Sydney’s Kensington Park is getting a global remix. Culture Vibes Festival is where smoking ceremonies meet Cuban Social Club, Japanese desserts flirt with Palestinian embroidery, and DJs drop beats as capoeira rolls through the dance circle. This is not your average community fair, it’s a full-throttle cultural takeover blending food, music, workshops, and roving entertainment from 3pm to 10pm. And yes, it’s completely free.
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Location
Address: Kensington Park, 2R Edward Avenue, Kensington NSW 2033
Website: www.randwick.nsw.gov.au
Dates
Next Event: Saturday 18 October 2025
Frequency: Annual
Duration: 3pm – 10pm
Price
Entry: Free
Walk-ins welcome
The BioHax Take
This is the kind of festival that makes suburbs feel like world capitals. One moment you’re biting into a Cypriot halloumi wrap, the next you’re spinning through a dance circle as a Sudanese BBQ smokes nearby. With DJs taking over the night, roving performers lighting up the park, and workshops blending STEM with street art, Culture Vibes is less “multicultural display” and more “mini global village with serious groove.”
Who It’s For
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Culture lovers who thrive on live music, food, and community
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Families looking for a vibrant, free day out
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Foodies chasing international flavours without leaving Sydney
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Art, music, and dance enthusiasts
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Curious minds who love interactive workshops and unexpected performances
What’s On Offer
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Global music & performances: From smoking ceremonies to Cuban rhythms, Afro beats, live bands and DJs until late.
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Dance Circle: Capoeira, Swastik Dance Studio, Nusantara Sydney Dance and more.
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Workshops (3–7pm): Drawing with Matt Lin, Randwick City Library crafts, Raptor Reptiles, STEM by UNSW, cultural diversity sessions.
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Workshops (7–10pm): Street art drop-ins, karaoke, and night-time creative jams.
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Roving entertainment: Curious Legends and House of Rhythm keep the vibe alive between sets.
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Markets and food stalls: Palestinian embroidery, chilli oils, Latin American accessories, native botanicals, East African crafts, international street eats and cultural fashion.
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Pop-up bar: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to keep the energy flowing through sunset.
Food Stall Lineup
Culture Vibes brings together a sprawling lineup of street food vendors spanning continents, cultures, and dietary needs from Sierra Leonean tonics to Greek honey balls. Here’s the full list so you can plan your grazing strategy in advance:
| Stall Name | Cultural Origin | Dietary Options |
|---|---|---|
| Aunty's Ginger Tonic | Australian & Sierra Leonean | Vegetarian, Vegan, Kosher, Gluten-Free, Halal, Dairy or Nut Free (non-alcoholic tonics) |
| Cholito Empanadas | South American | Vegetarian, Dairy or Nut Free |
| Dabakh African Cuisine | African | Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy or Nut Free |
| Italiane Frittelle | Italian | Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal, Kosher, Dairy or Nut Free |
| Goulash and More | Hungarian | Vegetarian, Gluten-Free |
| Halloumi Me | Cypriot & Greek | Gluten-Free, Halal, Vegetarian, Kosher |
| House of Natas Portuguese Bakery | Portuguese | Vegetarian, Halal |
| Lambda Souvla Grill | Greek | Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Halal, Dairy or Nut Free |
| Le Crookie | French | Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy or Nut Free, Kosher |
| Lemonade by Citrus and Sugar | Australian & Asian Fusion | Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Halal, Dairy or Nut Free (non-alcoholic lemonade bar) |
| Madura Zsatay | Indonesian | Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy or Nut Free |
| Mix Mix Co. | Filipino | Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy or Nut Free |
| Mr & Miss Pancakes | Dutch | Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy or Nut Free |
| Mr. Kofte | Turkish | Vegan, Gluten-Free, Halal, Kosher, Dairy or Nut Free |
| Munchies by Mitch | Australian, Malaysian, Thai & Indian | Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Halal, Dairy or Nut Free |
| OMU | Japanese | Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Halal, Kosher, Dairy or Nut Free |
| Pizzaiolo Woodfire Pizza | Italian | Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy or Nut Free |
| Tatin and Co | French | No dietary info provided |
| The Big Big Aloha | Hawaiian / Polynesian | Vegetarian, Halal |
| The Pharaoh BBQ | Sudanese | Vegetarian, Halal |
| Tokyo Lamington | Japanese, Southeast Asian & Australian Fusion | Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy or Nut Free, Kosher, Halal, Gluten-Free |
| Smoking Gringos | Mexican | Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Halal |
| Yan's Dumplings and Noodles Bar | Northern Chinese & Malaysian | Vegetarian |
| Yiayias Honey Balls | Greek | Vegetarian, Vegan |
Market Stall Lineup
The markets are just as culturally rich, expect everything from chilli oils to Palestinian embroidery:
| Stall Name | Cultural Origin | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Altrimenti | Colombian / Latin American | Handmade Latin American accessories blending tradition and modern design |
| Daventure Tours | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda) | Handmade products supporting East African communities |
| Gina Barjeel | Palestinian | Handcrafted fashion and accessories inspired by Palestinian embroidery |
| Kis Simba Collection | African | Clothing, bags and jewellery showcasing bold cultural designs |
| Kou Shui Chilli Oil | Chinese / Malaysian | Authentic chilli oils |
| Lemon Myrtle Fragrances Australia | Australian Flora | Natural products featuring native lemon myrtle essential oil |
| Smoke and Spice / KoGarnish Sweet Life | New Zealand & Turkish | Gourmet smoked foods and playful freeze-dried candies |
| Stòrí of Africa | East & West Africa (Rwanda, Uganda, Sierra Leone) | Authentic African fashion and organic skincare products |
| Vitenje Gift Store | Zambian Heritage | African wax fabric accessories promoting wellbeing and diversity |
Sustainability Snapshot
Randwick City Council has embedded waste management and recycling practices across its events, with an emphasis on community participation, local stallholders, and minimising single-use packaging where possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Culture Vibes free to attend?
Yes, entry is completely free.
What time does the festival run?
From 3pm to 10pm on Saturday 18 October 2025.
Where is the festival held?
Kensington Park, 2R Edward Avenue, Kensington NSW.
Do I need to book tickets?
No bookings are required, walk-ins are welcome.
Is the festival family friendly?
Yes, there are workshops, performances, and activities for all ages.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, leashed pets are welcome.
Is parking available?
Limited street parking is available; public transport is recommended.
What type of food will be available?
An extensive lineup of international street food stalls covering a range of dietary options.
Are there vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options?
Yes, multiple stalls offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher and allergen-friendly dishes.
Will the event proceed in bad weather?
Yes, the event usually goes ahead unless conditions are extreme.
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Article originally published: 15 October 2025, by Editor
