Sydney Multicultural Women's Festival 2026
Description
Join us for the Sydney Multicultural Women's Festival 2026 (SMWF), a vibrant, family-friendly celebration dedicated to multicultural women and the communities that make Sydney extraordinary.
🗓️ Date: Sunday 21st June 2026
⏰ Time: 12PM - 4PM
📍 Location: Bowman Hall - 35 Campbell St, Blacktown NSW 2148
🎟️ Free entry: registrations are required to secure your spot
👗 Dress code: Cultural attire or your favourite outfit!
This year, SMWF will showcase performances, food and cultures of Afghan, Cambodian, Fulani, Iraqi, and Uyghur communities. This will be an afternoon filled with colour, connection, culture, and joy. Whether you're coming with your family, your friends, or on your own, there is something here for everyone.
What to expect on the day
Doors open at 12:00pm and the festivities run through to 4:00pm.
Across the afternoon you'll experience multicultural performances and cultural exhibitions, a vibrant fashion parade showcasing traditional dress from our five communities, and a buzzing marketplace of interactive workshops and activities you can jump into at any time throughout the day.
Interactive Workshops & Activities
Our hands-on cultural workshops are free and included with your festival registration. Workshops run throughout the afternoon.
🌸 Uyghur Flower Making: create delicate handmade flowers in the traditional Uyghur style, guided by community artisans
🥁 Drumming: feel the rhythm of West African drumming in an energetic group session open to all ages
🍲 Cambodian Cooking Show: watch and learn as community cooks share the flavours and stories behind traditional Khmer cuisine
💇 Hair Braiding: experience the art of African hair braiding, a cultural tradition rich in meaning and beauty
🎨 Henna & Face Painting: adorn your hands with intricate henna designs or let our face painters transform the little ones
✂️ Arts & Crafts/Kids Corner: drop into our creative corner for hands-on cultural arts and crafts suitable for all ages
Who is this event for?
Everyone is welcome. SMWF is a family-friendly event designed for multicultural women and families, community organisations and leaders, allies, sector representatives, and government officials. Come as you are.
About SMWF
The Sydney Multicultural Women's Festival is proudly delivered by a consortium of five women-led community organisations: Khmer Community of NSW, Uyghur Charity Inc., Afghan Women Support Association, Learner Place Community Centre and Women's Welfare Australia.
Proudly funded by the Department of Home Affairs, Multicultural Grassroots Initiatives Program. With thanks to our Gold Sponsor Settlement Services International (SSI).
FAQs
- Is this event free?
Yes, the Sydney Multicultural Women's Festival is completely free to attend. Simply register on this page to secure your spot and help us plan for catering and activities.
- Who can attend?
Everyone from all backgrounds is welcome. SMWF is a family-friendly, inclusive event open to the entire community.
- Is the event suitable for children?
Absolutely. The festival is designed with families in mind. There is a dedicated Kids Corner with cultural arts and crafts, as well as face painting and other activities children will love.
Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
- What time should I arrive?
Doors open at 12:00pm. We recommend arriving in the first hour to make the most of the workshops and catch the opening performances. The event runs until 4:00pm.
- Where is Bowman Hall?
Bowman Hall is located in Blacktown, Sydney. The full address is: 35 Campbell St, Blacktown NSW 2148.
We recommend checking Transport NSW for train and bus options to Blacktown station, which is close to the venue.
- Is there parking available?
Yes, there is easy parking available around the venue. Blacktown is also well serviced by public transport - Blacktown train station is nearby and multiple bus routes service the area.
- Is the venue accessible?
Yes, Bowman Hall is an accessible venue. If you have specific accessibility requirements, please contact us at info@womenswelfare.org.au and we will do our best to accommodate you.
- Will there be food and refreshments?
Yes, there will be food and refreshments available on the day reflecting the cultures represented at the festival.
- What should I wear?
You are warmly welcome to wear traditional cultural dress if you'd like to, many attendees do and it adds to the beautiful atmosphere of the day. Otherwise, feel free to dress in your favourite outfit!
- Will there be a prayer space?
We are working to ensure the comfort of all attendees. If you have questions about facilities on the day, please contact us at info@womenswelfare.org.au.
- Will photos and videos be taken at the event?
Yes, photos and videos will be captured throughout the day for SMWF's social media channels and future promotional materials. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let a staff member or volunteer know on arrival and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
- I'd like to volunteer. How can I get involved?
We'd love your help! Please contact us at info@womenswelfare.org.au and let us know you're interested in volunteering. Every pair of hands makes a difference.
- I'd like to sponsor or donate. How can I do so?
We'd love your support! Please contact us at info@womenswelfare.org.au and let us know you're interested in sponsoring or donating.
- I have a question that is not answered here. Who can I contact?
Please reach out to us at info@womenswelfare.org.au and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
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