VICTORIA’S BELOVED MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL RETURNS THIS MAY
Melbourne’s much-loved Buddha’s Day & Multicultural Festival returns from Friday 2 to
Sunday 4 May 2025 at Golden Square bringing together three unforgettable days of arts culture music mindfulness community celebration and a spectacular digitally animated five-storey mural — all in the heart of the city.
One of Victoria's most beloved and popular multicultural festivals the Buddha’s Day & Multicultural Festival returns to Golden Square for three uplifting days of arts culture mindfulness and community connection. Proudly presented by Fo Guang Shan Melbourne and the Buddha’s Light International Association of Victoria (BLIA VIC) the Festival welcomes people of all ages backgrounds and beliefs to celebrate the values of diversity harmony and compassion.
Held from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 May this free public event features an exciting program of performances workshops Buddhist ceremonies interactive experiences for individuals families and communities across Melbourne and an immersive animated display running on Friday & Saturday nights.
The Festival opens with the Light It Up Opening Ceremony at 6.30 pm on Friday 2 May a signature event that typically draws dignitaries from all levels of government including representatives from all four houses of parliament and the Lord Mayor of Melbourne. The opening night features cultural performances from the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne and traditional Buddhist Ceremonies by Venerables of Fo Guang Shan. It culminates with an incredible animated light projection that brings the iconic five-storey Bodhi Tree mural at 217 Lonsdale Street to life with bold and expanded visuals surpassing its dazzling 2022 debut.
Even more activities are tailored across the weekend to engage audiences of all generations. Patrons can observe cultural ceremonies like the Twilight Light Offering Ceremony participate in Guided Ch’an Meditation practice mindfulness in simple tasks through the Tea Ceremony join calligraphy workshops or dance along to the exciting line-up of multicultural performances nurture creativity in the Mindfulness Forest or bathe the Buddha in the beautiful Lumbini Garden to purify the mind and cultivate wisdom.
For families and young visitors the Children’s Wonderland offers engaging puppet shows face paintings mindful and meditative arts & crafts and creative storytelling introducing the life of the Buddha in fun and accessible ways.
The Buddha’s Day & Multicultural Festival continues to be a powerful platform for cultural exchange and spiritual reflection uniting communities through shared values and joyful inclusive experiences.
For more information about the Buddha’s Day & Multicultural Festival visit https://www.buddhaday.org.au/ or email [email protected].
Event Venue
Golden Square Car Park, 217 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia, Melbourne
AUD 0.00
