Buddha's Day & Multicultural Festival 2025

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Posted 2025-04-15 by Vanessa ⇒ follow

Fri 02 May 2025 - Sun 04 May 2025

VICTORIA'S BELOVED MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL RETURNS THIS MAY

The much-loved annual Buddha's Day & Multicultural Festival returns to Golden Square over three big days - 2-4 May 2025 with a stunning showcase of arts, culture, music, mindfulness, community celebration and spectacular digitally animated five-storey murals.

Presented by Fo Guang Shan Melbourne and Buddha's Light International Association of Victoria (BLIA VIC), this major festival is recognised as one of Victoria's most popular multicultural festivals. People of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs are invited to come along and celebrate values of diversity, harmony, and compassion and commemorate the birth of Buddha.

Held from 2 to 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 evenings.

Join the festival from 6.30 pm on Friday, 2 May, for the Light It Up Opening Ceremony, a signature event which 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. The ceremony will culminate 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.

Across the weekend, Festival 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.

Families with kids can visit the Children’s Wonderland which 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 Venerables of Fo Guang Shan Monastic Order (FGS) will bless the children so that they may live a happy and fulfilled life under the protection and guidance of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. It is hoped that the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas will guide the little ones throughout life. Register for a Baby Blessing here.

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.

Start planning your experience today - view the full program and schedule of events at www.buddhaday.org.au

Entry is FREE and all are welcome. No registration is required.

For all the latest, follow @BuddhasDayMulticulturalFestival on Facebook + @bdmf.melb on Instagram.