Kaleidoscope Festival 2024: Celebrate Diversity in Mittagong

Published on 24 October 2024

Kaleidoscope Festival Graphic. Colourful kaleidoscope pattern with deep purple overlay. Text reads Kaleidoscope Festival, 11am -7pm, Sat 16 Nov, Mittagong

Mittagong explodes with a vibrant day of cultural celebration at the Kaleidoscope Street Festival!

Wingecarribee Shire Council invites you to join the fun on Saturday, 16 November 2024, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Held in the heart of Mittagong CBD (Bowral Road), Kaleidoscope is your chance to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of arts, culture, and community spirit that defines the Southern Highlands region.

Made possible by a $150,000 grant from the NSW Government's Open Streets Program led by Transport for NSW, the Kaleidoscope Street Festival offers a vibrant mix of activities for all ages:

  • Live Music: Immerse yourself in a diverse soundstage featuring everything from Indian drumming and Spanish flamenco to Irish jigs and local jazz ensembles.
  • Culinary Delights: Savor a global food adventure with a variety of food trucks and stalls offering BBQ delights, Spanish specialties, Nepalese momos, Mexican fare, and delicious crepes.
  • Interactive Art: Explore creative installations and witness the unveiling of commissioned artworks by Jenny McCracken and Kirli Saunders.
  • Cultural Experiences: Celebrate different cultures with a Welcome to Country dance, a vintage fashion show, and performances by community groups representing Irish, Spanish, and Indian traditions.
  • Family Fun: Enjoy Zumba demonstrations, captivating circus performances, and a chance to raise your voice with local choirs and pub choirs.

Community celebrating as part of outdoor Street Festival in town centre. An art installation hangs above long tables in middle of street like large bubbles. This is just a taste of the exciting program planned for the Kaleidoscope Street Festival! Stay tuned to our website and follow our social media channels for updates on the full schedule, lineup, and special activities.

Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick expressed his excitement for the Kaleidoscope Festival.

"This vibrant event celebrates the diversity and creativity of our community.

“It's a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to come together and enjoy a day of fun, music, and cultural experiences,” said Mayor Fitzpatrick.

Minister for Roads, Arts, Music and the Night-Time Economy, Jobs and Tourism John Graham said, “We’re excited to support this event in Mittagong”.

“Too often our main streets are something we drive through, rather than drive to. Our streets are a critical part of our public and social infrastructure. Great streets make great towns and centres and reflect the local community and culture.

“The Open Streets program is about temporarily transforming our main streets into vibrant and welcoming public event spaces.

“The colour and diversity of these 130 events celebrates the unique personality of each town or suburb. This is what our vibrancy agenda is all about, backing locals to create events and entertainment that works for their local community.”

Don't miss out on this vibrant celebration of community and diversity!