Kilcoy carnival a cultural kaleidoscope
Published on 18 September 2026
The Tapori Squad pumped up the crowds with traditional Indian dances.
YOWIE Park was alive with colour, music and the flavours of the world as residents and visitors gathered for the 2026 Kilcoy Multicultural Carnival.
The annual event, held Friday, 18 September, once again brought the Somerset community together, celebrating the rich cultural diversity that shapes and strengthen the region.
Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt said the carnival, organised by Council, was a wonderful opportunity to share cultures, traditions and experiences with the broader community.
“Every year, we welcome more people from diverse backgrounds to Somerset, and events like the Kilcoy Multicultural Carnival help us celebrate the many cultures that make our region such a vibrant place to live,” Cr Wendt said.
“It's always great to see our community come together to connect with and enjoy the sights, sounds and flavours of cultures from around the world.”
The Jinibara people opened the 2027 Kilcoy Multicultural Carnival.
Crowds enjoyed an afternoon of cultural performances, international cuisine and free family-friendly activities including face painting, henna art and llama encounters.
The event opened with a Welcome to Country from the Jinibara people before dazzling Chinese lion dance performances from Dragon Dance Events, and traditional Indian dances with the Tapori Squad.
A highlight of the evening was the colourful showcase of traditional music and dance presented by Fiji, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu cultural groups, supported by Kilcoy Global Foods, giving audiences a glimpse into the customs and heritage of cultures from across the Pacific and beyond.
Council thanked its sponsors, Presenting Partner Kilcoy Global Foods and Community Partner King & Company Solicitors, for making the event a success.
The 2026 Kilcoy Multicultural Carnival was supported by the Queensland Government's Strengthening Communities Multicultural Grants program and organised by Somerset Regional Council.
Kilcoy State School’s Filipino performers brought a piece of home to the festival.
Aiden Edwards, Dexter Porras and Jennet Porras with Chinese lion dancers.