Explore the world without leaving Newy! The Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter region is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, with multicultural events and activities perfect for the whole family. Engaging the family with diverse cultures is a powerful way to build empathy, broaden your horizons, and build an appreciation of our interconnected world.
Celebrate the richness of diversity that makes Australia so special and help your kids become more curious, understanding, and open-minded global citizens, all while making meaningful family memories.
With multiculturalism in the news at the moment, it’s a good time to discuss these topics with kids. Have a conversation about race and racism and how to embrace diversity and tolerance. Here’s our article about How to Teach Your Kids About Race, Racism & Diversity as well as our article 50 Best Books to Educate Kids & Teens About Race, Racism & Diversity.
Below you’ll find local multicultural festivals, key cultural holidays for 2026, multicultural storytime sessions, community organisations, and more.
2026 Multicultural Calendar at a Glance
Bookmark this for the year ahead:
- Lunar New Year – January or February (date varies each year)
- Harmony Day/Harmony Week – 21 March
- Easter – 3 to 6 April (Good Friday 3 April, Easter Sunday 5 April)
- Africa Day – May
- Samoa Independence Day – June
- Ramadan – dates vary, followed by Eid al-Fitr
- Refugee Week – week including 20 June
- NAIDOC Week – first full week of July
- Yom Kippur – sundown 1 October to sundown 2 October
- Diwali (Deepavali) – main day Sunday 8 October
- Maitland Riverlights Festival – Saturday 10 October, 2pm to 9pm
Multicultural Events & Festivals
Harmony Day/Harmony Week
Harmony Day is celebrated annually in Australia on 21 March, marking the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Celebrations often extend into Harmony Week, aiming to promote inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. You’ll often see people wearing orange, the colour chosen to represent social communication and mutual respect. Locally, schools, TAFE and the University of Newcastle all run their own Harmony Day celebrations.
Hunter Multicultural Communities Multicultural Fiesta
Each year, Hunter Multicultural Communities presents the Multicultural Fiesta, a day of culture, community and connection. Families can enjoy live music and performances by performers from diverse cultural backgrounds, food featuring flavours from around the world and family-friendly activities to keep the kids entertained, such as face painting, art workshops and a petting zoo. Visit the Hunter Multicultural Communities website for more information and 2026 dates.
Community Chef Challenge
In 2025, the Community Chef Challenge, held at Newcastle Museum featured chefs, storytellers and musicians from Afghan, Arabic, Indian and African communities. Personal stories of community and culture were shared through words, music, performance and food. Open to everyone, attendees were able to taste food from around the globe and vote on their favourite dish, connect with others and experience the universal bond that food creates. Visit the Newcastle Museum website for further information and 2026 dates.
Africa Day
Africa Day is celebrated every year on 25 May, marking the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963. Locally, the Hunter African Communities Council (HACC) hosts an annual celebration at Islington Public School, with market and food stalls, live drumming and dance performances, an African Attire Fashion Show and dedicated kids’ entertainment. Visit the HACC website or Facebook page for 2026 dates and times.
Samoa Independence Day
Newcastle’s Samoan community marks Samoa Independence Day each year with a Family Fun Day at The Station, on the corner of Scott and Watt Streets. The day recognises Western Samoa’s independence from New Zealand in 1962, and includes a smoke ceremony, a cultural parade of traditional outfits with prizes for kids, live performances from local Pacific community groups, and plenty of Samoan food to try. In 2026, the celebration falls on Saturday 6 June. Follow the Newcastle Samoan Community Events Facebook page for confirmed details.
Refugee Week
Refugee Week runs from the Sunday to Saturday of the week including 20 June (World Refugee Day). It aims to educate Australians about refugees’ experiences and contributions, and to encourage positive action for displaced people globally. You can find official events on the Refugee Week website.
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week is celebrated across Australia annually in the first week of July, from Sunday to Sunday. It’s an important time to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It’s also an opportunity for all Australians to learn more about First Nations cultures and histories, which are among the oldest continuous living cultures on Earth. Read more about Events to Celebrate NAIDOC Week in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter as well as our article about Discovering Local Aboriginal Culture.
Dungog AGOG – A Feast of Foreign Films
If you enjoy foreign films, Dungog AGOG – A Feast of Foreign Films Festival, is a must-attend. Celebrating over 15 years, this country film festival screens some of the best films from around the world at the historic James Theatre in Dungog. Held annually, each September. For further information, including the films being screened visit the James Theatre website.
Maitland Riverlights Festival
Experience a World Adventure at Maitland Riverlights Festival! Held in October each year, the festival is a great way for families to see, taste, feel and experience more than 40 different cultures from around the world.
Little explorers will love getting their cultural passport stamped as they venture through the spectacular Global Village. Each village represents a different nation or culture, offering free, hands-on activities, delicious food samples, and unique arts and crafts for purchase.
Throughout the festival, you can catch incredible performances on the Riverlights Stage, World Stage, and Groove Fusion Stage. Want to pick up some new skills? Head over to the Global Kitchen for top cooking tips from expert presenters, or learn a few new phrases at the Express Yourself Language Lounge. The Riverlights Eatery serves up a mouth-watering array of international food.
The festival concludes with the Riverlights Finale on the riverbank. See puppets, a magical lantern flotilla on the river, and captivating music, dance, and lighting displays. The perfect way to end a day of global discovery! This year, Maitland Riverlights Festival will be held on Saturday 10 October 2026 from 2 – 9pm. Read more about Maitland Riverlights Festival.
