This year’s National Multicultural Festival (6 to 8 February) attracted more than 350,000 people and generated almost $23 million for the ACT economy, according to post-event research.

The ACT Government said many attendees were strongly satisfied: 87.5 per cent of visitors plan to return to the festival in 2027, while 94 per cent agreed the festival made Canberra feel like a city that values diversity, is rich in culture and entertainment, and has an active local community.

The festival recorded an average attendee satisfaction rating of 4.3 out of 5, up from 4.2 in 2025.

It also drew 20,808 visitors from outside the ACT, compared with 15,664 in 2025, and generated 39,979 visitor nights, up from 37,661 last year. Three-quarters said they would like to return to see more of Canberra.

The festival’s Net Promoter Score — a measure of audience loyalty and advocacy — rose to +61.1, up from +53.4 in 2025. The government said this was the highest score recorded for the festival and above the industry benchmark of +50 for major public events.

Michael Pettersson MLA, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, said the results showed the festival was Australia’s leading celebration of cultural diversity.

“This data proves you’d be hard pressed to find somebody who doesn’t love the Multicultural Festival,” Mr Pettersson said.

“This isn’t an accident. The ACT Government has invested significantly in the Festival, helping it to grow and expand into one of Australia’s most iconic events, while retaining its community-led roots.

“But the success of the Festival ultimately rests on the efforts of the community groups, the volunteers, the chefs, dancers and artists who showcase their culture every year.”

The 2027 Multicultural Festival will be held from 5 to 7 February.