Mark these festivals in your diary now and take yourself on a cultural safari across Brisbane as we celebrate our diversity almost every month of the year. 

Here are the multicultural events that should be on your Brisbane calendar. 

BrisAsia Festival 

When: February 
Where: Throughout the city 

Each February Brisbane kicks off a three-week citywide festival of Asian culture. Celebrate Lunar New Year and explore traditional and contemporary Asian arts with around 30 events popping up across the whole city. While the events change each year, there’s usually lion dancers and martial arts demonstrations, night markets and live music. This packed festival program is filled with mostly free events, giving you the chance to explore the length and breadth of Asia right here in Brisbane. 

Alliance Francaise French Film Festival 

When: March - April 
Where: Palace Cinemas 

If you speak French, are learning the language or have an interest in French culture then you can’t miss Brisbane’s French film festival. This annual event screens a few dozen films at Palace Cinemas. There’s a French film for everyone – from the feel-good comedies to the captivating dramas. Everything is always so much more sophisticated in French too, n’est-ce pas? 

Spanish Film Festival 

When: June - July 
Where: Palace Cinemas 

As you might expect, the Spanish Film Festival has it all – comedy, drama, crime, mystery – and sometimes all at once. This celebration of Spanish and Latin American cinema returns every year to Palace Cinemas, and you can discover new perspectives from this part of the world each June or July. 

Paniyiri 

When: May 
Where: Musgrave Park, West End 

Brisbane goes Greek during Australia’s longest-running Greek festival, Paniyiri. The annual celebration started in 1977 and has grown into a huge celebration with the best of Greek food, drink, music, dancing and fun. Dance the Zorba, eat as many honey puffs as you possibly can, enter the plate-smashing competition, explore the beautiful Greek Orthodox Church and celebrate with 40,000 other festival goers. 

Buddha Birth Day Festival 

When: April 
Where: South Bank 

The Buddha Birth Day festival is about promoting peace and celebrating Australia’s harmony and diversity – regardless of age, religious or cultural background. This free festival grew to become one of Queensland’s biggest cultural events with activities, performances, ceremonies and workshops celebrating Buddhist culture. Now the festival is held over a weekend at the Chung Tian Temple.

Luminous Lantern Parade 

When: June 
Where: South Bank Parklands 

Everyone deserves to feel welcome in Queensland. The spectacular Luminous Lantern Parade lights up South Bank each year with hundreds of lanterns parading down Little Stanley Street and the Brisbane River, finishing in the Piazza. Hosted by Multicultural Australia, the Luminous Lantern Parade is a free event that brings together Brisbane locals in solidarity and support for refugees, migrants, and people seeking asylum. Gather together and feel the warmth of Queensland’s spirit in the winter. The lanterns then illuminate the stage, where there is world music from a diverse range of musicians and dancers 

Le Festival 

When: July 
Where: South Bank Cultural Forecourt 

Bonjour Brisbane! Our city says bienvenue to Le Festival every July when Brisbane’s annual French Festival takes over the Cultural Forecourt over two days. Wine and cheese never fail to grab our attention, and here there’s a whole pavilion dedicated to it! You’ll also find market stalls, free live entertainment and a French fashion show. C’est tres bien, non? 

Scandinavian Film Festival 

When: July-August 
Where: Palace Cinemas 

Journey north and venture into one of the most naturally striking places in the world: Scandinavia. From Finland and Norway, to Sweden and Denmark, and all the way to Iceland, you can discover some of the incredible cinema coming out of this region at the Scandinavian Film Festival. It runs for about three weeks, so there’s plenty of time to see everything on your list. 

Quandamooka Festival 

When: August 
Where: Brisbane, Redlands and Moreton Bay 

This festival is your opportunity to connect with one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures. Hear traditional Dreamtime stories and discover local Aboriginal culture with the annual Quandamooka Festival. Held on Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island, expect a program of cultural tours, traditional song and dance performances, art exhibitions, market, workshops, storytelling, weaving and more.  

Queensland Multicultural Month 

When: August 
Where: throughout Brisbane 

Almost a quarter of all Queenslanders are born overseas, and about 20 per cent of Brisbane families speak a language other than English at home. This is a city of many cultures and languages, and Queensland Multicultural Month celebrates that. People from across Queensland come together to perform, share, taste, listen, learn and celebrate our different cultures with the state’s largest multicultural festival.  

Pesta Rekyat 

When: August 
Where: King George Square 

Every year Pesta Rakyat celebrates the culture and food of Indonesia. This annual event held by PPIA Queensland (Indonesian Student Association) usually features traditional dances and music performances, Indonesian cuisine, and art exhibitions. 

India Day Fair 

When: August 
Where: Roma Street Parkland 

Marking India's Independence Day, the India Day Fair in Roma Street Parkland is a colourful celebration of Indian culture and food in Brisbane. Feast on fragrant Indian fare, explore market stalls, experience Bollywood music, learn different dance styles, watch colourful parades and see a fireworks display. 

ST. ALi Italian Film Festival 

When: September-October 
Where: Palace Cinemas 

Get a taste of la dolce vita at the annual Italian Film Festival. Each year this celebration of cinema brings a rich selection of Italian films to Brisbane screens. Improve your Italian, get a little taste of home or experience Italian culture at Palace Cinemas. 

MOSAIC Festival 

When: October 
Where: Roma Street Parkland 

MOSAIC is a rich multicultural festival that celebrates the creative talents of Brisbane's diverse community. Interpret Queensland’s cultural diversity through dance, music, spoken word poetry and storytelling, visual arts and crafts, children’s and family activities and delectable foods and cooking demonstrations. Hosted by Multicultural Australia, expect a diverse and inclusive festival with several stages. 

Brisbane Latin Dance Festival 

When: November-December 
Where: Voco Brisbane City Centre 

Celebrate Latin dance culture with a huge celebration across four days. See how the professionals move it with invited international artists, then lose yourself to the rhythms with dance workshops teaching you the steps for salsa, bachata, kizomba, samba, Afro-Cuban, reggaeton and more. Beyond shows and workshops, expect dance competitions and parties every night with great DJs.