Queenstown Multicultural Festival returns
After the success of its second edition in October 2023, the Queenstown Multicultural Festival (QMF) will return on Saturday, 15 March, at the Queenstown Events Centre. This year, the festival will continue to bring authentic cultural experiences, delicious food, and vibrant performances, staying true to what has made it a highlight for the community.
Organised by a dedicated committee and multicultural community members, the festival remains a celebration of diversity, unity and shared traditions. For many, this event has become a home away from home, providing a space where different cultures can come together, showcase their heritage and create meaningful connections.
The Queenstown Multicultural Festival is more than just a day of festivities – it’s about cultural exchange, understanding and inclusion. This year, the festival aligns with New Zealand Race Relations Day (21 March), which promotes inclusivity and social harmony, as well as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. By shifting the festival from October to March, the event now carries even greater significance, reinforcing the importance of embracing diversity and fostering unity.
What to expect at QMF 2025
Festival-goers can look forward to:
- Approximately 55 vendors, including 42 food stalls serving up a world of flavours and 13 cultural booths showcasing crafts, traditions and heritage
- Live cultural performances, featuring music and dance from around the globe
- A special opening ceremony, led by the Mayor and a traditional Māori pōwhiri (welcome ceremony)
- The Costume Show, where community members proudly showcase traditional attire on stage
“This festival is created by the community, for the community. It’s a place where people can share their culture, celebrate their heritage and enjoy an amazing day together,” Eric Lim, the festival organiser says.
Whether you’re a long-time local, newcomer, or visitor, the Queenstown Multicultural Festival is a celebration for everyone.
Come hungry, come curious and most importantly – come ready to celebrate!
Let’s make this a day to remember.
Festival details
Date: Saturday, 15 March
Time: 10am – 6pm
Venue: Queenstown Events Centre, Joe O’Connell Drive, Frankton
Entry by donation – pay what you can!
To keep this non-profit event running, we ask for a donation at the entrance – any amount is appreciated and goes directly towards making this festival possible.
Getting to the festival – go green!
To ease parking congestion and reduce our environmental impact, we encourage attendees to choose sustainable transport options: bike parking available! Thanks to the Lightfoot Initiative, there will be a secure bike valet service at the Queenstown Events Centre. Ride in, drop your bike off and enjoy the festival worry-free! Take the $2 bus – The Frankton Bus Hub is just a five-minute walk from the festival venue.
Let’s make this a sustainable festival!
We’re partnering with DISHrupt Sustainable Queenstown to reduce single-use plastic and promote eco-friendly festival practices. You can help by bringing your own dish container (especially for takeaways), reusable cutlery and drinking bottles, using DISHrupt’s reusable serveware available on-site and properly sorting waste into recycling and compost bins at the venue.
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www.facebook.com/QueenstownMulticulturalFestival/
