- Almost $1 million invested across four major free community festivals celebrating WA’s cultural heritage and diversity
- The events, held between October and mid 2027 allow Western Australians to experience cultures from around the world without leaving the State
- Part of the Cook Labor Government’s priority of building inclusive communities
A wealth of vibrant traditional performances, engaging experiences and free family-friendly fun will delight Western Australians over the coming months, with four major cultural festivals to be held as part of the 2026-27 Global Connections Through Local Events program.
Supported by the Cook Labor Government through the Office of Multicultural Interests, the events will share in a total of $900,000 funding, with $300,000 allocated to Diwali Mela and $200,000 each for the WA Chinese Cultural Festival, Arab Festival and Africa Week.
The Chung Wah Association’s WA Chinese Cultural Festival will kick off the program at Charles Paterson Park in Burswood on Saturday 17 October, with more than 15,000 people anticipated to attend the vibrant showcase of Chinese culture and community.
This premier event will feature a dragon boat tug-of-war, lion dancing exhibitions and asinging competition.
A highlight of the night will be the 300 spectacular drones that will form images including a dragon boat and galloping horse through the night sky over the Swan River as part of a digital synchronised opus.
This will be followed by the Australian Arab Association’s popular Arab Festival on Saturday, 24 October, where the heritage, traditions and contributions of Western Australia’s Arab communities will bring Burswood Park to life with live entertainment, authentic Arab cuisine and small business stalls.
Langley Park will then be transformed by the Indian Society of Western Australia’s Diwali Mela 2026 across two days from Saturday, 31 October to Sunday, 1 November. A staple of WA’s annual cultural calendar, thousands of people are expected to turn out to celebrate the Festival of Lights, which will feature business and food stalls, children’s activities and cultural performances.
Finally, Africa Week will round out the program in the first half of 2027 with details yet to be announced.
Delivered by the Organisation of African Communities in Western Australia and paying tribute to the rich and varied culture of African communities, it will include community workshops and activities, culminating with the annual two-day Jambo Africa Festival.
For more information, go to the Office of Multicultural Interests’ website .
Comments attributed to Multicultural Interests Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
“Western Australia is such a culturally rich State, and these events are a way to highlight the significant impact that culturally and linguistically diverse groups have in our community.
“They provide an opportunity for people to share their heritage, connect with each other and celebrate the diversity that makes WA so special.
“Not only are these festivals a fun day out for the whole family, they are also an important way to champion the values of understanding, respect and belonging that are essential to being a cohesive and harmonious community.
“I am proud the WA Government has invested $900,000 in the Global Connections Through Local Events program to support festivals which reflect our commitment to diversifying the WA economy and building safe and inclusive communities.”
