Celebrate culture, express your creativity — and find your moment of calm at CMAG Sanctuary this Multicultural Festival.

FREE activities will be available for all children, families, and visitors of all ages at the Canberra Museum + Gallery as we celebrate Canberra’s cultural diversity. We’re creating a Sanctuary — a welcoming, relaxing space where everyone can escape the hustle and bustle of the festival while enjoying creative craft activities, children’s shows, music, face-painting, and calm, creative experiences.

Cricket fans will want to join us for an exclusive experience on Saturday morning! For a limited time, CMAG and the National Multicultural Festival, in partnership with Cricket Australia, will present the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy on display - celebrating cricket as a global game that brings cultures, communities, and people together.

Visit our exhibitions throughout the galleries. On display at CMAG during the Multicultural Festival, the Australian Citizenship Quilt celebrates stories of belonging, crafted by citizens from across the nation. CMAG cafe will also be open for coffee and refreshments each day.

Visit us from 10:00am–4:00pm on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 February  during the National Multicultural Festival 2026. CMAG will be a Sunflower Space, and we will also have quiet areas available to unwind, recharge, or take a break from sensory stimulation.

What's On Offer?

🎨 Drop-in craft and children's activities
10:00am – 3:30pm
All welcome, no need to book
- Get truly multicultural and multimedia in the CMAG studio, layering words and patterns from different parts of the world to create a colourful, textured design.
- Cool off in in Civic Square and create a rain painting under the misting fan.
- Go on a multicultural explorer trail through the museum and gallery.
- Get a unique family selfie in the Loving photo booth.

🎭 Twilight Theatre Presents Journey to Mictlan
1:30pm and 2pm
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 February
CMAG theatrette
Created from materials rescued from the recycling bin, Journey to Mictlan is a short shadow puppetry show that tells a Mexican legend dating back approximately 600 years - one that continues to live on in family traditions today. With puppets crafted from discarded items, shadows come to life under the magic of lamplight. The tale of Tonahi — a brave little soul on a mission to reach the land of the dead and earn his eternal rest. Stay on after the show to discover how discarded treasures can spark imagination and storytelling in your own hands!
Reserve free tickets for your family here to secure your place! Limited walk in spots also available on the day.

Book theatre show here

🎶 Family Concert with ANU Chinese Classical Music Ensemble
10:30am
Sunday 8 February
CMAG Theatrette
Join the ANU Chinese Classical Music Ensemble for a family friendly concert! Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the ANU Chinese Classical Music Ensemble will performing a selection of their favourite pieces from an extensive repertoire. The program will include a number of lively, celebratory tunes, interspersed with poetic, and thoughtful pieces - a wonderful introduction to the breadth, diversity and beauty of Chinese Classical and Folk music. The concerts are perfect for all, including first-time concertgoers creating a chance to learn, hum along and dance with the musicians.
Reserve free tickets for your family here to secure your place! Limited walk in spots also available on the day.

Book concert here

🏏 Cricket Australia presents a special opportunity for cricket fans...
10am - 12pm
Saturday 7 February
CMAG Theatrette
Details to come, watch this space! All welcome, no need to book.

🖌️Face Painting
11am – 3pm
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 February
CMAG Foyer
FREE face painting provided by Funny Fantasy Entertainment, no need to book.

🧒 Toddler Activity Station and Chill-Out Space for Parents and Bubs
10:00am-4:00pm
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 February
CMAG Boardroom
Need a calm space? Our boardroom will be available as a designated feeding and relaxation area, offering comfort for parents and bubs looking to take a break from the festivities. Enjoy sensory play for toddlers in our parents and bubs space.

🖼️ On Display
10:00am-4:00pm
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 February
Enjoy our free exhibitions including:
- Canberra/Kamberri, Place & People – Gallery 1
- Loving: Photographs of Men in Love 1850s -1950s - Gallery 2
- A Loving City: Queerberra revisited - Gallery 2
- Australian Citizenship Quilt - Open Collections
- Taglietti: Life in Design - Gallery 3
- A Total Work of Art - Nolan Gallery
- Nicci Haynes: RGB_.V2 - Civic Square