United’s Multicultural Festival returns this October, bigger and better.

Melbourne United’s Multicultural Festival is back for 2026, and this year it’s going to be bigger than ever before.

Join us at Melbourne Park Oval from 3:00pm–5:00pm on Sunday 25 October for a free afternoon celebrating the cultures and communities that make Melbourne so special, before heading inside John Cain Arena for our Multicultural Game against the Sydney Kings.

With cultural performances, hands-on activities and plenty of basketball, there’s every reason to arrive early and make a full afternoon of your game day.

Wear your culture with pride

We’re encouraging everyone to wear or bring an item that represents their cultural pride or family heritage. Whether it’s a sign, a jersey, traditional clothing or something meaningful to your family, we’d love to see you celebrate your background and share it with the United community.

We’ll be handing out prizes throughout the festival to fans proudly representing their heritage, so bring your colours, bring your story and join the celebration.

Explore the festival

Our pre-game Multicultural Festival will be a hive of activity. Expect performances from ENGIE Superhoodz, Japanese drummers, and Rhythm of Life African Drumming workshops.

Basketball fans can cheer on their nation in the Battle of the Nations 3x3 showdown, test their bounce in the Vertical Leap Jump Challenge, shoot some hoops on the Small Court or try the basketball arcade at the Shooters Shoot activation.

There’s plenty to keep the youngest fans entertained, too, with a jumping castle and a Kids Zone featuring games including giant Connect 4, Jenga and mini putt putt.

Explore the artistry of henna, enjoy free face painting or design a personalised badge featuring a flag that represents you.

You can also help create something that celebrates our United community. Add your culture, language or story to a tile for the United in Culture artwork, then mark your family’s heritage on the United World map to show the many backgrounds that come together through basketball.

With food trucks to visit and the latest NBL27 merchandise to shop, there’s plenty to discover before the action moves inside the arena.

Bring your family and friends, arrive from 3:00pm and help us make this our biggest Multicultural Festival yet.

DETAILS:

·       Date: Sunday 25 October 2026

·       Time: 3:00pm–5:00pm, starting 30 minutes before arena doors open

·       Location: Melbourne Park Oval, just outside John Cain Arena, on Wurundjeri Country

·       Festival entry: Free

·       Game entry: Melbourne United vs Sydney Kings, 5:00pm tip-off, tickets via AXS.

We encourage visitors to use public transport and allow plenty of time to enjoy the festival before heading inside.

This accessible event will also feature an Auslan interpreter.

The festival is free to attend, with tickets purchased separately for Melbourne United’s clash against the Sydney Kings. Make a day of it and secure your seat for the Multicultural Game here.

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