Buddha's Day & Multicultural Festival

Details

One of Victoria's largest and most popular multicultural festivals returns this May to celebrate Buddha's Day. Presented by Fo Guang Shan Melbourne and Buddha's Light International Association of Victoria (BLIA VIC), this major festival celebrates multiculturalism through the arts, music, multicultural performances, workshops and Buddhist ceremonies. Held at Federation Square, the Buddha’s Day & Multicultural Festival will run for three exciting days from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th of May, with an immersive Fireworks and Lights Display running on Friday & Saturday nights, free for all to attend.

Join the festival from 6.30 pm on Friday 3rd May for the Light It Up Opening Ceremony, featuring cultural performances from the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne, National Boys Choir and Taiko Drumming as well as traditional Buddhist Ceremonies by Venerables of Fo Guang Shan and guest speakers. The Ceremony will culminate with an incredible multi-media Fireworks Display bringing the iconic Square to life as never before seen.

Across the weekend, Festival patrons can participate in cultural ceremonies, meditations, workshops and performances; enjoy guided meditation, including the popular Buddhist Ch’an Meditation at the Mindfulness Forest, venture into the Lotus Flower Sanctuary to calm the spirit and bathe the Buddha in the beautiful Lumbini Garden to purify the mind and cultivate wisdom.

Families with kids can engage in learning the art of Lion & Dragon Dancing, catch a Puppet Show or pick a favourite character for face painting and play with Giant Bubbles. Over at the Federation Square Main Stage, all ages will enjoy the impressive lineup of performances and dance workshops from Victoria’s best Multicultural Groups: City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band, Sanggar Lestari, Mexbourne, Jhoom Bollywood, and many more.

Event Host

Buddha's Light International Association of Victoria