Country music icon Troy Cassar-Daley and hip-hop phenomenon L-FRESH the Lion have been announced as headline acts for the 2026 National Multicultural Festival.
Cassar-Daley, a proud Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung man, is one of the most decorated artists in Australian country music. His career spans decades, with numerous gold and platinum records and 31 songs reaching number one on the charts. His heartfelt music style explores “the everyday triumphs, struggles, and joys of Australians from the city to the outback”.
He will perform on Sunday afternoon, supported by Canberra artist Tahalianna Soward-Mahanga, a proud Wiradjuri and Tongan singer known for her appearances on The Voice.
“I love this festival, 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,” Cassar-Daley said. “Come along with us as we celebrate Unity in a country built on multiculturalism. So proud to play this one next year.”
Hip-hop artist L-FRESH the Lion will take the stage on Friday night. Born in Sydney to Punjabi-Sikh parents, he has built a reputation for blending sharp lyricism with themes of identity, culture and resilience to create a raw, uplifting sound. He has toured with Nas and shared stages with artists such as Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, Hilltop Hoods, and Sir Elton John.
“I’m really looking forward to returning to the Canberra Multicultural Festival,” L-FRESH the Lion said. “It’s been a long time since I last performed there, and coming back to share this moment with the community means a lot. I can’t wait to put on a special show for everyone.”
Beyond the headline acts, the festival’s program spans music, dance, comedy, workshops and family activities.
“The National Multicultural Festival is one of Canberra’s most cherished occasions,” multicultural affairs minister Michael Pettersson MLA said. “It’s a joyous, community-led celebration of Australia’s diversity and inclusive spirit.”
Among the highlights is Fields of Belonging: Celebrating Multiculturalism in Sports, a panel discussion exploring how sport brings communities together, featuring players from the Raiders, the Brumbies and Cricket Australia.
Music lovers can also look forward to performances by Queen of Hearts, a show-stopping all-female mariachi band known for its contemporary take on traditional Mexican music, and the MusicACT Takeover, which showcases local artists from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds blending tradition with modern sounds.
Lip Syncs and Laughs, a high-energy comedy and drag showcase, blends music, performance and humour. Dance highlights include performances from K-Pop favourite Serendipity Dance Crew, Latin American acts Mi Peru and Manquehue Chilean Folk Dance Group.
Families and children will be well catered for, with a dedicated range of interactive experiences. Patch Theatre’s Glow and Tell will offer a light-filled performance for children aged 4–8, exploring themes of family and culture through storytelling and glowing UV visuals. Kids aged 4–12 can also join the Rice and Peas Jamaican Dancehall Party, led by Culture Queenz, while the CMAG Family Sanctuary at the Canberra Museum and Gallery will provide a calmer space with crafts, puppetry, face-painting and more.
Food remains a major drawcard of the festival, with cooking demonstrations from home cooks and some of Canberra’s most respected chefs, alongside hundreds of multicultural food stalls.
Mr Pettersson said the festival would be unmissable.
“The festival is all about discovery, where beloved favourites meet fresh experiences that surprise and delight. We’re inviting everyone to rediscover the magic — because even after almost three decades, there’s always something new to experience at the National Multicultural Festival.”
Performance times:
- L-FRESH the Lion — Friday 6 February, 10pm–11pm
- Troy Cassar-Daley — Sunday 8 February, 4pm–5pm
The full lineup of performers and stallholders will be announced in January. For more information about the festival, go to multiculturalfestival.com.au/
