Plan your day at Geelong’s biggest multicultural street party, Pako Festa

The Pakington Street cultural takeover is happening this Saturday.

One of the most vibrant, colourful, and culturally-fuelled events on Geelong’s calendar is back this weekend, ready to celebrate the diverse flavours, foods, languages, and lifestyles of the region.

Pako Festa has a long history activating the beloved street of Geelong. Founded in 1983 through a collaboration between the Ethnic Communities Council Inc., Geelong West Traders, and the Geelong West City Council, Pako Festa was born out of the vision to create a community-driven event that celebrated the rich cultural tapestry of the region. From its modest beginnings, the festival has grown into one of Victoria’s most significant cultural events. The first Pako Festa drew 12,000 attendees and culminated in a tug of war. By 2020, the festival had expanded to attract over 100,000 people, with 2,000 participants in the street parade and 10,000 performers across five stages. Now organised by Cultura, Pako Festa has become Victoria’s largest free multi-arts and cultural festival, but its core remains unchanged. At its heart, Pako Festa is about community. It honours the diverse contributions of individuals, cultural groups, and multicultural communities from Geelong and across Australia. This weekend is no different.

On Saturday 28 February, expect the favourite Geelong West shopping and hospitality strip to be transformed into a sea of flags, traditional costumes, lively stages, aromatic stalls, and a diverse mix of people to embrace the multicultural footprint of our region. With an expanded program littered with activities, performances, food, and the iconic parade, there is so much to see and share in.

Let us help you plan your Pako Festa day.

Pako Festa

When: Saturday 28 February, from 9am

Where: Pakington Street, Geelong West

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.

 

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The traditional TAC Pako Festa Street Parade

When: Starts at 11am

In its 44th year, the Pako Festa Street Parade is part of Pako Festas DNA. Kicking off from 11am at Waratah Street, the TAC supported parade is a colourful procession of proud cultures and communities from the Greater Geelong area, featuring dancing, marching, singing, and plenty of waves as clubs and associations don their traditional outfits in a celebration of diversity. Making their way to Autumn Street, the parade and performers light up the street showing the melting pot of people our city represents. With 94.7 The Pulse returning to run a live broadcast, this year the festival has also introduced a special live stream for those unable to make the event – bringing the cultural festivities to all corners of the world.

 

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An exhilarating expanded stage program

When: From 12.30pm – 5pm

Pako Festa offers an incredible line-up of stages, each showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of Geelong and beyond. The Gordon Stage in West Park, kicking off at 12:30pm, is the heart of family-friendly fun. With live cooking demonstrations, an interactive colouring competition, and a photo booth for lasting memories, there’s something for everyone. Plus, by completing any activity, you can treat yourself to a free ice cream (while stocks last). It’s the perfect space for both fun and learning, with opportunities to chat with the team from The Gordon about their range of courses.

The Adroit Insurance & Risk West Town Hall Stage features a diverse cultural showcase, offering performances like the Serbian Parish Youth Club, Russian Orthodox Community of Geelong, and the Japanese Association of Geelong. From traditional dance and song to vibrant music, this stage celebrates a wide array of global traditions, reflecting the multicultural spirit of the festival.

On the Petrel & K Rock 95.5 Stage, the vibe shifts to an exciting mix of live bands, including The Suburban, Seal Prince and the Roof Rats, Stefan West and capping with local legend Hassall, ensuring plenty of energy and rhythm. For those craving local talent, the brand new WorkSafe Stage on Albert Street hosts performances such as the Son de Mexico group, alongside Scottish Country Dance and Geelong Choir, adding a unique touch of cultural richness to the day.

The Cultura Hope Street Stage brings a stellar music line-up with performances from Pepperwillow & Will, FARAH, and Charles Maimarosia, giving a platform to both emerging and established talent. Finally, the Geelong Arts Centre RAW Stage offers a dynamic range of performances, from the vibrant dance of the Sri Lankan Dance Academy to the powerful spoken word of RiotFruit and the infectious energy of Baraka the Kid. Every stage at Pako Festa offers something unique, making this event a true celebration of Geelong’s cultural diversity.

 

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Try world tastes of the region

When: 9am – 5pm

If you’ve been to a Pako Festa before, you know to go on an empty stomach! If you’re new to the celebration, this is your PSA!

At Pako Festa, food is more than just a meal – it is a celebration of the world’s flavours, brought to life by passionate local community groups and food vendors who share their authentic cultural dishes. This iconic multicultural street party, embraced by Geelong since 1983, offers a perfect opportunity to try both familiar and unfamiliar cuisines from across the globe. Pop-up food vans and marquees line the length of Pakington Street and West Park, offering a diverse range of culinary delights.

