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Last Updated: Wednesday, 11 February 2026 16:33

Published: Thursday, 05 February 2026 12:25

UPDATE 11/02/26 - The International Street Fiesta Committee regrets to advise that, following a unanimous decision, the 2025–2026 International Street Fiesta and the Luminous Lantern Parade have been cancelled. This was an incredibly difficult decision and not one made lightly. However, the forecasted weather conditions for the event period present significant concerns. As organisers, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our community, participants, volunteers, and staff. After careful consideration, we determined that proceeding with the events would pose unacceptable risks.

Experience songs, dances and flavours from around the world when Toowoomba’s fourth International Street Fiesta transforms lower Queens Park from 3-8pm on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

International Street Fiesta organising committee chair and Toowoomba International Multicultural Society president, Mrs Gitie House, OAM, said residents would be treated to a dazzling showcase of the Region’s diverse cultural groups. (The Fiesta was rescheduled from early November 2025 following the threat of severe storms.)

“Patrons will be treated to a Sri Lankan dance routine by Toowoomba group Rhythms of Serandib along with Nepalese, Chinese and a variety of Indian cultural performances. We’ll also feature African, French, Scottish and Irish traditions through music and dance,” Mrs House said.

“The Fiesta is a great family outing that celebrates the Region’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Entry to the Fiesta is free, with food and drinks available to purchase.

“Toowoomba is a vibrant kaleidoscope of cultures, colours, aromas and flavours from every continent and we want new and longer-term residents to rejoice in the cultural diversity that exists in our backyard.

“Toowoomba continues to draw new residents from across the world. The Fiesta is a chance for our different cultural groups to showcase their individual customs and heritage through songs and dance.

“International foods from around the globe will treat patrons to flavours from Afghanistan, Syria, Nepal, Africa, Japan, Malaysia, Hungary, Greece, India, Spain, Mexico, Korea and many other countries.

“A special feature this year will be the addition of Multicultural Australia's Luminous Lantern Parade, supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs. Everyone can join in the festivities. You can bring your own lanterns or make some at the Fiesta earlier in the day and join the Grand Finale Parade in a trail of lanterns.”

The Fiesta also features roaming acts (gypsy and folk music, Drumdance Bellydance and circus acts), tai chi demonstrations and activities covering languages, inflatable soccer, a petting zoo, camping demonstration and children’s rides for purchase.

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald praised organisers and sponsors for making the Fiesta a celebration of the talented groups that are proud to share their traditional songs and dance routines.

“It’s impossible not to be swept up by the passion of the performers and gain a better appreciation of how important these customs are to individual groups and how much they contribute to our modern identity,” Mayor McDonald said.

Toowoomba Regional Council Community Development, Facilities and Tourism portfolio spokesperson and Multicultural Advisory Committee chair Cr James O’Shea said Council was pleased to support TIMS with $40,000 in event sponsorship to help stage another exciting family event.

Information about how to volunteer is available at the festival website by visiting https://www.tims.org.au/international-street-fiesta/get-involved or send a query to isf@tims.org.au

The event is supported by the Queensland Government through Multicultural Affairs Queensland, Multicultural Australia, the University of Southern Queensland, People First Bank, Grand Central and Southern Cross Austereo.

Caption: Sheena Bala performs a Kathak dance from North India that features on the 2026 International Street Fiesta program.

*Kathak is an ancient classical dance form known for its storytelling through intricate footwork, graceful movements and expressive gestures.  The piece performed is a semi-classical rendering composed of two songs celebrating the love between two Hindu Deities, Radha and Krishna.