Victorian Multicultural Festival returns to Grazeland for a celebration of culture, cuisine and community

Melbourne’s west was alive this past weekend with a celebration of culture, flavour and energy as the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), in partnership with Grazeland and the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, brought the 2026 Victorian Multicultural Festival back to Grazeland.

The culmination of Cultural Diversity Week 2026 (CDW), the three-day festival – Friday 27 to Sunday 29 March – transformed Grazeland into a vibrant global showcase, buzzing with international flavours and live performances.

The weekend’s entertainment drew crowds from across the state to celebrate the rich traditions and cultures that make Victoria one of the world’s most successful multicultural societies.

The 2026 program delivered a high energy celebration of global culture, featuring Vietnamese Lion dancing, powerful Polynesian drumming, Irish dance performances from emerging stars, and a standout performance by acclaimed Japanese shamisen virtuoso Noriko Tadano.

Audiences also enjoyed African drum and dance, Latin and European live bands, Turkish belly dancing, Cuban rhythms, and world-class DJs across the weekend. Roving Brazilian performers weaved colour and movement through the crowd, creating an immersive cultural experience from start to finish.

As one of Melbourne’s largest food precincts, Grazeland served up a feast of flavours from across its expansive vendor lineup – from smoky street-style BBQ and fragrant curries to European favourites, Latin American specialties, and indulgent desserts.

Live performances kicked off Friday from 5pm and continued until Sunday night, delivering a weekend of music, movement and multicultural celebration – and a fitting celebration of the diversity, pride and spirit that defines Victoria.

Quote attributable to VMC Chairperson, Vivienne Nguyen AM

“As part of Cultural Diversity Week, the VMC Victorian Multicultural Festival – in partnership with Grazeland – highlights the dynamic cultures that shape Victoria’s identity. 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.”