With over 91 food trucks, stalls, and venues to explore, there is something to satisfy every palate. Expect mouthwatering global offerings from Cultural Global Food Stall, Churros Yummy Donuts, Healthy Slushies, Chubby Bao, and Taste Jamaica, to name a few. If you are craving something sweet, don’t miss Rockin’ Donuts and Coffee, OMG Decadent Donuts, or Mia Sugarcane for a tempting treat. For savoury options, you can dive into delicious dishes from The Lil Dumpling Van, Istanbul Gozleme, Dutch Pancakes, and Melbourne Paella Co. Geelong’s own vibrant food scene is also well represented, with favourites like Pholklore, Café Palat, KebabG, and St. George’s Workers Club offering a variety of traditional and contemporary meals, from Japanese cuisine to gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas.

Adding to the festival’s cultural richness, community food stalls offer unique home-cooked meals that reflect the diverse cultures of Geelong. Highlights include the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-op with their kangaroo burgers and bush tomato relish, the Filipino Australian Friendship Association serving up pork and chicken BBQ sticks, and the Polish Community Association offering delicious pierogi (dumplings) with sour cream. The Geelong Iranian Society will tempt you with BBQ chicken and lamb served with Persian stew, while the Serbian Parish Youth Club will be dishing out savoury pitas and chevapi rolls.

Whether you’re in the mood for spicy Jollof Rice from the Nigeria Association of Geelong, or fresh Banh Mi from the Vietnamese People of Geelong, Pako Festa’s food offerings promise an unforgettable culinary journey that celebrates the cultural diversity of the community. With so much to choose from, the festival is a true feast for the senses.

 

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Markets, chill out zones, and something for the kids

There is no shortage of things to see and do! In addition to the food, the live stage, and the parade, Pako Festa is divided into a bunch of zones where relaxation, workshops, and retail therapy elevate the offering. Rest the feet for a beat at West Park where you will find both kids activities and a chill out zone. Located at the Southern End of Pakington Street on the corner of Autumn, the beautiful park will see Geelong West Neighbourhood House will host free creative workshops for kids, along with supplying a designated chill-out room for those who need a sensory break. Enjoy a hot drink at the tea and coffee station to relax. For 2026, don’t miss the French Circus School offering free activities throughout the day. Spin plates, try juggling flower sticks, swing on the trapeze, and learn a few French words while you’re at it! TAC will also be on site for their sponsored event, running a scavenger hunt in this area. Search the area to uncover road-safety clues, crack the code, and head to TAC’s pop-up picnic spot to claim your prize. Stay for games and fun, all while learning how we can all contribute to safer journeys on our roads. In addition, The Victoria Container Deposit Scheme invites you to test your recycling skills with the Super Sorter game — there are prizes to win, and you might even meet our mascot, Can-Do. Discover how recycling contributes to the circular economy and makes a real impact.

Speaking of contributing to the econony, from noon, step inside the West Town Hall to explore the Pako Festa Global Craft Market, where a variety of local artisans offer everything from preserves and clothing to jewellery, traditional crafts, and beauty products. With entry available from both Albert Street and the rear carpark entrance, it’s the perfect spot to unwind indoors with plenty of seating. New for 2026, Pako Festa welcomes free face painting for young visitors from 12pm-5pm. Be sure to sample delicious dishes from the local Karenni Community, representing Myanmar.

Whilst the West Park offers a sensory zone for relaxation, the Hope Street Parking Bay will be a chill out spot for all. The Beyond Bank Chill Out Zone features the Hope Street Stage, allowing you to sit and relax whilst listening to live music. Add to it by indulging in delicious foods, and the refreshing beverages from the Archive Wines pop-up bar.

Pako Festa is as much about the iconic street as it is about the regions cultural mix. Be sure to stop into the boutiques and hospitality venues along the strip during the day as well, with many of them running sales and offers as part of the annual festivities.

 

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Getting there

Pako Festa takes over Pakington Street from with road closures allowing for the Street Festival. Pakington Street and streets intersecting it are closed to all traffic from, and including, Waterloo Street at the northern end and Autumn Street and Gordon Avenue at the southern end. Traffic closures include public transport as well so your best options of getting to Pako Festa, are driving and parking in one of the residential side streets (free parking applies), or public transport via the train, stopping at Geelong Train Station. It’s a 10 minute walk down Gordon Ave leading directly into the heart of the festivities.

It’s a whole day of global foods, performances, celebrations, and shopping so be sure to plan accordingly!

Happy Pako Festa!

Find out more about Pako Festa, and plan your day here.