A celebration of international food, music and culture will take over Mackay’s Queens Park this weekend.
Global Grooves 2025 will take place on Saturday, October 25, from 3pm to 8pm.
The free family event will be a feast for the senses, bursting with cultural dances, global music, traditional dress, workshops and food from across the globe.
There will be 12 cultural dance groups and bands lighting up the stage, 17 food vendors serving food from around the world, as well as a colourful array of market stalls with traditional fashion, accessories and gifts.
Mayor Greg Williamson said this year’s performances would be exceptional.
“Included in the exciting stage lineup will be Latin, Caribbean, Irish, Scottish, Thai, Zimbabwean, Malayalee Indian, Filipino, Indonesian and Papua New Guinean performances, in additional to a First Nations Welcome and Smoking Ceremony to kick off the event,” Mayor Williamson said.
“It is fantastic to have both returning and new community groups join us in sharing their traditions and performances at Global Grooves,” he said.
There will also be a number of workshops happening over the course of the event, including a pasta making demonstration, traditional Chinese children’s games and a Mercenaries of Western Europe village, plus more.
Beyond the stage, festivalgoers can pick up a special Global Grooves passport from festival volunteers to get stamped as they explore the market stalls and food vendors.
Mayor Williamson said the Global Grooves passport was a fun way to explore the event.
“As you visit the different cultural workshops, market stalls and vendors, ask them for a stamp,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Each stamp shows where you’ve been and what you’ve discovered as you explore the multicultural offerings. See how many you can collect,” he said.
Stage schedule:
3.40pm – Claddagh School of Irish Dance
3.55pm – Zimbabwe Association
4.05pm – Indonesia Mackay Community
4.20pm – Natiding Art
4.35pm – Latin Roots
5pm – Thai Aussie Community
5.20pm – Mackay Filipino Community
5.45pm – Mackay Malayalee Association
6.25pm – Piping MaD
7pm – Fiesta Tropicale
Workshops
From 3pm – Mercenaries of Western Europe
From 3pm – Freed Class – Traditional Chinese children’s games
3.15pm to 4pm – Rhythm Business – Drumming and Music
4.15pm to 5pm – Mackay Maltese Club – Pasta making
5.15pm to 6pm – Latin Roots – Latin dance
Food Vendors:
Mackay Filipino Australian Community
Filipino Kuisine
Tambay Eats
The Crystal Candy Cat (Japanese Candy)
Amanda Dumpling
Thai Authenchick 328
Sally’s Curry Hut
Ziffy’s Icecream
Waffleton Way
Dumpling Hut Mackay
Da Sausage German Sausage
Nonno’s Woodfired Pizza
Laan Ya Thai
Cream and Bean
Spicy N Saucy Indian
Tasty Twister
Jass Asian Shop
