With over 17 per cent of Greater Geelong’s population being born overseas, Pako Festa is an opportunity for cultural groups to come together, learn more about other cultures and celebrate our differences.

Launching in 1983 to a crowd of 12,000, the annual event along Pakington Street in Geelong West has grown to become Victoria’s largest free multi-arts and cultural party. 

Over the years, the festa has welcomed recently arrived migrants to Geelong, won awards, weathered scorching temperatures, celebrated milestones, hosted celebrities and politicians, and adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now run by Cultura, more than 101,000 people attended this year’s festival, made up of 55+ local community groups, 1,700 street parade participants, 46 performing groups and 400 individual performers across six stages.

The 2027 festival is predicted to inject $10 million into our local economy, supporting hospitality, retail and accommodation, after last year’s festival generated $9.8 million.

Our 2026-27 Budget funding increase cements the City’s proud 26-year support of the iconic event. 

Councillor Andrew Katos

Planning for next year’s festival is well underway.

Mark Saturday 27 February in your diaries for 2027 Pako Festa, which we’re expecting to be bigger than ever.

We increased our support to $120,000 because Pako Festa is a true celebration of cultural diversity in our community.

It has far-reaching benefits for the region like strengthening community connections, encouraging participation and increasing understanding of other cultures. 

We’re a longtime supporter of Pako Festa because it showcases the best of Greater Geelong and fosters inclusion and a strong sense of belonging.

Cultura CEO Jess Harper 

Pako Festa began with a simple idea: that culture should be shared, celebrated and seen, not kept behind the doors of our homes and community halls. 

Nearly 45 years on, that idea feels more important than ever. 

Pako Festa reminds us of what is possible when cultures come together with respect and pride. 

It is a celebration of cultural heritage and shared history of building Geelong into a diverse, welcoming and vibrant city. 

As new communities arrive and new generations grow up here, Pako Festa continues to give people a place to share their culture, rise above what divides us and celebrate what brings us together.