Thrive Festival launches open call for food vendors, performers and fashion creatives ahead of landmark celebration of culture, creativity and community.
Melbourne is gearing up to host one of its most vibrant cultural celebrations this spring, with the inaugural Thrive: Multicultural Women’s Festival set to take over Federation Square on Saturday, 1 November. Backed by prominent partners and driven by a bold mission to elevate marginalised voices, Thrive is expected to become one of the largest multicultural women’s festivals in the city.
Organisers have issued a call-out to food trucks, market stallholders, performers and fashion designers to be part of the high-energy, one-day celebration, which will feature a jam-packed schedule of live entertainment, cultural performances, workshops and an open-air fashion showcase.
The festival is a collaborative initiative led by Back Cover Media in partnership with Multicultural Women Victoria (MWV) and the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health (MCWH)—two powerhouse organisations known for championing diversity, inclusion and economic empowerment across the state.
“This is more than a festival—it’s a movement,” said Mibengé Nsenduluka, the festival’s founder and director.
“We’re creating a space where culture, creativity and community collide. Thrive is about celebrating the power of multicultural women and amplifying the richness they bring to every aspect of society.”
A Cultural Powerhouse in the Making
The free public event will feature multiple zones, including:
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Main Stage Performances: Showcasing traditional and contemporary music and dance from a wide range of cultural communities.
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Global Food Court: A curated collection of food trucks offering everything from East African street food to Southeast Asian fusion and Indigenous flavours.
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Marketplace Bazaar: Featuring artisan products, fashion, accessories, wellness items and more—all from women-led and multicultural small businesses.
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Runway to Roots Fashion Showcase: A striking visual feast where fashion meets heritage, spotlighting designers whose work blends cultural tradition with modern aesthetics.
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Interactive Workshops and Panels: Covering topics like wellbeing, entrepreneurship, storytelling, natural hair, and cultural pride.
A Mission with Meaning
At the heart of Thrive is a strong set of values: empowerment, celebration, and connection. The festival aims to dismantle systemic barriers by giving diverse women a high-profile platform to be seen, heard and celebrated—not just as individuals, but as leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators.
It also serves a practical purpose: helping women-led small businesses connect with new audiences and strengthen their financial independence, particularly in the wake of economic challenges that disproportionately impact CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities.
“By celebrating culture through fashion, food and performance, we’re also opening doors to real economic participation,” said a spokesperson from MCWH. “This is cultural celebration with tangible outcomes.”
A City-Wide Invitation
Melburnians of all backgrounds are invited to attend the festival and experience what organisers are calling a “living mosaic of multicultural womanhood.” Allies, families, tourists and community groups are all welcome.
Organisers say the event will also be a platform for connection, storytelling and the building of new networks, and are encouraging anyone with an interest in cultural exchange, women’s empowerment or community building to save the date.
“We want to build bridges across communities,” said Nsenduluka. “Whether you’re here to dance, eat, learn or connect—we want you to feel like you belong.”
Thrive: Multicultural Women’s Festival
Saturday, 1 November 2025
Federation Square, Melbourne
Vendor and performer applications now open via THIS LINK
