances on The Voice. Soward-Mahanga will serve as support for Cassar-Daley.
A Sneak Peek at the 2026 Program
While the full program is slated for release soon, festival organizers have offered a glimpse of what attendees can expect.Hundreds of stallholders and performers will contribute to an immersive experience featuring:
- Food from around the world
- Cooking demonstrations
- Music and dance performances
- Comedy shows
- Family activities
- Interactive workshops
Featured Performances and Experiences
The 2026 festival will also showcase unique and captivating performances. Queen of hearts, an all-female Mariachi band, will present a contemporary take on traditional Mexican Mariachi music. Glow and Tell, an enchanting light-filled experience from South Australia’s Patch Theatre, will explore themes of family and culture through interactive storytelling and UV-light displays, designed for children aged 4-8. For younger attendees, Culture Queenz will host a “Rice and Peas Jamaican Dancehall party,” offering a chance to learn iconic dance moves and celebrate community.
A dedicated Family Sanctuary will be available at the Canberra Museum & Gallery, providing a respite from the festival’s energy with activities like Mexican puppetry shows, creative crafts, and face-painting.
The complete lineup of performers and stallholders will be announced in January 2026. For more details, visit the National Multicultural Festival website.
