Maitland’s cultural diversity will take centre stage this October, with Riverlights returning for five days of food, music, art, performance and traditions from more than 50 cultures.
The festival will bring a packed program of cultural experiences to venues across the city including Maitland libraries and Maitland Regional Art Gallery.
Visitors can take part in workshops, discover new languages and stories, and explore creative traditions from around the world.
The celebrations will reach their peak at The Levee Central Maitland on Saturday 10 October, with more than 50 nations and cultures represented across more than 20 cultural villages.
Visitors can sample traditional food, watch live performances, check out international fashion and pick up a free Cultural Passport to guide their journey through the festival.
The passport will allow festivalgoers to collect stamps from the cultural villages they visit, adding an interactive element to the day while encouraging visitors to explore the full breadth of the event.
Presented by Maitland City Council and The Mutual Bank, with support from Multicultural NSW, the program is designed to showcase the diverse communities that make up modern Maitland and create opportunities for people to share their traditions.
As daylight fades, the action will shift towards the Hunter River, with the much-loved Riverlights parade and lantern flotilla providing a colourful finale before a spectacular light show brings the five-day celebration to a close.
Maitland Riverlights runs from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 October 2026, with the free main event taking place at The Levee Central Maitland on Saturday 10 October from 2pm to 9pm. The full 2026 program will be announced closer to the event.
