The NSW Government is providing $2.5 million in grant funding to help local councils across NSW deliver major multicultural festivals that will light up the calendar next year.
Councils can now apply for funding to stage major festivals and events that showcase and bring together diverse cultures.
A new round of the Stronger Together Local Council Major Festival Grants will provide funding for large-scale events that celebrate NSW’s cultural diversity and strengthen community connections.
Grants of between $100,000 and $250,000 are available to eligible NSW local councils, with festivals to be delivered between 1 February 2027 and 29 February 2028.
Applications opened on 7 September 2026 and close at 4pm on Friday, 2 October 2026.
To be eligible, festivals must have a minimum expected attendance of:
- 10,000 people in regional NSW; or
- 30,000 people in metropolitan areas.
Funding is available for one major festival per council during the funding period.
In 2026, the program supported vibrant events including Lakemba Nights during Ramadan, Wagga Wagga’s Fusion Botanical Multicultural Festival, the inaugural Kaleidoscope Festival in Bathurst and Parramatta’s Lunar New Year Celebrations.
The program is designed to support multicultural festivals and events that foster community harmony, cross-cultural understanding and the celebration of cultural diversity across NSW.
Applicants are also required to demonstrate co-contributions towards their festival. Councils must value-match the amount of funding sought, including a minimum 25 per cent cash contribution, with other income sources such as sponsorships or other grant funding contributing to the balance.
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
“Multicultural festivals bring together tens of thousands of people across NSW to share culture, music and traditions, strengthening understanding and connection across our communities.
“That’s why the Minns Labor Government is investing $2.5 million to back councils to host large-scale events that celebrate the cultures that make up our state.
“I encourage councils to take the opportunity to apply and help bring their local communities together.”
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:
“Councils are at the heart of their communities and have an important role in bringing people together.
“Across NSW, multicultural festivals give people the opportunity to share their culture and traditions, while building understanding, connection and a stronger sense of belonging.
“These grants will help councils continue that work and support events that strengthen the communities they serve.”
Multicultural NSW Acting CEO James Jegasothy said:
“Multicultural NSW is proud to deliver the Stronger Together Local Council Major Festival Grants program, supporting councils to stage some of the most exciting and vibrant events on the state’s social calendar.
“Festivals are more than just a celebration of cultures: they build pride, connection and belonging for everyone in the community.”
For more information or to apply, visit https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/stronger-together-major-festival-local-council-grants/
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