Culture Alive Festivals
Sydney is one of the world’s most diverse cities, and Culture Alive is bringing the cultures that make it so vibrant together at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour.
Following a unforgettable Autumn season featuring the Greek Festival, Holi Festival, UkiFest, Korean Festival and Buddha’s Birthday, Culture Alive returns this Spring with an exciting celebration of multicultural Sydney.
Proudly celebrating Sydney’s multicultural communities, this season brings together the Thai Grand Festival, Philippines Christmas Festival and Nepal Festival — each with its own unique blend of international food, live entertainment, workshops, arts and crafts, cultural demonstrations and traditions.
While every festival brings its own distinctive culture, together they create one bigger celebration of Sydney’s incredible diversity.
And you don’t need to be part of a particular culture to take part - Culture Alive is for everyone. Come curious, bring your friends and family, and discover something new as Darling Harbour becomes the place where Sydney comes together to celebrate the world’s cultures.
Upcoming events
Thai Grand Festival
Sat 19 Sep – Sun 20 Sep
Nepal Festival
Experience the sights, sounds and flavours of Nepal at this free festival, featuring live performances, authentic food, family entertainment and vibrant community celebrations.
Sat 7 Nov
Philippines Christmas (Pasko) Festival
Experience the magic of a Filipino Christmas at NSW’s biggest Pasko celebration. Enjoy authentic food, colourful parades, live entertainment, cultural performances and family-friendly festivities across two vibrant days.
Sat 21 Nov – Sun 22 Nov
Culture Alive is Darling Harbour’s celebration of the many cultures that make Sydney one of the world’s most diverse cities. Across each season, a changing line-up of cultural festivals brings the world to life at Darling Harbour through authentic food, live music, spectacular performances, workshops, arts and crafts, cultural demonstrations and community celebrations. Each festival offers a unique experience, while together they create one bigger celebration of multicultural Sydney — a place where everyone can discover, connect and celebrate the world’s cultures.
Each festival has its own date and program, so check the individual festival listings for all the details and start planning your visit.
Culture Alive takes over Tumbalong Park at Darling Harbour, right in the heart of Sydney. It’s the perfect spot to spend the day discovering new cultures, enjoying great food and experiencing live entertainment.
Not at all! Culture Alive is for everyone. Whether you’re celebrating your own heritage, curious to discover something new or simply looking for a great day out, you’re invited to come along, explore and celebrate.
Think of it as a trip around the world without leaving Sydney. Expect mouthwatering international food, vibrant live entertainment, spectacular cultural performances, workshops, arts and crafts, cultural demonstrations and plenty of opportunities to discover something new.
Absolutely. Each festival features a selection of authentic food and flavours inspired by the culture being celebrated.
Yes. Each festival features a program of live entertainment and cultural performances, showcasing music, dance and traditions from across the world.
Yes. Alongside performances and entertainment, festivals may feature workshops, arts and crafts, cultural demonstrations and other interactive experiences. Check the individual festival program for what's happening on the day.
Yes. Culture Alive is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages, making it a great day out for families, friends and anyone looking to experience something different together.
Definitely — and that’s the idea. Each festival offers a different cultural experience, so why stop at one? Discover the flavours, sounds, traditions and stories of Thailand, the Philippines and Nepal across the Culture Alive season.
Tumbalong Park is located in the heart of Darling Harbour and is easily accessible by public transport, walking, cycling and car. Plan your trip here.