Cultural Holidays
Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is celebrated across many Asian cultures including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Mongolian and Tibetan communities, each with their own traditions. Falling in January or February with the first new moon, it’s a time for family, symbolic foods and exchanging red envelopes for good fortune. Each year is linked to one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. Here are 10 Fun Ways to Celebrate Lunar New Year With Kids.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, a holy period of fasting, prayer and reflection for Muslims worldwide. The fast is broken each evening with Iftar, and the month concludes with the Eid al-Fitr festival. In past years, Newcastle’s Muslim community has celebrated Eid al-Fitr with a gathering at Newcastle Foreshore Park and Newcastle Racecourse, organised by the Mayfield Mosque.
Easter
Easter is the most important holiday on the Christian calendar, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ after crucifixion. It’s a joyful time, symbolizing new life, hope, and victory over death. While the date changes each year, it typically falls in late March or April. Families celebrate by attending church services, sharing meals, and participate in traditions like Easter egg hunts (representing new life) and eating hot cross buns. For many, it’s a time to reflect on faith and the promise of eternal life. Here’s our guide to Celebrating Easter in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter.
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. It’s a day dedicated to repentance, introspection, and reconciliation. While adults typically fast for 25 hours, children are not expected to, but they can participate in other ways like wearing white, a symbol of purity, or just taking a break from regular toys to focus on family and forgiveness. It’s a time for quiet reflection and a chance for a fresh start. In Australia this year, Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 1, and ends at sundown on Thursday, October 2.
Diwali (Deepavali)
Diwali is the Hindu, Sikh and Jain Festival of Lights, celebrated over five days and symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and new beginnings. Families light diyas, decorate with rangoli patterns, exchange sweets and watch fireworks. In 2026, the main celebration falls on Sunday 8 October. Locally, the Newcastle Punjabi Community has previously marked the occasion at Maitland Town Hall and University of Newcastle. Check their Facebook page for confirmed 2026 details.
Multicultural Storytime
Attending a multicultural storytime at a local library is a wonderful way to introduce kids to diverse cultures and perspectives and foster an early appreciation of diversity. Enjoy this time together, listening to stories and songs from around the world. Our local libraries offers several multicultural storytime programs.
Dreamtime Storytime with Aunty Michelle
Join Maitland Libraries’ special guest Storyteller Aunty Michelle Napanangka Earl on the first Saturday of the month. Learn about First Nations concepts, cultural perspectives and history with some fun stories and craft! Materials are provided, and spaces are limited.
Ages: Suitable for children age 3-7.
Cost: Free
Bookings are essential
Frequency: Held monthly at East Maitland Library
Find out more
Sharing Culture Storytime
Uncle Amos Simon from Muurrung Marai is generously sharing Awabakal and Gathung language and culture through song, dance, puppets, guitar and yadaki (didgeridoo). Join Newcastle Libraries in Sharing Culture on the first Saturday of every month during school term. Interactive and fun!
Ages: All ages
Cost: Free
No bookings needed, just drop-in!
Frequency: Held monthly at Wallsend Library
Find out more
Spanish Rock n Rhyme Storytime
Join Newcastle Libraries for for fun, stories, rhymes, songs, and music in “Español”! For Spanish speaking “familias” and those who would like to experience the “lenguaje”. Los esperamos!
Ages: Suitable for children age 0-5.
Cost: Free
No bookings needed, just drop-in!
Frequency: Held monthly at Newcastle City Library
Find out more
Other Resources for Multicultural Families
Library Resources for Multicultural Families
Did you know that you can borrow books in 43 languages from your public library? If you’re looking for multicultural materials in languages other than English, your public library can request a Community Language Loan from the State Library of New South Wales for you.
Community Language Schools
Want your kids to learn your mother tongue or another language? There’s a variety of language schools in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter and the Central Coast which facilitate kids learning and contribute to Australia’s diversity. Visit our article on Teaching Your Kids Another Language: Community Language Schools in Newcastle & the Hunter to learn more.
Multicultural Playgroups & Community Organisations
Hunter Multicultural Communities
Located at 2A Platt Street, Waratah, Hunter Multicultural Communities is a not-for-profit public benevolent organisation serving established, new and emerging multicultural communities in the Hunter Region and beyond. Visit the Hunter Multicultural Communities website for news and events, including Volunteer Info Sessions, Program Launches, Weekly Newsletter and more.
Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre
The Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre, located at 3 Illalung Road (corner of Durham Road) Lambton, is a not-for-profit, Government funded Neighbourhood Centre. They provide services to people of all ages from non-English-speaking backgrounds, including conversation classes, Multicultural playgroup, youth projects and more. Visit the Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre Inc. Facebook page for an updated flyer on their most recent activities.
Multicultural Food
Eating Around the World
Part of celebrating culture with kids is trying the food. Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter have an impressive spread of ethnic restaurants and cafes, from Afghan charcoal grills on the Honeysuckle waterfront to Ethiopian sharing plates on King Street, Korean barbecue in Hamilton, and Vietnamese pho on Hunter Street. Trying a new cuisine together is a low-pressure way to open up a conversation about the world beyond our own backyard, and dishes like dumplings, pide and shared mezze plates are an easy way to introduce even fussy eaters to something new. Next time you’re stuck for a family dinner idea, pick a cuisine you’ve never tried and make a night of it.
Ethnic Grocery Stores
If you prefer to cook at home, you’ll find ethnic grocery stores catering to just about every cuisine scattered across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter, from Nepalese and Indian spice shops to Middle Eastern delis and Asian supermarkets. Suburbs like Newcastle West, Wallsend, Cardiff and Hamilton are particularly good hunting grounds. A quick search for “international grocery near me” will turn up your closest option, and most stock hard-to-find ingredients at better prices than the major supermarkets, making them well worth exploring with the kids in tow.