May 13, 2026

Whitsunday Multicultural Festival Set To Celebrate Culture And Community In Bowen

The Whitsunday Multicultural Festival has seen great success in previous years and its announcement is met with great anticipation. Photo source: Whitsunday and Mackay Life Newspaper

The 2026 Whitsunday Multicultural Festival has been officially announced to take place on Friday 12th June.

Set to be a vibrant celebration of culture, connection and diversity, the festival will showcase the many communities that call the Whitsundays home, bringing together families, visitors and local groups for an afternoon and evening of entertainment.

Held at the Bowen Sound Shell, the event will feature live performances, cultural displays, markets, family-friendly activities and fireworks proudly sponsored by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation. Organisers say the festival is designed to highlight the region’s rich multicultural identity while providing a welcoming space for people to share traditions, food and performance.

Community participation is a key focus of this year’s event, with expressions of interest now open for cultural groups, stallholders, vendors, educators, workshop facilitators, musicians and dancers. Organisers are encouraging local and regional participants to get involved and help shape the program.

Applications are open via Council’s Online Engagement Portal, with submissions closing 31 May 2026: https://bit.ly/WMCF2026  

What: Whitsunday Multicultural Festival
When: Friday 12 June 2026, 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: Bowen Sound Shell